🐶 Dog · short coat

Coat care: Chihuahua

Two varieties – one with a short, soft, close-lying, glossy coat and one with a long, soft, straight or slightly wavy coat with feathering.

The Chihuahua comes in two varieties that differ only in their coat. The smooth coat has a soft, close-lying, glossy short coat, while the long coat has a soft, straight or slightly wavy coat with feathering on the ears, legs and tail. The smooth coat is kept in order with a quick brush once a week, while the long coat needs brushing several times a week so it does not tangle. Both varieties shed moderately and need thorough drying after a bath.

🛁 Bathing

Smooth coats – when needed, when they get dirty or start to smell; long coats – usually once or twice a month, depending on how much time they spend outdoors. Dilute concentrated shampoos according to the label and dry the dog thoroughly.

🪮 Brushing

Smooth coat – once a week with a rubber grooming glove or a soft-bristle brush. Long coat – two or three times a week with a pin brush with metal pins or a slicker brush and a metal comb, paying attention behind the ears, to the feathering on the legs and to the tail.

🍂 Shedding and coat change

Both varieties shed moderately through the year, and in dogs with a thicker undercoat shedding may increase at the change of seasons. Brush more often then, especially the long coat, so that it does not tangle.

Tips for home

  • Wipe the eyes once or twice a week with a damp cloth if tears or discharge collect.
  • Check the ears regularly and remove accumulated wax and dirt from the visible part.
  • Trim the nails regularly.
  • Brush the long coat before bathing so that tangles do not tighten.

Shampoos and conditioners for Chihuahua

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe a Chihuahua?

A smooth-coated Chihuahua needs a bath only when necessary – when it gets dirty or starts to smell. A long-coated one is usually bathed once or twice a month, depending on how much time it spends outdoors. Dilute the shampoo according to the label, rinse well and dry the dog thoroughly so that it does not get cold after the bath.

Do Chihuahuas shed?

Yes, both varieties shed moderately. For the smooth coat, brushing once a week with a rubber grooming glove or a soft brush is enough to remove loose hairs. The long coat needs brushing two or three times a week, which both removes loose hair and prevents tangling. If you notice patchy thinning of the coat, consult a vet.

What brush should I use on a long-coated Chihuahua?

For a long-coated Chihuahua, a pin brush with metal pins or a soft slicker brush is suitable, followed by a metal comb to check for any remaining tangles. Brush two or three times a week, paying attention behind the ears, to the feathering on the legs, the britches and the tail. For the smooth-coated variety, a rubber grooming glove or a soft-bristle brush is enough.

Care for other breeds

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This advice is general. For skin or ear problems, consult a vet.