I have a Long-haired Chihuahua named “Lucky” who is eight years old. Lucky is my 6th dog, not my first, but he’s the best dog I’ve ever interacted with. He is gentle, Kind, Loving, and Patient. He loves me so much in a way that no dog has ever loved me. I learned almost everything about this breed during this awesome journey with my Long-Haired Chihuahua. I had many troubles with my cute little chi, so I am here to describe 19 facts I have experienced while parenting this pup.
History of the Long-Haired Chihuahua
The Chihuahua gets its name from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The first breed came from there in the 1850s, and later, by 1890, they were shown in exhibitions. From this state, the Chihuahua was first exported to America. Chihuahuas were a favorite for women who carried them in their purses.
There is no clear evidence, but some believe that the Chihuahua is a crossbreed between the Techichi, a small dog which was an important part of Toltec and Aztec cultures, and a small-sized hairless dog from Asia. The Techichi was a pet for wealthy people and was somewhat mute, not known for barking, whereas the Chihuahua is quite the opposite.
There are two types of Chihuahuas, the long-haired and short-haired, which are the same breed, with the only difference being their coat.
As of 2021, Chihuahuas ranked 37th on the list of the most popular dog breeds.
19 Interesting Facts
Fact 1: Long-haired Chihuahuas Aggressiveness
The main reason why everyone says Long-Haired Chihuahuas are Aggressive and Mean devil dogs is because they don’t train them, and eventually, they push their boundaries and make fun of them for their toy size. Don’t do that.
But, Yes. It is their nature to be aggressive and mean.
They show their aggression due to several factors. They may exhibit aggression if:
- They are frustrated.
- They are not healthy.
- Needing more exercise.
- They needed to receive the attention they needed.
- Lack of Socialization.
- Little dog syndrome.
One more thing behind their aggressiveness is, that some owners leave their furry alone at home without proper mental stimulation and supplements, leading to boredom and anxiety for Long Haired Chihuahuas.
Explore: How Long Can You Leave a Dog Home Alone? Puppy Adult Senior
If one can solve these issues, There is hardly any chance that his Long-haired Chihuahua will behave aggressively.
My Long-Haired Chihuahua was never aggressive but fearful when we went out in public and new people came over. He wanted to play with people, but he was very scared, and due to his frightening behavior, he behaved aggressively. When he got older, he made friends with both humans and dogs.
Wanna know how I Solve the issue?
Read: 10 Techniques to Calm a Dog Down from Hyperactive Behaviour.
Fact 2: Dental Health Issues of Long-haired Chihuahua
One of the big health concerns with Long-Haired Chihuahuas is dental hygiene. Because Long Haired Chihuahuas have small mouths and crowded teeth, they may be more prone to dental issues if proper oral care is not maintained. Not maintaining dental health is one of the things owners should never do.
Regular brushing, dental treats, and professional dental cleanings are important for maintaining good dental hygiene in Long-Haired Chihuahuas and preventing dental problems.
Tip For First-time owners, consider using dental products like water additives, Greenies, and Dentastix to help maintain their dogs’ dental health.
Fact 3: Long-haired Chihuahuas are Apartment Dogs
According to the American Kennel Club, the Height of Long-haired Chihuahua is between 5 and 8 inches. Long-haired Chihuahuas love to stay in the apartment with their owner. They are tiny, so they don’t require much space compared to large dog breeds. Making them suitable for first-time owners.
Also Explore: Are Chihuahuas Good for First-time Owners?
Long-haired Chihuahuas burn their energy in a small space. So, they are suitable options for people who live in an apartment with less space. They are small enough for almost any apartment.
Long-haired Chihuahuas always require their owner’s companionship; they don’t require more than that. As long they are in their owner’s lap, they are the happiest in the world of dogs.
But Long-Haired Chihuahuas bark a lot, so if you live with sound restrictions in an apartment, maintaining them will be difficult. But don’t worry—with proper training, it is very easy to control their vocal.
Fact 4: Daily Exercise Requirements of Long-haired Chihuahua
Despite their compact size, 15-20 minutes of daily exercise is non-negotiable for long-haired Chihuahuas. A walk can be perfect for them.
Personally, I aim for 8,000 steps every day. There are multiple types of exercise you can provide your Long-haired Chihuahua
1. Walking.
2. Fetch
3. Tug-Of-War
4. Swimming
5. Mental stimulation through puzzle and Obedience training.
Without enough exercise and Mental Stimulation, Long-haired Chihuahuas may feel boredom and often behave aggressively. So, It is essential to maintain exercise. However, some owners may use dog parks for exercise, but they forget their Chihuahua’s tiny size. Dog parks are not suitable for puppies and tiny breeds. For more details, Why Puppies and Dog Parks Don’t Mix?
Fact 5: Patience Required for Full Coat Growth
Patience is a virtue, especially when waiting for your Long-Haired Chihuahua coat to mature fully. It takes approximately 2.5 years to grow a full coat.
But it is worth waiting that long because after growing a full jacket, a Long Haired Chihuahua looks awesome and can turn your mood as soon as you see him.
