Long Haired Chihuahua – A Complete Breed Guide
Need a small lap dog? Then you can take a look at the long haired Chihuahua. They are the smallest dogs globally, and you can pamper them as much as you like.
You will greatly underestimate them if you only take them as a lap dog. Although they may look cute with all that long hair on their body, the long haired Chihuahua is a loyal breed with a big heart that loves and protects their pack wholeheartedly.
They are just as enthusiastic as they are playful. There are different shapes of these dogs with different colors and coat types.
These dogs may look tiny; they are equally capable of walking and running and are agile like most other dogs.
These dogs weigh 6 to 9 inches, and they have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, so if you want a four-legged companion who looks cute but is quite mature and loyal on the inside, you can consider bringing home a long haired chihuahua puppy.
Long Haired Chihuahua Overview
Here is a brief overview of this particular breed of dog. If you plan to bring home one of them, this article may help you with their primary information.
Long Haired Chihuahua Origin
Although there is a debate regarding its origin, the Chihuahua with long hairs probably originates from Techichi, an ancient dog from the Mesoamerican era.
According to another hypothesis, the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec civilizations revered this type of Chihuahua as a guardian.
Also, the second hypothesis claims that the Mesoamerican Techichi probably had bred with the Chinese crested dog or the Maltese. As a result, the Chihuahua has an Asian, European breed.
The name of the breed Chihuahua probably comes from the famous Mexican city.
Here is a short profile of the long haired Chihuahua-
| Size | 6 to 9 inches |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 years |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Class | Mammal |
| Genus | Canis |
| Family | Canidae |
| Weight | 3 to 6 lb |
| Suitable For | Adults |
| Breed Type | Toy |
| Purpose | Companion |
| Colors | brown, tan, red, black, white, blue and cream |
| Different Names | Long haired Chi |
| Temperament | Loyal, adorable, playful, tenacious and mischievous. |
Long Haired Chihuahua Puppy
The long haired chihuahua puppies are adorable and popular. Unfortunately, their popularity is their kryptonite.
Amateur, unprofessional backyard breeders breed this specific chihuahua creed for their profit. Their way of breeding is opposed to the health, pedigree, and adherence to the breed’s standards.
Long haired Chihuahua Foods
Whether you have a black Long haired Chihuahua or a brown long haired chihuahua, you need to give them the food they need for healthy growth. Like most dogs, the long haired chi needs food rich in fat, proteins, and vitamins.
Chihuahuas have a faster metabolism, so they may need food frequently. However, if there is a lack of calories, they may develop hypoglycemia. This disease makes them weak and lazy, and they might die in severe cases.
So, here is a type of diet that you can set for your chi-
- They need high-quality protein ( meat, fish, or poultry)
- They need slightly higher than average amounts of fats.
- It would be best to offer them only the digestible carbohydrate.
- It would be better to keep away foods with artificial synthetic dyes, flavors, and preservatives.
- Say no to synthetic supplements.
If you are looking for a small, furry friend to bring home as your pet, then you can check out the Maltipoo.
Long-haired Chihuahua apperance and size
Long-haired Chihuahuas are tiny bundles of charm with a luxurious twist on the classic Chihuahua look. Here’s a breakdown of their appearance and size:
Size:
They are Miniature marvels and share the same size range as their smooth-coated counterparts, firmly holding the title of one of the smallest dog breeds. You can expect them to stand between 6 and 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Also, these little guys typically weigh between 3 and 6 pounds, with males on the slightly bigger side.
Appearance:
Just like their short-haired relatives, long-haired Chihuahuas have large, round eyes that come in various colors, adding to their expressive charm. Their heads come in two main styles – “apple dome” with a rounded head and “deer head” with a longer, slightly pointed muzzle. Both are perfectly acceptable according to breed standards.
Their ears can be perky and erect or floppy and bat-like, adding to their individuality. The crowning glory and their most distinctive feature is their long, silky coat. It can be straight or slightly wavy and comes in a vast array of colors and combinations, including black, white, fawn, cream, red, brown, and even merle (though not recognized by all kennel clubs).
Long Haired Chihuahua Temperament
You will be happy with this chihuahua if you are an adult looking for an adorable companion. They are just as loyal as they are loving. As a pet, they will try to protect you with every fur on their skin.
The long haired chihuahua is the happiest when they are on your lap; they deeply miss you if you leave them for a long time. So, be careful not to leave them for a long time; otherwise, they may become quite destructive and rowdy.
They are attention seekers and love to stay around adults who love and care for them. If you have a smaller place and live in cities, you can have one of these chihuahuas thrive alongside you.
They love to play, but these little dogs are short-tempered, and they can only stay calm and mannered around adult owners. They don’t like rough play, and they are also not too friendly with children.
Read more to know who is the second most lovable dog in America – A complete breed profile.
Long-haired chihuahua lifespan and health issues
The good news is that long-haired Chihuahuas can enjoy a long and happy life, with an average lifespan ranging from 14 to 16 years. Some exceptional Chihuahuas, with proper care and good genes, can even live up to 20 years.
Like all breeds, long-haired Chihuahuas are predisposed to certain health issues. These are as follows.
- Dental problems: Small dogs like Chihuahuas are prone to dental disease due to overcrowding of teeth in their small mouths. Regular dental cleanings and proper dental hygiene are crucial
- Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps): This condition can cause lameness and pain.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): This can be a concern, especially in puppies, and requires monitoring symptoms and immediate action if they occur.
- Heart disease: While not exclusive to Chihuahuas, valvular heart disease is a potential concern, especially as they age.
- Obesity: Being tiny doesn’t mean they can’t pack on the pounds! Overweight Chihuahuas are at risk for various health problems, so maintaining a healthy weight is important.
Here are some things you can do to ensure that your Chihuahua lives a happy, long and healthy life.
- Regular veterinary checkups: Scheduling regular checkups with your veterinarian allows for early detection and treatment of any potential health issues.
- Balanced diet: Feeding your Chihuahua a high-quality diet appropriate for their size and activity level is essential for good health.
- Exercise: Don’t let their small size fool you! Chihuahuas still need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
By providing your long-haired Chihuahua with proper care, love, and attention, you can help them live a long and healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many popularly asked questions about the long haired chihuahua. If you found this article interesting and still have some more queries, you can follow the below questions-
What Is The Temperament Of A Long Haired Chihuahua?
These dogs have a loyal, loving, and protective nature. Although they do love to play, they have a short temper. They don’t love rough play. If you are an adult and want a small furry dog to keep around you, then you can indeed have this breed of chihuahua around.
No, they are not. Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic, and you may fall sick if you have allergies to dogs. Although you may live with a chihuahua and have an allergy with a different approach, it is better to look for a hypoallergenic dog.
Chihuahuas have lived for around 15 to 20 years. If you want to keep this lifespan, you need to ensure proper care of the dog.
The chihuahuas are a small breed of dogs, and they don’t get much bigger. Generally, they grow 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh around 2.7 kg when fully grown.
Would You Like This Dog?
The long-haired chihuahua breed is a very beautiful breed. If you are looking for a color option, I would personally recommend the white long-haired chihuahua. Their playfulness and loyalty are definitely going to attract you. However, note that their temperament is better suited for a household with teenagers or an adults-only home. Another great thing about this breed is that you can keep them around for 15 to 20 years of their lifespan.
So, did you like this dog? I have provided all the necessary information about this breed to help you decide whether to have them or not. Did I miss any information? Do let me know if you find this dog suitable for you and plan to buy one.
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