Long-haired Chihuahua: haircut and care

The Chihuahua is an excellent companion dog. It is considered the smallest in the world. The name of the breed comes from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. These are compact pets with a lively nature. Despite their size, they are very brave. Suitable for home use only and require special care. For those who are in doubt about whether to get such a dog or not, it will be useful to read the article below, where we will tell you everything about the care and maintenance of a pet in the house.

Chihuahua temperament

Adult dogs may not show their own character right away. They look closely at their new owner for several weeks. The owner may even think that the dog is timid. But the point is different: she is trying to calculate who will be the master of the house. The dog’s Mexican past comes into play here. Her ancestors used to live in the jungle. To survive, they tried to develop their attention and be extremely careful.

The ancestors of modern Chihuahuas had to make efforts on themselves in order to survive

For a small breed, the dog has a fairly high and loud voice. The height of such a baby does not exceed 20 centimeters. Long-haired Chihuahuas live for about 15 years.

Your pet may suddenly start barking loudly, for no reason. And it will be difficult to calm the dog down. Long-haired Chihuahuas do not like restless children and are suspicious of all strangers they see. When a dog gets scared, it can wet itself instantly.

Frequent changes in mood are characteristic of Chihuahuas; this breed does not tolerate monotony.

In a familiar environment, the baby becomes an energetic and cheerful leader. Watching him is a real pleasure. The dog will twirl amusingly under your feet, and then suddenly lie down to rest in a corner or crawl under the blanket and snore charmingly. Moreover, it is not by chance that a Chihuahua sniffs like that - it has to do with the specific structure of the skull.

Dogs feel great in small city apartments. If the puppy is left alone for a long time, he begins to feel sad.

Many Chihuahuas do not like competition for attention and want to be the most loved.

The Chihuahua's devotion borders on jealousy. The dog tries not to let the owner out of his sight. Because of their own loyalty, the brave little ones often provoke the aggression of larger dogs. Sometimes this results in injuries to the Chihuahua.

Read even more information about this breed in a special article on our website.

Character and behavior

It is generally accepted that small breeds of dogs have an easy-going and friendly character, so owners often neglect their training. The Chihuahua is a dominant breed. The dog will definitely try to take leadership in the house. And if he doesn’t like something, he can easily bite his owner.

If a person can prove his leadership, the long-haired Chihuahua will become a devoted friend and faithful guard for him. The dog does not understand its size, and therefore without hesitation it rushes even at large dogs. Therefore, you should walk your pet away from other large dogs.

The long-haired Chihuahua is highly intelligent. He easily and quickly learns commands and performs various tricks. During training, it is better to reward the dog with treats. But you shouldn't hit or shout at her. This is a rather touchy breed.

Long-haired Chihuahuas love to play with children. But if suddenly a child accidentally hurts a dog, it will immediately respond with a bite.

This breed is small in size, so a small child can easily injure the dog. Knowing his children and dogs, a person should consider whether it is worth allowing joint fun.

The long-haired Chihuahua is very jealous. He can only be patient with other pets if he grew up with them. Otherwise, the dog will not like other pets and will try to attract all the owner’s attention to itself.

It is important! Long-haired Chihuahuas love to bark for any reason.

Lifespan

Representatives of this species with Mexican roots live for about 12 years. However, the average age indicator can be extended if the dogs are provided with appropriate living conditions, systematically devote a little time to caring for them, and also give the baby your love and care. Regular visits to the veterinarian are important, as they allow for timely diagnosis of illnesses and prevent their development.

Chihuahua diseases

Long-haired Chihuahuas also get sick, like other dogs. Moreover, the list of diseases is small. Despite its size, the breed is quite strong. So, what do puppies and adult animals get sick with:

• possible knee joint injuries;
• jaw dislocation;
• eye problems;
• rheumatism;
• disruption of the heart;
• gum disease, tartar formation.

Sometimes diseases in dogs are caused by internal and external parasites. For example, fleas or ticks. The most dangerous disease for Chihuahuas is rabies. To avoid it, your dog needs to be vaccinated on time.

Scheduled visits to the veterinarian are as important for Chihuahuas as they are for other breeds.

You need to regularly take your dog to the veterinarian and have it examined. In addition, it is important to adhere to a proper diet. Be sure to protect your dog from possible injury.

Due to the already mentioned specific structure of the skull, Chihuahuas are more susceptible to hydrocephalus . Many owners are new to this disease, so below we introduce its main symptoms and treatment prognosis.

