There are many types of Chihuahua breeds, from long-coated dogs with tiny short hairs, which are also similar to smooth-coated dogs, also known as short-haired Chihuahuas. Long-haired Chihuahuas have soft, fine guard hairs that are softer to the touch. Short-haired Chihuahuas actually require very little to no grooming, so you don’t have to overdo it when it comes to their daily grooming and washing. Just regular soap and dog shampoo are enough to keep them clean and free of lice. Long-haired Chihuahua puppies, just like short-haired ones, don’t actually shed as much as you might think, but definitely more than their short-haired counterparts.
While the topic is all about puppies, it should interest you to know that it takes quite a while, up to 24 months, for puppies to develop their full, long coats. Preparations will include things like preparing your house to catch hair when they fall. It’s more of a matter of normal cleaning, especially if there are people in the house who are sensitive to dog hair or even people with respiratory conditions like asthma. It’s a good idea to place a small vacuum near dogs or in places where they are known to roam.
Also, it’s a good idea to purchase a small pair of clippers, as Chihuahuas are notorious for their ragged grooming. Hairs can fall out at different times, and for some owners, who want their dogs to look great, keep a small pair of relatively sharp clipping shears handy. These puppies and long-haired dogs also tend to accumulate a lot of lice within their fur, so it would be a good idea to have a good anti-lice soap or shampoo. Getting rid of lice has a dual purpose. One, it keeps dogs happy and healthy, and prevents them from scratching all over, which means they can’t damage their fur and even scratch themselves from time to time. It also helps prevent lice from covering furniture, which can be a nasty byproduct of their long, shiny fur coats.
While you don’t need a lot of products to keep them in good health, you do need to prepare some shampoos and even a comb would be a good idea for them. Get a lice and mite comb, which helps scrape off excess dry skin and even lice. Caring for long-haired Chihuahuas is fairly easy, as their long fur coats aren’t the longest in the canine world. Their relatively diminutive size also allows them to groom themselves quite easily and quickly, so it doesn’t take much of your time. Talk to a vet for more tips on grooming long-haired Chihuahua puppies.