If you're a dog lover, you've likely come across the irresistibly adorable, tiny bundle of fur known as the long haired Chihuahua. Beyond their cute exterior and vivacious character, there's a wealth of fascinating details about the long haired Chihuahua that are not so well known. Here are our favorites below.
7 Facts About The Long Haired Chihuahua
Contrary to popular belief, these pint-sized pups not only make brilliant companions with their sassy, spunky attitudes, but they're also brimming with a unique history, intriguing genetics, and characteristics that make each one incredibly special. Here are 7 things you might not know about the long haired Chihuahua.
1. They're the Same Size as the Short Haired Chi
Don't let the luscious locks of a long haired Chihuahua fool you. Despite their lavish coat, they're really no different in size than their short haired counterparts. These adorable pups share the same physical traits, all fitting into a petite package.
Typically, regardless of hair length, you'll find most Chihuahuas measuring in between a compact 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder.
The American Kennel Club doesn't constrict these pups with any official, minimum weight boundary. That being said, you shouldn’t expect a robust frame, as the ideal weight parameter for both Chihuahua varieties doesn't exceed 6 lbs.
Moving on to international perspectives, the favored weight for these canines tends to be a notch-less. For instance, breed enthusiasts in the UK prefer their Chihuahuas to fall within a lighter weight range of 2 to 4 lbs. In Canada, Chihuahuas can tip the scales up to 6 lbs., but the darling range is between a solid 4 and 6 lbs.
2. Their Coats Take a While to Grow
The long-haired Chihuahua is distinct from numerous other breeds when it comes to the evolution of their fur. Unlike their counterparts, who flaunt a thick, full coat from early puppyhood, the long-haired Chihuahua takes a characteristically longer timeline before they can show off their complete furry ensemble.
Wondering how long? Long-haired Chihuahuas might take between 14-24 months to fully develop their fur. Once this gradual process culminates, you'll observe them sporting two immensely adorable coats: a soft down undercoat and the markedly long, top coat.
3. Their Fur Isn't Cold-Resistant
Contrary to what some might assume, Chihuahuas—whether long or short-haired—are wholly not suited for outdoor living. With their characteristic small frames and limited body fat, these adorable creatures are fundamentally indoor dogs, irrespective of their hair type.
In actuality, the long hair of a Chihuahua offers minimal protection against chilly conditions, making them highly susceptible to the cold.
They're equally intolerant of prolonged heat exposure. Resorting to outdoor living in such climates would ultimately prove disastrous to their health.
4. They Don't Differ Much in Personalities Either
It's a common misconception that Chihuahuas with different coat sizes - one short, the other long - exhibit different energy levels or hyperactivity. But rest assured, this is simply not true. The length of a Chihuahua's coat has no correlation with its personality traits.
The personality of a Chihuahua, whether it sports a short or long coat, just like any other dog breed, heavily depends on various factors:
- Parentage: A Chihuahua's personality largely stems from the temperament of its parents. Genetics plays a significant role here.
- Handling: The way a Chihuahua is handled can significantly affect its temperament. Poor handling practices can lead to behavioral issues.
- Training: Proper training from an early age shapes a Chihuahua's personality and helps curb negative behaviors.
- Socialization: How much interaction the Chihuahua has with other people, especially children and the elderly, strangers, and other animals, impacts their behavior and sociability.
5. They Can Be Bred From Short Haired Chis
Ever wondered if a pair of short-haired Chihuahuas can produce a long-haired offspring? The answer is yes! It all hinges on the complex world of dog genetics.
An interesting fact to note is that the gene for short hair is typically dominant. However, when it comes to Chihuahuas, even two seemingly short-haired parents can produce a long-haired pup - quite a surprise for unsuspecting dog breeders!
But how does this happen, you may wonder? The keys lie in the lineage of the Chihuahuas. If both parents carry a set of short-haired and long-haired genes, there's a chance you'll spot a long-haired puppy amidst the litter, which can come as a delightful surprise amidst a sea of smooth-coated pups.
6. Male Chihuahuas Have More Hair
Ever wonder why some long-haired Chihuahuas seem to rock a more flamboyant coat than their counterparts? Much like how a male Cardinal fashions a richer red hue than the female, male long-haired Chihuahuas too often boast a more voluminous and luxurious coat.
Just take a glance at their stunning mane that cascades around their neck - it tends to be distinctly fuller and fluffier on the gents. Not stopping there, these male fashionistas also exhibit superior hair coverage throughout their petite frames.
If you find yourself amidst a duo of long-haired Chihuahuas and you're compelled to distinguish their sexes, here's your clue - the one with the fuller, more lavish coat is likely the male. Quite an interesting and convenient gender telltale, isn't it?
7. Their Ears Flop Because of The Fur
A long-haired Chihuahua's ears are not designed merely for aesthetic appeal but also display some remarkable traits. Yes, you read that right. These ears do more than just hear - they exhibit personality!
Observe them closely, and you'll notice that these ears naturally stand erect on their head. Loaded with lush hair, sometimes they give off the impression of a heavy headgear, that could prevent the ears from standing up.
Does your long-haired Chihuahua's ears tend to droop, forming a delightful canopy on their head? That's no cause for alarm. Your furry friend can hoist them high at will! So, you need not fret over a perceived 'defect'.
More Long Haired Chihuahuas Fun Facts
Whether you're considering adopting a long-haired Chihuahua or you're just fascinated by this diminutive breed, you might be intrigued to know more about their personality, health, and grooming needs. Below, we'll take a deeper dive into the distinctive features of this breed.
