Chihuahuas are famous feisty dogs. Despite being so tiny, they have ginormous personalities. They are the national symbol of Mexico and have been around since ancient pre-Columbian times.
Chihuahuas come in quite an array of colors and patterns and can be short or long haired. Just below are a few of the haircuts and grooming styles that you can consider for your long-haired Chihuahua.
Before We Get Started
It’s vital to note that many long-haired Chihuahuas are double coated, which means you shouldn’t shave them. Double-coated dogs have a short but soft and dense undercoat and an outercoat that is longer and harsher in texture than the undercoat.
Both coats grow independently and at different lengths from each other, and they work together to insulate dogs in the winter and keep them cool in the summer.
This is why it’s a big problem to shave a double-coated dog: It damages both the outer and undercoats, and it can take years for the entire coat to grow back to where it should be. In some cases, it will never grow back the same.
Without that extra layer of fur, your dog will be susceptible to sunburns and potentially skin cancer. So, with a long-haired Chihuahua, it’s best to stick with trims, and the top coat should always be left at least 1/2 an inch longer than the undercoat.
The following haircuts and styles will work for double-coated long-haired Chihuahua.
Maintenance Between Grooming Sessions
Maintenance Between Grooming SessionsIf you want to keep your pup fresh between trims, invest in a gentle yet effective dog shampoo. A regular at-home grooming schedule will keep their dander and shedding at bay in addition to hydrating their skin and keeping their fur fluffy.
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The 5 Adorable Long-Haired Chihuahua Haircuts
1. Show Cut
The show cut is designed to show off the glorious long-coated Chihuahua. This cut is typical of what a dog owner will request when they need to enter their pup into a dog show.
This trim enhances the Chihuahua’s appearance by shaping the front and hindquarters and fluffing up the tail.
2. Just a Little Off the Top
Just like how it sounds, a bit of a trim is all that’s needed at times. This can include shaving the hair between the paw pads and trimming the excess hair around their paws.
The tail can get trimmed, and some groomers might trim a bit of the hair on the underbelly and the feathered hair on the backs of the legs. The aim is just an overall neatening up without losing any length.
3. Lion Cut
The Lion Cut isn’t ideal, but it could work as long as the dog’s body isn’t completely shaved down and the top coat is left with at least 1 inch of hair.
The tail has a puff of hair on the end, and the head, shoulders, and part of the chest are left extra long, which gives the dog that lion’s mane effect.
4. Puppy Cut
The puppy cut is a simple cut that breaks the coat down to 1 to 2 inches of hair over the entire body.
If you opt for a haircut like this one, ensure that the undercoat is left alone and that the outer coat is still at least 1 inch longer than the undercoat.
5. Au Naturel
Allowing your Chihuahua to go natural isn’t exactly a haircut, but it’s more about regularly grooming your dog.
If you brush your dog several times a week and ensure that the undercoat doesn’t become matted, having your dog’s hair trimmed might not be necessary.
Regular grooming will keep your Chihuahua healthy and comfortable and reinforce the bond between you.
How to Groom Your Long-Haired Chihuahua
Bathing
Taking good care of your Chi’s coat will result in a happy pup. Bathing your dog should be done about once a month at a maximum, or every 3 months, depending on if they get into something stinky or sticky.
Start by brushing them thoroughly to remove excess debris and hair and any mats. Place a towel or rubber mat in a basin or the bathtub so your dog won’t slip, and wet them down using lukewarm water.
Work dog shampoo into the coat, and avoid getting it in their eyes (some groomers use dog wipes to cleanse the face). Once they are rinsed, dry them with a towel, and then shield yourself with said towel when your Chi shakes off the water!
You can dry your dog with a hairdryer set to the coolest and lowest setting or allow them to air dry if it’s warm in the house or outside.
Brushing
You can use a slicker or pin brush to brush your long-haired Chihuahua’s coat, but only brush the coat when your Chi is dry. Thoroughly brush them, ensuring that you reach the undercoat.
If there are mats, you can use a rake, but the slicker brush can be quite effective at removing them. Just be careful not to use it on your dog’s skin, as it might scratch.
Also, get small grooming tools, particularly brushes, since your dog is tiny.
Everything Else
These are the tasks to do after bathing and regular brushing. They include trimming your dog’s nails, which should be cut every 3 to 4 weeks. If you hear your Chi’s nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
If you’re uncertain about trimming your dog’s nails or are uncomfortable doing so, consult a veterinarian for guidance.
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You should also clean their ears once a month, which is something that you can do on bath day. This will remove excess wax and help you stay on top of any potential problems like ear mites or infections.
Brushing your dog’s teeth should be done daily, but three times a week is enough at the very least. Using the right supplies and approaching it in a fun way can make this an enjoyable experience for your Chi.
Final Thoughts
Trimming your long-haired Chihuahua’s coat is fine, as long as you keep the top coat longer than the undercoat. One of the only times that it’s okay to shave down a double-coated dog is if they are completely matted or if there’s an issue with parasites.
You can save money by doing the grooming yourself. If you’re diligent in ensuring that your Chi is brushed frequently and otherwise kept clean, they will look adorable and feel comfortable in their gorgeous long coat.
Featured Image Credit: Sonia Dubois, Shutterstock