Fact 6: Rare Blue Eyes of Long-haired Chihuahua
The most special thing about Long-haired Chihuahuas is their Blue eyes. It’s very rare, and only 5% of Long-haired Chihuahuas have that feature, which looks amazing with their coat.
You have to be the luckiest to get one of those.
Fact 7: Long-haired Chihuahuas are Sensitive to Cold Weather
Cold weather is a threat to Long-haired Chihuahuas. They need extra care and attention in the cold seasons. You need to give them sweaters and faux fur blankets. Additionally, their feet can get cold, so investing in boots is necessary. It’s important to ensure they stay warm and healthy during the cold season.
However, this is not true for all Long-haired Chihuahuas. Because I live in the North, where it is cold, despite that coldness, my Long-haired Chihuahua stays healthy by wearing only one sweater. Sometimes, he doesn’t even need sweaters, either. So, it varies. Every dog’s genetics is different.
Fact 8: Intelligent and Smartness Of Long-haired Chihuahua
One of the Pros of Adopting a Chihuahua is they are Intelligent and Smart. Never underestimate Long-Haired Chihuahua dogs by their toy size. Long-haired Chihuahuas are the smartest and most intelligent dog breed I have ever had. They understand things quickly. They are capable of learning everything if you give them proper training.
As they are very intelligent, they want to be dominant over people, so you have to be careful while training them. Also, to maintain their intelligence, you have to provide enough food and fresh water in routine wise.
Examples of their Intelligence
When I adopted my Long-haired Chihuahua, he was about nine weeks old. I started training him immediately. Surprisingly, he learned every command very quickly. He is so intelligent that he learnt 8 words with Dog Talking Buttons within 3 months. This is insane feelings for me to have this breed.
Explore: How Dog Talking Buttons Work? Benefits, Challenges & Tips.
I used to instruct him to do the same commands every day before introducing something new. After two or three days, he did everything without my instructions because he needed the treats faster.
Another thing is that You can train Long-haired Chihuahuas to ask for help.
For experimentation, one day, I jumped into the pool and acted like I didn’t know how to swim. When he noticed, he instantly ran for help, approaching one of my brothers, pulling his shirt, and getting him to the pool.
It feels overwhelming to me to own a Long-haired Chihuahua. It’s a blessing for me.
Fact 9: Long-haired Chihuahuas are Good Watchdogs
Long-haired Chihuahuas are very protective of their owners even if they are tiny and that makes them good watchdogs.
They naturally don’t trust strangers and stay alert when they meet other dogs or people. They ensure that their owner is safe. My Long Haired Chihuahua barks at every unknown person entering my home. He also checks our car before going for a drive. If he sees any creatures there, he chases them or barks frequently. Also, it depends on some environmental factors that shape their behavior.
Despite their small size, they ensure their owner’s safety and never fear getting head-to-head with other dogs.
Fact 10: Long-haired Chihuahuas are Yappy
Some Long-haired Chihuahuas are yappy. They bark and growl at everyone.
For instance, in puppyhood, when we visited the park with our Long-haired Chihuahua, he used to growl at every single dog we met in the park and didn’t want to play with them. If he got unleashed, he started chasing the dogs that were bigger than him. But as days passed by, he became more mature and started to behave gently to everyone.
There can be many factors for Long-haired Chihuahuas becoming yappy, such as lack of socialization, lack of daily exercise, little dog syndrome, and health issues. But, Some of them are as gentle and calm as Golden Mountain Doodles and Shiloh Shepherds genetically. The behaviors vary actually.
Therefore, you have to figure out the issue and then take steps for his betterment. Consulting with a professional trainer can help the situation.
Fact 11: Long-haired Chihuahua Seeks Attention
Long-haired Chihuahuas thrive on spending time with their loving owners. They strongly prefer cuddling and seek attention over interactions with other dogs. However, their desire for attention can sometimes lead to naughty behavior as they strive to capture your focus solely on them. However, owners can fix this attention-seeking behavior by Negative Reinforcement Method.
In households, If you have a Second Chihuahua or other pets, Long Haired Chihuahuas may engage in conflicts, despite their small size, as they assert their need for attention. With their expressive personalities, they actively seek to be heard and acknowledged by their owners.
Fact 12: Molera of Long-haired Chihuahua
The puppies of Long-Haired Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot on their head, similar to what babies have. It’s called a “Molera.” As they grow, this spot usually closes up and becomes hard.
Fact 13: Long-Haired Chihuahuas are Risky with Children
Long-haired Chihuahuas are very tiny and sized between 6 and 9 inches. Due to their tiny size, children may hurt them unwillingly. They tend to have a soft spot for children. It’s true that if a child gets a little too rough, Long-haired Chihuahuas may become bothered and can show aggression.
Children who understand how to play safely with small dogs can be suitable companions for Long-haired Chihuahuas.
However, It is advisable that you shouldn’t adopt long-haired Chihuahuas if you have younger children at home.
