Long Haired Chihuahuas - The Complete Breed Guide

Long haired Chihuahuas are a popular breed due to their adorable appearance and affectionate nature.

They weigh between 2-8 pounds and stand about 6-10 inches tall at the shoulder.

These tiny dogs have a lifespan of around 12-18 years, making them a long-term companion.

Their small size requires minimal space, but they still need regular exercise to stay healthy.

Long haired Chihuahuas are generally between five to nine inches high at maturity and weigh between three and six pounds.

They come in a range of sizes, but lean and muscular small dogs make up this breed.

A healthy lifestyle, including proper diet, sufficient exercise, and a caring home life, can help them live for 14 to 16 years on average.

Many Chihuahuas have been reported to live as long as 20 years given the right conditions.

Their coat can take up to two years to fully grow in, so be patient if your puppy's fur looks a bit scrawny at first.

Purebred Chihuahuas should come with lineage documents that can help you determine what your adult dog might look like.

Long haired Chihuahuas are incredibly loyal and intelligent dogs.

They can be a little stubborn, so establishing clear rules for your dog is essential when training them to control their strong will.

Their loyalty makes them great watchdogs, but it can sometimes translate to aggression towards strangers. With proper training, they can also make excellent guard dogs.

Some long haired Chihuahuas are boisterous and outgoing, while others may be quiet and shy - just like their short-haired counterparts.

Most owners report that their long haired Chihuahua is affectionate and cuddly, especially at home where they love to share a bed with their masters.

However, this breed's tendency towards high activity, loud barking, and aggressive behavior makes them a poor choice as a family pet.

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Long-haired Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs that can be moderately difficult to train.

Consistency and routine are necessary to create boundaries, rules, and expectations for your Long Haired Chihuahua.

They can be very stubborn and independent, presenting challenges in areas like housebreaking.

Housebreaking may prove to be the most difficult task, but with persistence and positive, reward-based training, you can succeed.

Long-haired Chihuahuas respond well to rewards and positive reinforcement because they are eager to please their masters.

A good pat on the head or scratch behind the ears is often the perfect reward for a job well done.

Positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat desired actions by rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime.

Consistency is key in creating a positive and enjoyable training experience.

Early socialization is vital for long-haired Chihuahuas to develop good behavior and adaptability.

Exposing them to various environments, people, and other animals helps prevent behavioral issues and ensures they grow into well-rounded and confident companions.

Short, engaging sessions are essential due to their short attention spans.

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Long-haired Chihuahuas are prone to health issues like patellar luxation, which affects their knee joints and can lead to osteoarthritis.

Their delicate bone structure makes them susceptible to dental problems, so regular brushing of their teeth is essential.

Hydrocephalus, a condition that causes an excess of fluid in the brain cavity, can also occur, leading to neurological problems like seizures or paralysis.

These conditions are often inherited and require immediate veterinary attention if symptoms appear.

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A recessive gene is a type of genetic trait that can be passed down from parents to offspring.

It means that two short-haired chihuahuas can have long hair puppies if both are carriers of the long hair gene.

Long hair and short hair puppies can be born in the same litter, which may come as a surprise to some owners.

Because long hair is a recessive trait, it's less common than short hair in chihuahuas.

If breeders produce more long-haired puppies, they're much more likely if both parents have long fur.

Chihuahuas are prone to delicate bone structure, which can lead to health issues like Hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain. This can cause mobility problems, disorientation, and lack of interest in food.

Their jaws and teeth are also vulnerable to problems, so regular dental care is essential. Brushing your Chihuahua's teeth two or three times weekly can help prevent some dental issues.

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Low blood sugar, known as Hypoglycemia, is another common concern, especially in puppies with low body fat percentages. This condition requires immediate attention from a veterinarian to avoid serious complications.

Genetic disorders like patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, and Hydrocephalus are all potential health concerns for Chihuahuas. These conditions can cause neurological problems, paralysis, and even seizures.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial in monitoring any changes in behavior or appearance due to medical issues. This includes following vaccination protocols prescribed by your veterinarian to protect against preventable diseases like distemper and rabies.

Recognizing signs of stress and anxiety in your Chihuahua is crucial for their well-being.

Excessive barking can be a sign that your dog is feeling anxious or stressed.

Panting is another physical symptom to look out for, as it can indicate underlying issues causing discomfort.

Aggression towards people or other animals may also be a sign of stress or anxiety in your Chihuahua.

Sleep disturbances are common when dogs experience emotional distress.

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Long haired Chihuahuas require regular brushing to prevent tangled hair and matting.

Their coats tend to shed in clumps rather than as single hairs, making cleaning up after them easier.

You'll need to brush your long coat Chihuahua at least twice a week with a wire brush or comb.

Be gentle around their head while brushing to prevent injury to the Molera.

Brushing your Chihuahua's teeth is also essential, as their soft teeth are prone to bacterial infections and decay.

Regular dental hygiene can help prevent tooth loss in this breed.

Chihuahua puppies may fail to lose all of their milk teeth after their adult teeth come in, so keep an eye out for this issue with your vet.

Baths aren't needed frequently, but when you do bathe your Chihuahua, be careful not to get water in their ears.

Their large ears can be prone to infections and infestations of mites, fleas or ticks.

Occasional nail trimming may be required, especially if your Chihuahua spends most of its time indoors.

