Long haired Chihuahua are usually bred for their small size and loving nature. Although there are some harsh chihuahuas, they are mostly affectionate.
The adorable looks and cute personality of the long haired chihuahua make it a popular choice among dog owners. Its small size has earned it the name “lap dog”.
The definitive feature of the long haired chihuahua is its long, moving coat. These coats come in various colours. From white to black, chocolate and more, you can’t go wrong with them.
Though these coats are cute and all, it is also high maintenance. It requires regular brushing to be able to detangle and maintain a flowing hair condition.
Their personality contrasts with their size. They are so accomodating and are lively. They are also known for being loyal to a fault. Loyalty and Affection go parri-passu with them.
Other characteristics they have include acute intelligence and trainable. They are also extremely playful and enthusiastic about things. That seems like a given, though.
They enjoy spending time with their owners, curling on their laps, or just being around them. You can call them clingy (not in a bad way, though).
If you are looking for a small dog with a big personality, the long-haired chihuahua is for you.
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History of the Long Haired Chihuahua
You can trace the origin of the long-haired chihuahua to the ancient Techichi dogs. The Techichi dogs are worshipped in Toltec and Aztec cultures.
Techichi dogs are celebrated in Mexico today. They are usually celebrated as National symbols. This goes to show the depth of their culture there.
As the Techichi continued to evolve, the long haired chihuahua was part of their eventual evolution.
The Techichi was mute, which contrasts the whole chatty and chirpy attitude of today’s chihuahua.
After the Toldetecs were conquered, the Techichi was refined into a smaller dog just like the chihuahua we have today.
In the late 1800’s, the long-haired chihuahua was introduced to the USA. For obvious reasons, it became a popular choice among the elite(Their size and feel).
Rich women often carried them in their purses and went around stroking their hair and tails and rubbing their heads.
Some people believe that the long coats of the long haired chihuahua are a result of adding Papillons and Pomerenians. (is that true?)
Nah.
The long hair is simply a natural variation that is natural to the breed, just like the long-haired Corgis and Doxies.
As time passes, the demand for Longhaired chihuahuas has continued to grow. They are a popular breed among dog lovers.
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Physical Characteristics Of A Long Haired Chihuahua
They have large, showy eyes, small bodies, balanced structures and round heads. They are usually small and adorable.
The shape of their skull can either be apple-like or deer-like. If the chihuahua is the former, they have a more prominent forehead and shorter nose.
The Deer-head Chihuahua has a flatter forehead and a longer nose. Apart from these, they also have standing ears, which are very large.
Their eyes can be light or dark in colour. They usually have a slightly curved long tail behind them.
They weigh between 1 to 2.7kg with a height of about 6-9 inches. Their long, silky hair also comes in different colours such as black, white, fawn, brown, cram and many more.
A long haired chihuahua should be very sharp, responsive and alert. They should have a strong and silky coat to be considered healthy.
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Long haired Chihuahua Temperament, Personality, & Intelligence
The temperaments of long-haired chihuahuas range from social to feisty and affectionate. They are very lively and energetic.
One thing funny about them is their ability to challenge dogs twice and four times their size. As it is in the human world, so it is in the dog world.
As stated before, loyalty is the watchword for chihuahuas. They become very attached to their owners. Long haired and most chihuahuas bark at anything they find alarming.
They can get stressed and anxious easily. This leads to a sort of aggressive behaviour that is unusual for chihuahuas.
They are highly teachable and can learn things fast. Teaching must also require patience, persistence and diligence.
They are poor at handling stress. This is one reason why your chihuahua might get aggressive or show discomfort. If you see this, address such an issue and teach your dog to handle stress better.
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Lifespan For Long Haired Chihuahua
The extended-haired Chihuahua appears to have an enduring lifespan, typically ranging from 12 to 20 years.
Nevertheless, this duration may differ based on factors such as dietary habits, physical activity, genetics and general well-being.
Health Challenges of the Long Haired Chihuahua
The following are health challenges that are experienced by long haired chihuahuas
1. Dental problems
Chihuahuas, like many small breeds, are prone to dental issues such as tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth and providing dental chews or toys, can help prevent these problems.
2. Patellar luxation
This is a condition where the kneecap (patella) can dislocate or move out of its normal position, causing lameness and discomfort.
It’s a common orthopaedic issue in small dog breeds like Chihuahuas.
3. Hypoglycemia
Chihuahuas have a high metabolism and low body fat, making them susceptible to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
This can occur if they go too long without eating or if they exert themselves too much.
4. Tracheal collapse
The trachea, or windpipe, can weaken over time in Chihuahuas, leading to a collapse of the airway.
This can cause coughing, gagging, and difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or excitement.
5. Heart conditions
Mitral valve disease is a common heart condition in older Chihuahuas, where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle becomes thickened and leaky.
This can lead to heart murmurs, coughing, exercise intolerance, and eventually heart failure.
6. Obesity
Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health issues like joint problems and heart disease.
Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is essential for their overall health and well-being.
Grooming Tips For Long Haired Chihuahua
Grooming is important in a Long haired Chihuahua’s life. It’s long require maintenance and keen upkeep.
1. Brushing
Use a brush to remove tangles in their coats about 2 to 5 times a week. Also, check around their ears because that area is prone to matting.
Brushing your pet’s fur should follow the direction of hair growth, beginning from the head and proceeding towards the tail.
This technique aids in evenly spreading natural oils across the coat and serves to deter matting.
2. Bathing
Regular bathing is important for chihuahuas. Ensure not to bah them too much so as not to get rid of their essential oils from their body.
Use a mild shampoo and rinse the coat thoroughly to prevent any build-up of residue.
3. Trimming
Keeping the hair around the ears, paws, and anus trimmed is crucial for hygiene and to prevent matting.
While this can be accomplished using scissors or clippers, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a professional if you’re unsure about doing it yourself.
To uphold overall hygiene, long haired Chihuahuas necessitate regular nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning.
Professional tools and products such as a dog nail clipper, ear cleaning solution, and high-quality dog dental rinse are recommended for these tasks.
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Conclusion
The adorable looks and cute personality of the long haired chihuahua make it a popular choice among dog owners. Its small size has earned it the name “lap dog”.
The definitive feature of the long-haired chihuahua is its long, moving coat. These coats come in various colours. From white to black, chocolate and more, you can’t go wrong with them.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. Are long haired Chihuahuas good pets?
Chihuahuas are loving and loyal and make good pets for first-time owners.
These little dogs have big personalities and range from feisty and outgoing to shy and timid.
Intelligent and fiercely loyal to the people they love, Chihuahuas will happily accompany their owners anywhere and everywhere.
2. Do long haired Chihuahuas bark a lot?
Unfortunately for your neighbours, the long-haired Chihuahua is prone to barking and being vocal.
3. Are long-haired Chihuahuas nicer than short-haired?
Aside from grooming, the other qualities of a long haired Chihuahua, such as temperament, health issues, and size are all the same as the short-haired Chihuahua.
4. What kind of coat does a long haired Chihuahua have?
The long haired Chihuahua’s coat will be silky, with longer fur through their body and on their ears.
This fur can be straight or wavy, and some Chihuahuas may have medium-long fur while others have very long coats – all of this depends on genetics.
5. How long do long haired Chihuahua live?
The Chihuahua is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.
They are known to suffer from some common conditions like luxating patella and cataracts.
Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.
6. How long does it take for long haired Chihuahua to grow?
A Chihuahua will finish growing around nine months of age.
They may continue to gain a little weight from 10 months old to 1 year old, but this weight should not be significant.
If your Chihuahua is older than nine months, they are likely at their full size or close to it.
