Grooming the long coat of the Long-haired Chihuahua

The Long-haired Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character and a beautiful, soft coat. That long, silky coat gives the little dog an elegant appearance, but also requires regular grooming. Fortunately, this breed isn’t as prone to tangles as some other long-haired breeds, so coat care is relatively straightforward if you stick to a few simple habits.

What does the Long-haired Chihuahua’s coat look like?

Contrary to what the name suggests, the coat of the long-haired variety is not extremely long. The hair is fine, soft and slightly wavy, with longer feathering on the ears, legs and tail and longer breeches. There is often some downy fur under the belly and behind the ears. This structure means that the coat is less prone to tangling than in breeds with a thick undercoat, but regular grooming is still necessary to keep the dog looking well-groomed.

Brushing: how often and with what?

Brushing two to three times a week is sufficient for most Long-haired Chihuahuas. Use a soft brush or a wide-toothed comb to remove loose hairs and early-stage tangles. Pay particular attention to the sensitive areas behind the ears, under the armpits and around the tail, as this is where tangles form most quickly. Work gently and in small sections so as not to cause the dog any unnecessary discomfort, and reward him during and after brushing so that he comes to see it as a pleasant experience.

• Use a soft, fine-bristled brush suitable for small breeds
• Gently comb through the feathering on the ears and tail
• Check regularly for tangles behind the ears and under the armpits
• Ideally, brush at a quiet time of day

Washing and drying

A Long-haired Chihuahua does not need to be bathed very often; once every four to six weeks is usually enough, unless it has become visibly dirty. Always use a mild dog shampoo, as this small breed’s skin can be prone to irritation. Rinse the coat thoroughly to prevent any shampoo residue and pat the dog dry with a towel after washing. As Chihuahuas cool down quickly, it is advisable to keep them warm after a bath, perhaps using a hairdryer on a low setting, until the coat is completely dry.

Cutting and trimming

Most owners simply let their Long-haired Chihuahua’s coat grow, as it does not naturally grow excessively long. However, it can be a good idea to trim the hair between the pads of the paws and around the anus from time to time for hygiene reasons. Some owners choose to trim the coat around the ears slightly if it becomes too heavy. For nail clipping and keeping the ears clean, you may wish to visit a grooming salon, especially if you find it difficult to do this yourself.

Keep an eye on their skin and coat

Brushing is a good time to check your dog’s skin for redness, flaking, bumps or signs of fleas and ticks. A healthy coat is glossy and free from bald patches. If you notice excessive hair loss, itching or a dull coat, this may indicate a dietary problem, an allergy or a skin condition. If in doubt, always consult a vet so that any underlying causes can be identified and treated in good time.