Fact 14: Long-haired Chihuahuas are Excellent Travel Companions
Long-haired Chihuahuas are excellent travel companions because of their small size and adaptability. They remain calm and enjoy the trip with their owner.
There is a common problem with small dog breeds like Long-haired Chihuahuas. They have a small bladder comparatively. That’s why they need to urinate more frequently. That can cause a huge problem while using public transportation. However, with proper training, some Long-haired Chihuahuas can hold their urine for a long time.
From my point of view, Long-Haired Chihuahuas are the best travel companions because they don’t require much space to live comfortably, and they can adapt to any situation. While traveling from one city to another, finding a Hotel or Apartment with much space and playground facilities is tough. So, having a dog like a Long-haired Chihuahua is a blessing for travelers.
They also require less regular exercise, which can be done in any situation.
Overall, If you often travel, then Long-haired Chihuahuas are for you without any doubt.
Fact 15: Long-haired Chihuahuas Grooming and Shedding Requirements
Like every dog, shedding varies with the seasons. Long-haired Chihuahuas coats shed more in warmer months than in other months. Thinner hairs are shed in cooler months to make room for a thicker coat.
Long-haired Chihuahuas are easy to groom and keep clean. Start grooming them from a young age so that they will get used to it. Their nails grow so fast, so keep an eye on that.
The most important grooming is bathing. It should be done once every three months unless the Chihuahua travels a lot or plays outdoors. If so, then they need frequent bathing.
Fact 16: Long-haired Chihuahuas Life Span
One of the best things about Long Haired Chihuahuas is their long life. According to Purina, They live between 12 and 20 years.
Therefore, if you’re committing to getting a long-haired Chihuahua, you must be ready for a long-term commitment filled with years of companionship and love. Don’t worry, they are the most loving pooches.
Fact 17: Long-haired Chihuahuas are One-Person Dog
These Long-Haired Chihuahuas tend to develop fierce loyalty and a strong, loving bond with a single person.
There is a negative side for becoming one person dog. It makes Long-haired Chihuahua so aggressive and mean to others.
For example: When I brought my Long-haired Chihuahua home, he felt unsafe and uncomfortable with others, and because of that, he always behaved rough and tough toward other family members. However, after days passes by he felt safe with my family members and never behaves aggressively.
Therefore, with proper training and socialization, Long-haired Chihuahuas will love everyone with all their heart.
Fact 18: Talkative Nature of Long-haired Chihuahua
Long-haired Chihuahuas are among the vocal breeds. They often use their vocal to communicate with humans and other creatures. They use their vocal to indicate their presence and get too loud when they require something.
For instance, My Long-Haired Chihuahua has some vocal variations appropriate to his needs.
For instance: When he needs food, he always goes to the kitchen, barking and wagging his tail. He growls in front of the door when he needs to go outside to let me know. He growls and barks simultaneously when he is frustrated and angry.
Because of their talkative nature, spending time with long-haired Chihuahuas is very enjoyable. Sometimes, they get too vocal, but we can fix their verbal level with proper training.
Fact 19: Sleeping On Clothes
Long-haired Chihuahuas tend to sleep on clothes. They seek for soft, warm places to sleep. There are some more reasons why Long-haired Chihuahuas Sleep on clothes are –
1. If Long-haired Chihuahuas feel Loneliness and Boredom
2. Suffering from Anxiety or Stress
3. Suffering from Separation Anxiety
4. Medical Concerns
However, behavioral training, and other techniques mentioned in Why Does My Dog Sleep On My Clothes and How to Break article can help you.
#Frequently Asked Questions
Do Long-haired Chihuahuas shed?
Like every dog, shedding varies with the seasons. Long-haired Chihuahuas coats shed more in warmer months than in other months. Thinner hairs are shed in cooler months to make room for a thicker coat.
You can’t stop the shedding completely, but you can reduce it by keeping your Long-Haired Chihuahua well-groomed and healthy.
How to prevent Long-Haired Chihuahuas from shedding?
Keep in mind that a better nutrition diet is not going to stop your Long-Haired Chihuahuas from shedding completely. In that case, you can add Omega-3 fatty acids to their diet. Olive oil and Flaxseed Oil are rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which improve dry, flaky skin, create a soft-smooth coat, and prevent the fur from falling out.
How much is a Long-Haired Chihuahua?
A Long Haired Chihuahua pup in the USA will cost between 500$ and 1200$.
In New Zealand, will cost between 1200$ and 2000$.
So, the price is vary form country to country.
How long do Long-Haired Chihuahuas live?
Long-Haired Chihuahuas have an impressive lifespan. They live between 12 and 20 years.
Are Long-Haired Chihuahuas hypoallergenic?
Chihuahuas aren’t usually seen as hypoallergenic. Despite their short coats, which might create less dander compared to breeds with longer hair, they do shed. Like all dogs, they produce allergens.
This means people allergic to dogs might still have allergic reactions around Chihuahuas. However, how strong these reactions are can differ between individuals.
A tip: Giving your Chihuahua fatty acids or supplements like fish oil could help decrease inflammation or even prevent allergic reactions.
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