Hydrocephalus in Chihuahuas

Read more information about the diseases to which dogs of this breed are susceptible in a special article on our portal.

Description and photo

Once you see a Chihuahua, it is no longer possible to confuse this dog with any other. The grace of his small body, lively character, and devoted attitude towards his family will ensure that you remember the representative of this breed for a long time and will definitely want to buy the same puppy for yourself.

Did you know? Dogs have a fairly small number of taste buds - only about 1,700. In humans, for comparison, there are about 9 thousand such receptors.

Despite their small size and traditional guard role for most dogs, these little ones managed to find a target niche in the dog market and became useful for people with poor hearing. Thanks to their naturally well-developed auditory analyzer and high powers of observation, they are able to notify such people about telephone calls and all sorts of other incidents.

Pet's appearance

• Country: Mexico.
• Weight: 0.9-3 kg.
• Height: 13-25 cm.
• Lifespan: 13-20 years.
• Number of puppies in the litter: from 1 to 3.
• Character: brave, vigilant, decisive, fast, loyal, lively.
• Color: gold, chocolate, cream, black, white, yellow-brown.
• Purpose: decorative dog, companion dog.

Familiarize yourself with the features of the most popular breeds of decorative dogs: “Italian lapdog”, “Havanese bichon” (“Havanese”), “Russian colored lapdog”, “Alaskan klee kai” (“husky”), “poodle”, “Maltese” , "Maltipoo", "Pomeranian" and "Pekingese".

Dogs of this breed are characterized by the presence of skulls of two different shapes: “deer” and “apple”. Dogs with an apple-shaped skull have a fairly small nose, large in size, slightly protruding, eyes set at a considerable distance, and a high and fairly wide forehead. The ears of such dogs are small, but set far enough apart in relation to each other and have a wide base.

Dogs with a “deer” skull type are characterized by a more elongated nose, the head, in general, is less large and wide than that of dogs with an “apple” type skull, and is more elongated forward. The eyes are set closer to each other and less protruding. The ears stand higher and are larger than those of other representatives of the breed.

The Chihuahua's neck differs by gender: in females it is thinner than in males, the upper line of the neck has a slight convexity, and the length is average. The chest has a pronounced width and depth, the ribs are rounded, which creates a fairly significant volume, but not excessive (the lower line of the chest should reach the level of the elbows).

The back looks straight and strong, smoothly transitions into the tail, which is distinguished by a fairly flat appearance and medium length. It is quite wide at the base, gradually narrowing towards the tip. Chihuahuas most often hold it quite high, sometimes it bends almost all the way to the back or forms a semi-ring, the end of which looks towards the lower back.

The front legs are straight, parallel to each other, and fairly long in relation to the overall size of the dog. The hind limbs have fairly pronounced muscles, just as the forelimbs should look parallel to each other. The joints are very convex and well developed.

Did you know? Chihuahuas, like human babies, are born with fontanelles, areas of softened bone tissue on the skull.
The paws are rather small in size, oval in shape with small, well differentiated toes. The claws are of medium length and protrude quite noticeably above the surface of the paws. The inner surface of the paws has fairly pronounced pads, which are characterized by high elasticity.

Character traits

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by high levels of intelligence, are quite lively and, in general, almost always make a pleasant impression. They are immensely devoted to their owners, but they tend to choose only one “favorite” from the family circle, with whom they will strive to spend the most time.

However, it is worth considering that these dogs not only act as givers of attention and love, but also demand a fair amount of it back. Extreme ingenuity and lively disposition mean that Chihuahuas are able to come up with a great variety of different ways to attract the attention of their adored owner.

Many owners of this dog breed note that it is too intrusive. Young children can easily harm such a dog, in addition, Chihuahuas can easily bite a child who pesters them excessively, and therefore it is not recommended to purchase dogs of this breed if you have small children in the house.

Chihuahuas, if their owner is not around, prefer to spend time with other representatives of their breed. Due to their modest size and ease of maintenance, they are great for older people and people with disabilities.

Origin

In 1850, archaeologists discovered images of dogs. They looked like portraits of animals carved on the slabs of Montezuma's palace. This happened in Chihuahua, Mexico. A similar name was given to dogs.

The Indians revered Chihuahuas, believing in their sacredness. After the death of the owner, the dog was killed.

Later, pets began to be used for cooking. When the conquistadors came to America, some dogs managed to hide in the forest.

The Mexicans began selling the surviving animals at the market. Buyers were found quickly, and the dogs were purchased at a high price.

