When I first started looking into getting a Chihuahua, the long hair vs short hair chihuahua debate came up almost immediately. Friends had opinions. Breeders had opinions. Even strangers on the internet had very strong opinions. So I figured I would share what I have actually learned from living with both coat types over the years, because the reality is quite different from what most people assume.
The Coat Difference Is More Than Looks
Short hair Chihuahuas, also called smooth coat, have a sleek and close fitting coat that feels almost velvety when you run your hand over it. Long hair Chihuahuas have soft, flowing fur that can be flat or slightly wavy. The long hair variety often has feathering on the ears, legs, and tail which gives them a really elegant look that turns heads at the dog park.
But here is something most people do not realize. Both coat types are the same breed. The AKC recognizes both varieties under one breed standard. So temperament and size should be about the same regardless of coat length. You can even get both coat types in the same litter, which surprises a lot of new Chihuahua owners.
It is also worth mentioning that long hair Chihuahuas do not get their full coat until they are about two years old. So if your long hair puppy looks a bit sparse, give it time. That gorgeous flowing coat will fill in eventually.
Grooming and Shedding
I always assumed the long hair Chihuahua would shed more. I was completely wrong. My smooth coat Chi left tiny hairs on everything. The couch, my black pants, the car seats, my morning coffee mug somehow. Short hairs shed consistently throughout the year and those little hairs stick to fabric like velcro.
Long hair Chihuahuas do shed too, but their longer fur tends to clump together and is actually easier to spot and clean up. They do need regular brushing though, maybe two or three times a week, to avoid tangles behind the ears and around the chest area where mats love to form.
I learned the hard way that skipping brushing sessions leads to mats that are no fun to deal with. One time I let it go for about ten days during a busy week and had to carefully cut out a knot behind my Chi’s ear. Now I keep a slicker brush on the coffee table as a reminder.
Bath time is fairly similar for both types. Once a month is usually enough unless they get into something messy. Short hairs dry almost instantly while long hairs need a good towel dry or a blow dryer on a low cool setting.
Personality Differences (Or Not)
People love to say that long hair Chihuahuas are calmer and short hairs are feistier. Honestly, I have not found that to be true across the board. Personality depends way more on the individual chihuahua, their socialization, their upbringing, and the temperament of their parents.
My smooth coat was the calmest chihuahua I have ever owned. She would sleep for hours without moving a muscle. My long hair? She is a tornado with fur who wants to play at six in the morning every single day. So take those generalizations with a very large grain of salt.
Weather and Comfort
One thing I did notice is that short hair Chihuahuas get cold much faster. If you live somewhere with cool winters, your smooth coat will need sweaters and blankets. They just do not have enough insulation on their own and they will shiver dramatically to let you know about it.
Long hair Chis handle cooler weather a little better thanks to that extra layer of fur, but they are still tiny with not a lot of body mass. Neither coat type does well in extreme cold. I keep jackets on hand for both of mine during winter walks and I always watch for signs of discomfort like lifting their paws or trying to turn around and go home.
In hot weather, both types need shade and water. Long hairs can overheat more easily in direct sun, so keep that in mind during summer outings.
Which One Should You Choose
There is no wrong answer here. If you prefer lower maintenance grooming, a smooth coat might be your match. If you love that fluffy look and do not mind regular brushing, a long hair could be perfect. Either way, you are getting the same big personality in a tiny package.
The best advice I can give is to meet the actual chihuahua before deciding. Coat type matters a lot less than the connection you feel when that little Chihuahua looks up at you for the first time. That moment is what really seals the deal.
You might also like: Chihuahua colors and coat patterns and Chihuahua size chart and growth.