Appearance
Because this pup has a dainty size juxtaposed with a coat of fluff, it might appear quite similar to its short-haired sibling - but there's so much more to this small wonder!
With an average height of about 15 inches and weight generally reaching between 3 and 6 pounds in adulthood, Chihuahuas are undeniably small dogs.
A closer look at this petite bundle of joy reveals its distinguishing features: set high on its head are large, triangular ears, which stand alert to the smallest of sounds; deep, round eyes reflecting a world full of excitement; and a coat that’s fluffy and long. The texture of the fur can vary - from velvet smooth straight hair to playful curling waves!
Long-haired Chihuahuas can sport any fur color, but the more common ones include dark, white, fawn, cream, and chocolate furs. They can even showcase a mix of the above colors, as markings and patches are common features of this breed.
Health
The charm of long haired Chihuahuas expands beyond their appearance. While they are adorable pets, it is vital to remember that they come tagged with certain health concerns. Understanding the potential health issues that this breed may have is a significant part of responsible ownership.
Heart Problems: Regardless of their coat, Chihuahuas have a predisposition towards certain heart conditions such as mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus. Maintaining your Chihuahua at a healthy weight and arranging for regular veterinary examinations can help in potentially lowering the risk of these problems.
Hydrocephalus: This condition isn't perfectly breed-specific but is more common for these adorable little dogs. It involves the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, resulting in an enlarged head, and can lead to brain damage if not diagnosed and treated early.
Patellar Luxation: As small dogs, long-haired Chihuahuas run a higher risk of this condition, where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. This can cause pain, lameness, and ultimately arthritis.
Dental Problems: Due to their diminutive jaw size, long-haired Chihuahuas are prone to dental issues. Therefore, it's crucial to keep their dental hygiene a top priority. Brushing their teeth regularly or using vet-recommended dental chews can contribute significantly to their oral health.
Pro Tip For Taking Care of These Pups
Health testing is key in preventing some of these conditions. If you are planning on getting a Chihuahua puppy, ensure that you choose a breeder who health tests their dogs. This is an essential step towards having a healthy Chihuahua.
Likewise, your furry friend's lineage plays a vital role. A well-bred Chihuahua will have fewer tendencies to develop any health conditions.
Lastly, remember that regular check-ups with your vet can help keep track of your Chihuahua’s health and catch any potential issues that may arise early.
Monitoring and taking proactive action are necessary weapons in your arsenal to ensure your Chihuahua leads a healthy, happy life.
Personality
Despite their petite size, long-haired Chihuahuas carry themselves with a charisma that belies their stature! Bursting with personality, these little canines are truly one-of-a-kind.
Primarily known for their extreme loyalty, Chihuahuas form strong bonds with their families. Alongside their loyalty, they're gifted with remarkable intelligence, which sometimes manifests as a streak of stubbornness.
Regrettably, there's a common misconception that Chihuahuas are an aggressive breed, which may discourage some from adopting a long-haired Chihuahua. But one must question, are all Chihuahuas indeed aggressive?
In truth, while Chihuahuas have been stereotypically labeled as an 'aggressive' breed, this is by no means a definitive trait. More importantly, there are measures you can undertake to mitigate any potential aggression.
Socialization from an early age can drastically reduce aggression in adult dogs. Similarly, getting to know the temperament of your puppy's parents can also provide insight into potential behavioral patterns.
Understandably, these measures are only feasible when you welcome a puppy into your home but rest assured, not every adult Chihuahua is aggressive.
Grooming
Did you know Chihuahuas are moderate shedders? Even the short-coated ones? As a Chihuahua owner, you might find a little bit of fur here and there around your house. This is a small price to pay for the joy and companionship these little pups bring.
Now, when it comes to those adorable long-haired Chihuahuas, you'll need to put in a tad more effort. Keeping their coat clean and free from tangles is crucial. A weekly brushing ritual should be enough to make sure no knots appear in their beautiful, flowing hair.
But, don’t stop there! Regularly checking your Chihuahua's ears and teeth is just as important as keeping them sparkling clean. So, pay some attention to those too!
Price
How much do long-haired Chihuahuas cost? While it's a common question among potential pet owners, the answer can be quite diverse. The initial cost of long-haired Chihuahua puppies alone varies widely depending on the breeder, ranging anywhere between $500 and $1200.
Essential to their growth and energy, consistent, healthy meals also come at a cost. This is an ongoing expenditure to consider. You will also think about routine check-ups, vaccinations, and potential health issues that can add up, contributing to the long-term cost of owning a long-haired Chihuahua.
On top of the other expenses, you will also set a budget for grooming expenses, toys, and bedding, among others. An alternative option to buying a puppy is to consider rescue dogs. Adopting a long-haired Chihuahua can be less expensive upfront, and you'll be giving a deserving pup a loving home.
Conclusion
With those unkempt locks and adorable faces, it's hard to ignore a long-haired Chihuahua. However, recognizing this breed and understanding its unique personality traits and necessities involves more than acknowledging its outer charm.
But as you're now aware, owning such a breed isn't just about regular grooming sessions but also involves critical factors like health considerations, feeding routines, socialization efforts, and more.
Keep the aforementioned information and pointers regarding the Long-haired Chihuahua in mind, and get ready to enjoy delightful moments every day with your mini but mighty furry pal. Their love for their owners, combined with their feisty, big-dog attitudes, make them truly special.