The breed was first exhibited at an exhibition in 1884. This was in Philadelphia.

About 80 years later, Fidel Castro gave Nikita Khrushchev two Chihuahuas - Misha and Masha. This is how long-haired, dwarf dogs came to the CIS.

Origin and history of the breed

According to archaeological excavations, the history of the Chihuahua goes back several thousand years. The breed's homeland is considered to be the territory of modern Mexico. These dogs accompanied the entire life of the Mayan Indians and were considered sacred. When the owner died, the dog was buried with him. In the absence of food, Chihuahuas were used for culinary purposes. Such traditions continued until America was conquered by Europeans. Together with the Indians, many representatives of miniature dogs fled to the forests.

At the end of the 19th century, representatives of the breed appeared on the markets of Mexico. Local residents began to successfully sell them to Americans. This is how the dogs came to the territory of the United States. They were first exhibited at an exhibition in 1884 in Philadelphia. Chihuahuas came to the territory of the former USSR thanks to Fidel Castro, who gave several dogs to Khrushchev in the late 50s.

Chihuahua training

Chihuahuas require a responsible approach to training. Otherwise, the dog will become uncontrollable and will be an aggressive little tyrant. But usually small dogs are willing to learn something new for themselves.

Before starting training, you need to choose a convenient place for them. The floor should under no circumstances be slippery, as this will disturb the baby and he will not be able to concentrate. If necessary, it is allowed to lay a rug.

Exercising outdoors is complicated by many distractions

The puppy can be taught various simple commands, for example, “Stop!”, “Sit!” or “Wait!” If the dog has completed the task, it will be very important to praise it. The best choice is to feed him some kind of treat. The command is reinforced with regular daily repetitions. Moreover, the location of the deployment should be changed.

Conduct classes an hour after the dog has eaten. In addition, he must be in a good mood. It is useless to teach a tired pet anything. Classes should not be long, as small breeds quickly become exhausted. more about the rules for training Chihuahuas on our portal.

Frequency of walking

Dogs love to spend time outside. Dogs show endurance, can travel long distances, and play with other animals.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Birds of prey are dangerous for Chihuahuas.

An adult pet should be walked at least twice a day. In the morning, in the evening for one hour.

Puppies under 6 months should not be taken for walks without vaccinations, immediately after eating, or in frosty or hot weather. In the absence of prohibiting factors, it is enough for your pet to spend 20-30 minutes outside. Fresh air will strengthen the dog’s immunity, strengthen it, and help it socialize.

Diet for long-haired Chihuahuas

You need to create the right diet for your pet. There are two types of food:

• cooked food;
• special dog food.

Chihuahuas can be considered gourmets, but sometimes they like to be naughty

Table 1. Feeding puppies from birth to three months

Long-haired Chihuahua puppies are best fed canned and dry food. There are many types of such food in specialized stores. Each of these foods is aimed at a specific breed. It is recommended that you consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate diet. In addition, your Chihuahua should always have regular access to fresh, clean water.

Some representatives of the breed prefer fruit to boiled meat.

If you plan to feed your dogs regular food, then you need to add microelements and vitamins to the animal’s food. Not every product is safe. Puppies should not be given salty, spicy or fatty foods. Fruits and vegetables can be freely included in the diet.

Are you thinking about giving your dog meat? Then remember that it must be boiled. Chihuahuas are contraindicated:

• raw chicken;
• sausage;
• pork;
• sweets;
• flour products;
• White bread;
• onion;
• bones.

During the day, long-haired Chihuahuas can be fed fermented milk products and cottage cheese. You can also add berries and fruits. If you are traveling with a dog, you can accustom it to dry food and canned food.

From a young age, it is necessary to accustom the Chihuahua to his bowl and stop attempts to beg for food.

It is prohibited to feed puppies and adult animals from the table. This is a mistake most dog owners make. You can read more about feeding your Chihuahua here .

Care and maintenance of an adult dog

Without careful grooming, the coat of long-haired Chihuahuas is prone to matting. The dog must be brushed at least three times a week. During the molting period, this must be done every day, otherwise tangles will form on the fur, and all the furniture in the house will become hairy.

You should bathe no more than three times a year. If your pet gets dirty, the dirt should be removed using a damp, clean cloth.

Ears should be cleaned when they become dirty. To do this, use a cotton swab. The eyes should be wiped several times a week with a cotton pad moistened with clean water. Long-haired Chihuahuas should have their nails trimmed with a nail clipper.