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A Long Haired Chihuahua's diet should be consistent to prevent sensitive stomachs and obesity. Feed them a kibble formulated for smaller dog breeds with high protein and fiber, and low carbohydrates.

Divide their daily food into 3-4 small meals to prevent Hypoglycemia and make mealtime less stressful. A healthy adult Chihuahua only needs between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of dog food per day.

A 20-minute walk may suffice for most Long Haired Chihuahuas, but they can handle up to 30-40 minutes of total exercise a day with rest breaks in between.

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The colors of your Chihuahua's coat can be quite varied and beautiful.

Their coats can be solid in color or show spots or sable patterns.

You'll often see black, blue, brown, tan, red, white, or cream colors on a Chihuahua's coat.

Some Chihuahuas will have an undercoat, while others won't - both are accepted as breed standard.

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A Long-Haired Chihuahua's diet should be high in protein and fiber, with a focus on quality dog food that provides nutrients per serving.

Their small stomachs can easily get upset by changes in diet, so consistency is key to maintaining their digestive health.

Feeding your Chihuahua 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of dog food per day should suffice for a healthy adult, as they have low daily caloric needs.

A kibble specifically formulated for smaller breeds and dry food are ideal choices due to the breed's unique requirements.

Divide their daily food into small meals throughout the day to prevent hypoglycemia and make mealtime less depriving.

Exercise doesn't need to be intense; a 20-minute walk may be enough, but up to 40 minutes of total exercise per day is also acceptable with rest breaks in between.

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Long haired Chihuahua puppies can cost anywhere from $500 to $1200, depending on the breeder and factors like litter size and parent health testing.

You should be wary of breeders who charge high prices based solely on color or size, as this may indicate a lack of investment in health testing.

If you do decide to buy from a breeder, make sure to factor in ongoing costs like food bills and vet fees beyond the initial price.

Here's a rough breakdown of what you might expect to pay:

Keep in mind that rescue fees are often much lower than what you'd pay for a breeder, so it's worth considering adoption if you're not set on getting a puppy.

If you're looking for a long-haired Chihuahua puppy from a responsible breeder, make sure to follow some guidelines.

You can ask to see the parent dogs to get an idea of their health and temperament.

Asking whether the parents have been health tested is also crucial to ensure the puppy's health.

Long coat Chihuahua puppies may be prone to certain health problems, so it's essential to know about them.

Early socialization will reduce the risk of aggression towards people and other dogs in long-haired Chihuahuas.

You can ask whether the puppies are being socialized to ensure they're getting proper care.

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The average price for a long hair Chihuahua can vary quite a lot.

Pricing can range from $500 to $1200, and sometimes even more depending on various factors such as breeder reputation, size of litter, unique colors, and health testing of parents.

If you find a reputable breeder who invests in the health testing of parents and puppies, it may be worth paying a higher price.

However, if a breeder is asking for high prices based solely on color or size, beware as they might not prioritize health testing.

Beyond the initial cost, food bills and vet fees are essential expenses to consider when owning a long hair Chihuahua.

Rescue dogs can also be a great option if you're not looking to buy from a breeder, with rescue fees tend to be much lower than what you'd pay for a breeder.

Long-haired Chihuahuas are social butterflies that thrive on building meaningful relationships with their owners and other pets.

They form strong bonds with their human companions, seeking physical closeness and emotional connection, making them devoted and loving family members.

Their small size doesn't diminish the depth of their affectionate nature, which extends beyond human relationships to include coexisting harmoniously with other pets.

Positive reinforcement is key in training a long-haired Chihuahua, involving rewarding good behavior with treats or verbal praise.

Puppy-proofing your home is a must before bringing a new furry friend into your life. Make sure to remove all small items such as coins and jewelry from low surfaces where they can get into trouble.

Securing wiring and cables is also crucial to prevent any chewing that could lead to electrocution. Store cleaning supplies safely out of reach to avoid accidental poisoning.

Designate areas outside for potty training sessions, and teach your puppy what "go potty" means while they're still young. Consistency is key when it comes to teaching good behavior around visitors and other animals.

By taking these steps, you'll have a much smoother transition when bringing your new puppy home.

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Long-haired Chihuahuas are social butterflies that thrive on building meaningful relationships with their owners and other pets.

Their small size doesn't diminish the depth of their affectionate nature; they seek not only physical closeness but also emotional connection.

Positive reinforcement is one of the most important aspects of successful dog training, involving rewarding good behavior with treats or verbal praise.

Establishing clear rules for the pup helps them understand what behaviors are acceptable and which ones aren't.

Training should involve teaching basic commands like "sit", "stay", and "come" to build trust between you and your puppy.

Socialization techniques such as gradually introducing them to other people and animals will help increase their confidence when interacting with others.

It's best to start these routines early in your pup's life so they have enough time to get comfortable with all sorts of situations before reaching adulthood.

Consistency and patience are key to helping your long-haired Chihuahua learn how to interact properly in any environment.

Long-haired Chihuahuas require minimal exercise but need regular activity to stay healthy and maintain their weight.

Taking your pup on daily walks is a great way to get them moving while keeping them safe at the same time.

These dogs love running around indoors and playing interactive games such as fetch with their owners.

Knowing what type of coat your pup will have can help when deciding which activities are best suited for them.

Smooth-coated chis tend to shed less than those with longer fur.

All long-haired Chihuahuas require regular grooming sessions in order to keep their coats looking healthy and clean.

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