Let's talk about... Long-Coated Chihuahuas: what are they?
- Long-Coated Chihuahuas are a small breed known for their charming and distinctive appearance.
- They are a long-haired variety of the Chihuahua breed, which originated in Mexico.
- Long-Coated Chihuahuas have a delicate build, a rounded apple-shaped head, and large expressive eyes.
- On average, Long-Coated Chihuahuas are around 15- 23 cm tall.
- They typically weigh between 1.8 to 3.2 kgs.
- Their life expectancy is usually between 12-14 years, although it’s not abnormal to see an older one.
What is the temperament of Long-Coated Chihuahuas like?
- Long-Coated Chihuahuas have a lively and confident temperament.
- They are known for their big personalities despite their small size, often fearless and having no idea they are tiny.
- Long-Coated Chihuahuas tend to bond closely with their owners and can be quite protective.
- Due to their small size and fragility, they may not be the best choice for households with young children who may accidentally injure them. Proper supervision and gentle handling are essential when interacting with Long-Coated Chihuahuas.
- They may be wary of strangers, so early socialisation is important to ensure they are comfortable in different situations.
- Most chihuahuas enjoy the company of dogs or other pets, as long as they are well-socialised with them at a young age.
How much exercise do Long-Coated Chihuahuas need?
- Long-Coated Chihuahuas have moderate exercise needs. They require daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Aim for around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day to meet their needs.
- Make sure to mentally stimulate them with games and activities as well as physical exercise.
- Although there is no scientific basis to the 5 minutes of exercise per month of age “rule”, it can be a guide to make sure you don’t over-exercise your puppy. Chihuahua pups could get 5 minutes of exercise per month of age once or twice a day, but if it’s too much be sure to reduce.
- As well as walks though fun, mental stimulating games can entertain and tire an active pup.
- As they reach adulthood, usually around 8 to 12 months of age, they can handle the exercise needs of an adult Long-Coated Chihuahua.
Do Long-Coated Chihuahuas need a lot of grooming?
- Long-Coated Chihuahuas have beautiful, long, and silky coats that can come in various colours and patterns including combinations of fawn, cream, red and black.
- Their coats can tangle and mat easily, so daily brushing is recommended to prevent this.
- Use a soft brush or a comb designed for long-haired dogs to gently remove any tangles or debris.
- In addition to brushing, Long-Coated Chihuahuas may need regular bathing to keep their coats clean and shiny. However, be mindful not to over-bathe them, as excessive bathing can strip their coat of natural oils.
- As they are so lightweight, some Chihuahuas need their nails trimmed, and some of them can be quite shy of their feet being touched, so be sure to play with their feet from a young age, so nail trims don’t seem scary.
- Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that much, just do it as often as you can.
Are Long-Coated Chihuahuas easy to train?
- Long-Coated Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs and can be trainable, but they may also exhibit a stubborn streak.
- Early and consistent training, using positive reinforcement techniques such as rewards and praise, is crucial for their development.
- Keep training sessions short and engaging to hold their attention.
- Socialisation is equally important for Long-Coated Chihuahuas. Expose them to various people, animals, and environments from an early age to help them grow into well-rounded and confident adults.
- Puppy socialisation classes can be a great way to start!
What do Long-Coated Chihuahuas eat?
- Long-Coated Chihuahuas should be fed a high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds twice daily as per the portion sizes provided by the manufacturer.
- Chihuahua puppies should be fed a good quality puppy food three to four times a day, until they are 6 months old when it should go down to twice a day. When they are 9-12 months old, depending on the brand and advice from your food supplier and your vet, they should be moved on to an adult small breed puppy food.
Are Long-Coated Chihuahuas healthy?
Long-Coated Chihuahuas are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some common health concerns in Long-Coated Chihuahuas include:
Bones and Joints
- Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease - a hip condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the femur bone, leading to breakdown of the bone, pain and lameness.
- Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eye
- Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
- Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye
Neurological
- Hydrocephalus - a build up of fluid around the brain
Respiratory
- Tracheal Collapse - when a dog’s windpipe collapses due to the weakening of cartilage leading to a narrowing or closing off of their airway, often first noted as a honking cough
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Long-Coated Chihuahua is right for you, consult with your vet.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