Although Chihuahuas can go to the toilet in a litter box, they still need to be walked. The dog is taken outside twice a day. Each walk lasts at least 40 minutes.

You can feed your long-haired Chihuahua commercial or natural food. The advantage of dry food is that it is properly balanced and contains all the vitamins and minerals the animal needs. Preference is given to premium and super-premium food.

The composition of economy-class feed is not stable; they contain flavoring additives and addictive substances.

A natural diet should consist of the following components:

If the long-haired Chihuahua eats natural food, vitamin and mineral supplements are included in the diet.

It is important! Long-haired Chihuahuas should not be fed from the table. The dog should not be given flour, sweets, smoked foods, pickles and tubular bones.

Grooming longhaired chihuahuas

Long-haired Chihuahuas get two types of haircuts: hygienic and fashionable.

For hygiene purposes, the dog is not cut very short: the hair on the belly, behind the limbs, on the pads of the paws, and under the tail is shortened. Anyone can handle this procedure.

For a model haircut, it is better to contact a professional. Most often, hairstyles for long-haired Chihuahuas are done before shows to attract the attention of judges, or to help the pet in extreme heat.

Grooming for an exhibition means that the coat will be given a shape that will highlight all the advantages of the dog. In the summer, so that the dog suffers less from the heat, the fur on its body is greatly shortened. In this case, the head, chest, tail and paws remain intact.

Varieties of colors

Dog breeders love representatives of the Chihuahua breed for their different range of colors. More than 50 variations are known.

This is interesting: 9 of the most beautiful Chihuahua colors

White, often found as a base color. It may have stains of different shades or clearly defined spots.

The most popular colors of Chihuahuas:

• white;
• ginger;
• charcoal chocolate;
• pale yellow.

Rarer color options of the breed:

• black;
• blue;
• lilac;
• cream.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Chihuahua puppies are born with gray or red hair. As dogs age, their color changes.

The beauty of each color is emphasized by the animal’s nose and irises of similar shades. For example, if a Chihuahua puppy is chocolate-colored, then the dog’s nose may be brown.

Characteristics and standards

The long-haired Chihuahua has a height at the withers of 15-23 cm, weight 1-3 kg. Although there are smaller specimens. But dog handlers in most cases reject them for further selection; they consider height below 15 cm and weight less than 1 kg to be a sign of dwarfism.

Breed standards:

A haircut

Decorative dogs need haircuts. Long-haired Chihuahuas are no exception. It is important to accustom puppies to this procedure from early childhood. At this time, one thing is required of the dog - to behave calmly. In addition, train your pet to use a hair dryer. This is necessary in cases where you are preparing a dog for exhibitions.

Chihuahuas can be skeptical about their upcoming haircut

You can have your animal groomed either by yourself or by a professional. If you know a good groomer, it is recommended to seek his services. A haircut is required not only to make the Chihuahua look neat, but also to minimize the risk of skin diseases. The process itself is not as simple as it seems from the outside. The dog breed standard states what a dog's appearance should be. In addition, it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the pet.

The process of cutting a Chihuahua with a clipper

It often happens that a Chihuahua is dissatisfied with the haircutting process and tries to bite the master during the work process. If you do this yourself, there is a chance that you will harm the animal. Therefore, it believes that you are trying to harm it and therefore resists. The second option why a dog doesn’t like to get his hair cut is a lack of trust in a certain person.

Features of care and maintenance

The coat of a puppy and an adult dog, due to the inherent softness of the breed, is susceptible to matting. It requires special care from the owner, namely:

• combing with a special brush;
• washing with shampoo at least once every 2 months;
• drying using a hair dryer.

Long-haired Chihuahuas love water treatments and graciously tolerate all kinds of manipulations with their appearance. Their fur must be trimmed, especially if they plan to participate in exhibitions. Also, don’t forget to brush your pet’s teeth. Both beef bones and special toothpastes are suitable for these purposes. The claws of these dogs do not grind down, so they need to be trimmed using a nail clipper.

A dog's diet depends on the preferences of its owner. Accordingly, it is up to you to make a choice in favor of dry food or regular natural food. The only thing you should not forget about is that at first the long-haired Chihuahua puppy should eat the same food that he was fed by the breeder. Only over time can you switch to a diet different from your usual one.

This breed has a contraindication to overfeeding and treating everything that the owner eats, since Chihuahuas are prone to food allergies.

