To The New Owners of a Long coat chihuahua puppy
As you may already know, there are differences between long coat and short coat Chihuahua puppies. The differences don’t stop at coat type. Often times, there are noticeable differences in personality and behavior as well.
Long coats are very often more laid back and easy going than short coat puppies. They have a tendency to be less bouncy and energetic. That’s not to say they are not playful and fun. Our long coat puppies are some of the most fun puppies we’ve ever had. They may just move at a slightly slower pace than the short coat puppies. They may wander around sniffing and exploring everything with great interest and curiosity, instead of zipping around the room just getting a sniff of something here and there.
Long coat puppies may spend lots of time with a particular favorite toy, or engaged in a favorite activity, instead of switching back and forth often.
When you bring your long coat puppy home, he will be a little ball of fluff. You may notice that he likes lying on his back, and possibly may find him sprawled out on his back with his feet sticking out to the sides asleep on the couch. They’re funny and cute little guys, for sure.
You may also find that they shed less and have less dandruff .
Grooming a long coat Chihuahua is easier than grooming most other long coat breeds. Their hair does not just grow and grow. It grows to a certain length and stays there. For this reason, they do not have as much of a problem with matting of their hair. Also, their hair is not nearly as thick as many long coat breeds. They have usually a fairly thin, but long, topcoat and a shorter, thicker undercoat.
In grooming a long coat puppy, you’ll want to bathe regularly to keep his coat good and clean. Usually, no special shampoo is needed. Bathing every 2-3 weeks should be sufficient, unless your puppy likes to roll around in the dirt, which many of them do. In that case, perhaps a once weekly bath may be needed, but be careful not to bathe too often. If you bathe too often, you run the risk of drying out your puppy’s skin. Also, your long coat should be brushed every day or two. Be sure to choose a brush that will penetrate his undercoat to remove loose hair.
Around 3-4 months of age, your long coat puppy will “blow his coat.” He will do it again around 6-9 months of age. What this means is that you may see more shedding than normal, or the hair may appear to be breaking off in the middle or falling out altogether. This is normal and they all do it. They are loosing their puppy coat and growing in their adult coat, which will be longer, sleeker and less fluffy. Your puppy may look a bit unusual during this stage, but not to worry. He’ll be a gorgeous long coat when it’s all over.
Bear in mind also that long coat Chihuahuas do have a variety of coat lengths and textures. Very few are wirehaired, but we have seen a few that are. Some have shorter hair on their backs, with longer hair down their hindquarters and legs, or around their neck. Some just have “feathers” around the neck and ears and down their legs. It’s impossible to tell exactly what your long coat puppy will look like until after he has blown his coat and his adult coat has come in fully.
Finally, long coat Chihuahuas, like all Chihuahuas, make wonderful, loyal companions and exceptional family members. We’re sure you’ll enjoy watching your puppy develop into a beautiful long coat Chihuahua