There are even more recommendations for caring for and maintaining a Chihuahua puppy at home in the next video.

Maintenance and care

Such small creatures of nature as Chihuahuas are not at all difficult to care for. Due to their small size, dogs are ideal pets that can be kept in an apartment, even in the smallest one-room apartment.

The very first thing you need to do when buying a puppy is to determine its place in the house. It should be a non-passing, draft-free, fairly warm but not hot place. Lay a mattress there or install a bed. For small breeds such as Chihuahuas, you can purchase a beautiful house. The dog should feel protected on its territory; if it goes to rest in its place, do not disturb or forcibly pull it out of there.

A sneeze, running from room to room several times, fully satisfies your needs for physical activity. But locking a dog indoors without walking for several days, or even weeks, is unacceptable. Chihuahuas love walks in the fresh air; a loving owner should not deprive them of daily short walks, during which the following rules must be observed:

1. It is not advisable to let a miniature and fragile sneeze off a leash. It must be monitored at all times, otherwise the dog may inadvertently get injured or end up in an unpleasant, dangerous situation. 2. Excessive physical activity can harm the dog. Stairs, barriers, and steep climbs are contraindicated for a small pet. Due to such obstacles, the animal's spine may suffer. Therefore, the owner must carry the dog in his arms in such cases. 3. Chihuahuas are known as very neat dogs who will never allow themselves to “walk” through puddles. The owner will have to carry the pet through puddles in his arms. 4. Representatives of the breed are aggressive towards other breeds. While walking, you need to make sure that your small dog does not come into conflict with the big one. Such communication can end tragically for a sneeze.

Caring for Chihuahua fur is not difficult, you just need to take into account the difference in caring for short-haired and long-haired representatives of the breed. The difference lies in the time that the owner will need to spend on caring for the coat.

Long-haired dogs are brushed 4-5 times a week; daily brushing will not hurt. They molt twice per season. During this period, it is necessary to comb the coat every day.

Smooth-haired dogs should be brushed twice a week. During shedding, brushing should be done at least four times a week.

Hygiene procedures are carried out regularly and on time; they are practically the same for both long-haired and short-haired varieties:

• Brush your teeth regularly or buy your dog special teeth brushing bones.
• Bath 2-4 times a year using special detergents for dogs. The exception is heavy soiling and washing dirty paws after walks.
• If you give your dog baths too often, his coat may lose shine and become dandruff.
• Claws are trimmed twice a month.
• The ears are cleaned and examined once a week. Cleaning is carried out using cotton swabs. An examination is necessary to detect excessive discharge in time; they can be symptoms of various infections.

Chihuahuas are known for their excessive tear production, which is why these dogs have tear tracks near their eyes. You need to regularly wipe your eyes with a napkin soaked in a special liquid. You can purchase it at any veterinary pharmacy. You need to carry out this procedure with your eyes twice a week.

Chihuahuas need warm clothing. Especially in the autumn-winter period. Special stores sell all types of clothing and shoes for dogs. Owners of these little pets buy outfits for them not only to keep them warm during walks, but also for fashionable decoration. On holidays, the dog dresses up in a carnival costume; in the evening, in the room, the dog is dressed up in pajamas and slippers; for walks, the dog’s wardrobe includes jackets, overalls, boots, etc.

Features of dog care

The most important aspect of caring for a pet living at home is monitoring its well-being and health. Timely vaccinations and routine visits to the veterinarian will protect your Chihuahua from various ailments. Monitor the condition of the animal's teeth, ears and claws.

The dog needs to be bathed periodically, and one water procedure for a month is enough. For the summer period, the bathing schedule can be revised. After bathing, dry your dog with a hairdryer to prevent the animal from getting cold and catching a cold.

Similar article: In which country did the breed of miniature Chihuahua dogs appear?

The Chihuahua is not able to warm itself, so for walks in the autumn-winter period it is necessary to provide your pet with an appropriate wardrobe.

You can buy things for your dog at a pet store or make your own. Daily walks and training are necessary even for such miniature four-legged animals. If you do not raise your pet, then over time it will be difficult to cope with the restless nature of a dog with a choleric temperament.

How to choose a Chihuahua puppy?

Before buying a long-haired Chihuahua puppy, you need to understand why you are getting it. Not only its cost depends on this, but also the time frame in which it is best to take home your future pet. Let's assume that you are buying a puppy in order to participate in exhibitions with him. Perhaps you plan to continue breeding this breed in the future. In such cases, puppies are taken away at 3-4 months. They are selected based on standard indicators. But the price for them will be much higher.

A star of exhibitions or just a faithful friend - the specifics of purchasing a Chihuahua depend on your choice.

If you don’t want to take part in exhibition programs and races for perfect compliance with standards, then you can buy a puppy that is already two months old. The price of such a dog is low, since it is not customized to specific requirements.

She or he: who is better?

It is also advisable to decide in advance what gender you will take the dog. Girls and boys have different personality traits. Boys are usually active and curious, while girls are cautious. In addition, they are more affectionate.

Timely castration of a Chihuahua will help avoid excessive interest in mating

People taking girls should be prepared for estrus and possible pregnancy. An unmated boy treats bitches calmly. When mating occurs, the male dog will have to be led only on a leash. Otherwise, he will constantly try to run after girls. Male puppies love to mark their territory. Therefore, they will have to be educated from day one.

External indicators: what to look for when buying a dog?

Remember that all indicators and standards are approximate - real representatives of the breed may deviate in one direction or another from the stated criteria. If you are not buying a puppy for exhibition, such discrepancies should not confuse you (unless we are talking about pathological deviations).

Table 2. Recommended characteristics for a Chihuahua puppy

Dog behavior

Observe the puppy for a while to understand its behavior. Look at how he behaves with his mother or siblings. Even if the baby has recently woken up, he should still be active. Normally, the puppy jumps around the enclosure, plays in every possible way and sniffs everything.

Chihuahua puppies are constantly on the move and inquisitive.

If the baby constantly lies or hides behind his mother, then there are two options:

• he is seriously ill;
• he is cowardly.

Look how clean the pet is. Perhaps he makes puddles everywhere. Irresponsible owners usually do not take the time to toilet train their dog. In this case, you will have to retrain the animal.

A thin puppy is a sign of possible parasite infection.

Take a closer look at how the puppy eats. The key to health is a good appetite. The baby should look well-fed. If he is thin, this may mean that worms have settled in his body.

Description of the long-haired species

Let's start getting acquainted with the long-haired pocket dog Chihuahua with a description of the breed and appearance characteristics. So, what does the world's smallest dog look like? The animal, whose weight ranges from 1 to 3 kg, looks cute and attractive.

The height at the withers does not exceed 23 cm. In nature, there are smaller representatives of the Chihuahua dog breed, whose height reaches only 15 cm. The head is apple-shaped, often with an open fontanelle. The muzzle, wide at the base, tapers closer to the nose. The ears are large, set wide, and have a sharp triangular shape. Convex eyes of a dark color attract attention. As experienced dog breeders note, sometimes there is a long-haired Chihuahua with light eye color. However, according to the description of the breed, such dogs are not standard.

The neck is of medium length with a wool edging in the form of a frill collar. The chest of representatives of this breed is well developed. At a quick glance it appears to be oval in shape.

The fore and hind limbs are small in height, but strong and muscular. Paws with soft pads and very sharp claws. The tail is small and carried upward. Often the tip of the ponytail is bent in a semicircle towards the lower back.

The long-haired Chihuahua is a miniature dog with a coat that is soft and silky to the touch. Based on the description of the breed, we can say that the color can be different, individual for each representative of a given species of four-legged. However, the most common long-haired Chihuahua is red, white, fawn or black-brown. At birth, Chihuahua puppies are gray or dark red in color, which changes to fawn or deep red after the first molt.

Similar article: How to make a house for a Chihuahua with your own hands

Appearance

Chihuahuas come in smooth-haired and long-haired varieties:

• The first ones are fast in movement, show good reactions, have a lively character, and are fearless. The body is compact, the skull is shaped like an apple. The dog's tail is of moderate length and held high. Wide at the base, the tail tapers towards the tip, forms a semi-ring towards the lumbar region, or is curved. The tail is never between the hind legs. The coat of the tail is in harmony with the coat of the body.
• If the Chihuahua has long hair, a dewlap will form on the tail. The body of the male is square in shape. The female's body is stretched due to reproductive function. The Chihuahua's eyes are large and expressive, round in shape, and dark in color. Dogs' ears are large, erect, and widely spaced. They are wide at the base and gradually narrow towards the rounded tips. Male Chihuahuas have thicker necks than females. The forelimbs are long and straight. The hind legs are distinguished by good muscles.

Fast on the move, with a lively character, a fearless dog is a general description of the Chihuahua breed. The dogs of the breed really amaze with their small size and fearlessness. Cowardice and aggression are considered breed defects. Long-haired representatives have a balanced and calm character, while short-haired ones are more cocky and quarrelsome.

The characteristics of the breed are:

• Build. Height at the withers is 15-23 cm, weight ranges from 0.5 to 3 kg. It is convenient to carry your dog with you everywhere. Bitches and males differ in appearance.
• Frame. The Chihuahua breed has a flat back, loin, and croup. The tail is thick at the base, thinner towards the end. Curved into a ring or half-ring, raised above the back. A tail that is cowardly tucked between its sides or pulled far away from the back is unacceptable. The chest is wide, deep, not barrel-shaped. The neck is of medium length, in boys it is thick and muscular.
• Head. The skull is shaped like an apple. The transition to a small narrow muzzle is well defined. The nose is medium-sized, black or brown to match the color of the coat. The eyes are round, not bulging, dark color is preferred. The ears are large and erect. The angle of deviation from the vertical is ideally 45°. Slightly rounded towards the end.
• Limbs. The front legs are thin and straight from all angles. The hind legs are equipped with well-developed muscles. The bones are long, set parallel to each other. Movement appears agile, with good drive from the hind legs.
• Wool. Smooth-haired coats lie close to the body and have sparse long hair on the belly and throat. Shiny and soft to the touch. In long-haired dogs there is a small undercoat. Beautiful feathers are formed on the ears, paws, and tail. Shouldn't curl. The color can be any single color or in combinations. The blue color is considered rare and expensive.

Sometimes they sell dogs that fit in a cup. This is not a rarity, but a vice. Such dogs are undernourished and prone to many diseases.

Chihuahuas fall under the FCI#218 standard, adopted in 2004. According to the description, the origin of the breed comes from Mexico, the dogs are classified as companions and miniature dogs. The main feature is an apple-shaped skull, a thin and long tail, and thin long limbs. The nose is short and snub. The jaws are closed in a regular straight or scissor bite without underbites.

The Chihuahua's eyes are huge, protruding, and exhibit an extremely dark tint. Light eyes are not considered a defect, but do not indicate the highest purity of the breed. The Chihuahua's ears are large, rounded, set in different directions, at an angle of 45 degrees to the skull.

If the hair on the body is long, a brush forms on the tail. The dog's body is covered with smooth and elastic skin. If the coat is short, it shines and lies close to the body, is evenly distributed and does not have bald spots. If it is long, it is slightly curly or straightened, there is a small undercoat. The only thing that dogs are not embarrassed about is their color, any color is acceptable.

Longhaired Chihuahua: Description of the breed

The classic description for a long-haired Chihuahua: height at the withers of the dog is from 15 to 23 cm, weight is 1-3 kg. The head is round and has a specific apple shape. The muzzle is wide at the base, tapering towards the nose, short upturned nose, scissor bite. Round, large eyes are usually dark in color. Ears are erect and wide open, “hanging” in different directions at an angle of 45 degrees. The ears are wide at the base and taper towards the tip.

• The neck is of medium length with an impressive frill of wool around it. A developed chest, which at first glance resembles an oval, is not allowed to be overly rounded in a Chihuahua.

This breed has neat, small, oval-shaped paws. Elastic pads with long, rounded claws, toes well spaced. The tail is of medium length, rather thick at the base and gradually tapering towards the tip. The Chihuahua has a characteristic way of holding its tail - it is either curved high or bent in a semicircle, with the tip of the tail facing the lower back.

• Long-haired Chihuahuas have a soft coat that is fibrous and silky to the touch. Their description differs from the shorthair in having longer hair on the chest, tummy, legs, tail and ears.

Color may vary. The most common colors are white, red, black-brown and fawn. Long-haired Chihuahua puppies are most often born gray or dark red in color; after molting, the color may change to fawn or bright red.

Puppy cost

The cost of a long-haired Chihuahua puppy can start from 15,000 rubles. The most expensive individuals cost 100,000 rubles. The price is influenced by the following factors:

• males cost 30% less than females;
• if a pet’s future weight is predicted to be 1.5 kilograms, then it will be sold at much higher prices than heavier dogs;
• The most expensive colors include: brindle, blue, chocolate;

  

  "Chocolate" Chihuahua

• if the baby has ancestors with titles who won various competitions, then this will significantly affect the cost;
• A strong build and thin legs are another fact that directly says that you will have to pay dearly for a dog.

Brief history of origin

The ancestors of the long-haired Chihuahua are ancient dogs that lived in the forests of Mexico. Later they were tamed by the Indians. Soon America was conquered by Europeans. The Indians fled into the forests, taking their tiny pets with them.

In the 19th century, Mexicans began selling miniature dogs to Americans and European tourists who liked the dogs' appearance. Since then, the popularity of Chihuahuas has been growing.

The first exhibition with the participation of Chihuahuas took place in 1884. In 1904, Chihuahuas were registered in the American Stud Book.

Selection rules

First of all, you need to find a good nursery. To do this, it is important to analyze customer reviews.

The puppy's forehead should not be flat (considered a defect). A dog’s strongly elongated muzzle is an indicator of impure blood. Shiny, thick fur and clean skin indicate the health of the dog.

You need to feel the joints and bones of the dog’s limbs. This will eliminate the risk of buying a previously injured dog.

Healthy Chihuahua puppies are:

• cockiness;
• courage;
• activity;
• good appetite.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

You can't take an animal out of pity. This will doom the owner to constantly visit clinics and monitor a sick pet. Not all people can withstand this.

Character traits

They are friendly, cheerful, active and curious dogs. They become attached to all family members, but they always choose one person as their main owner and remain faithful to him.

The Chihuahua always strives to be close to its owner, accompany him everywhere and easily adapts to his lifestyle and mood. When left alone, the dog becomes sad.

They expect the same attitude in return - they need constant attention and care. They strive to achieve them with all their might, sometimes becoming too intrusive.

In general, they get along well with children, but their patience is not unlimited and, if a child accidentally hurts them, they may bite in return.

They get along well with other pets if they grew up together; they treat unfamiliar animals and people with suspicion.

They are brave and courageous and, if necessary, can get into a fight even with larger dogs.

Without proper training , the willful nature of these dogs takes over, and the pet can grow up uncontrollable and aggressive.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

When purchasing a Chihuahua, it is important to understand that small size does not guarantee obedience and lack of aggression. Only proper upbringing and competent training can provide such a guarantee. Long-haired Chihuahuas have a rather loud and ringing bark, with the help of which they notify about all unfamiliar and suspicious sounds, and this is not bad. It’s bad that they can bark for no reason, out of boredom, drawing the owner’s attention to themselves.

Origin of the breed

The most famous historical find associated with this breed is rightfully considered to be images of dogs very similar to Chihuahuas, in the 1850s This event took place in one of the states of Mexico, which is called Chihuahua, a slightly modified transcription of this word became the name for these dogs.

The ancient Indians considered these dogs sacred, they were given all sorts of honors, they took part in rituals and other important social events. However, after the owner of the Techichi (as Chihuahuas were called before their discovery by Europeans) died, the dog was sent to another world after him. Sometimes these dogs were used for culinary purposes; this state of affairs remained until the arrival of the conquistadors in America, after whose triumph over the Indians some representatives of the breed fled into the forests.

At the end of the 19th century, Mexican residents found representatives of this cute breed in the forests and began selling them in markets to Americans, who, due to the unusual appearance of Chihuahuas, bought them for fabulous money and in huge quantities. The first official demonstration of a Chihuahua at a dog show occurred in 1884 in Philadelphia.

This breed first came to the territory of the CIS in 1959. This happened as a result of Fidel Castro’s act of donating a pair of long-haired Chihuahuas to Nikita Khrushchev. The first secretary named the babies Misha and Masha. All further representatives of this breed in Russia descended from these two individuals.

What colors are there?

The most common colors :

• red – red shades of fur from red to light red are allowed, most often it is supplemented with areas of other colors, for example, white;
• black – solid black is rare; black and white is more common.

Chocolate , white , brindle, lilac and blue are also found , but these colors are considered rare.

Can I breed with shorthairs?

Everyone decides the issue of offspring for themselves. Mating of animals with different hair lengths is possible. But it is necessary to take into account that the gene for short hair is dominant and it is likely that from such a mating you will only get puppies with short hair. However, babies with long hair can be obtained if the parents have one recessive gene. Then one of the puppies will have a long coat. The presence of such a gene depends on ancestors.

Difference from smooth-haired dogs

The main difference between this variety is its rather long coat, which makes them more demanding to care for.

Read about other varieties of Chihuahua here.

Fluffy Chihuahuas tolerate cold more easily and can overheat when sitting in the owner’s arms for a long time.

They are also distinguished by seasonal shedding, while the smooth-haired variety sheds throughout the year.