Chihuahua (Long Coat)

The Long Coat Chihuahua is the longer-coated variety of the Chihuahua breed, registered by the Kennel Club in the Toy Group alongside the Smooth Coat. The two varieties are identical in breed standard and temperament, differing only in coat length and texture. The Long Coat has a soft, flat or slightly wavy coat with feathering on the ears, legs and tail that gives the breed a distinctly elegant appearance.

Everything that defines the Chihuahua as a breed applies equally to both varieties: the bold, loyal temperament; the fierce devotion to their person; the confidence that bears no relationship to their physical size; and the significant predisposition to dental disease that makes daily toothbrushing the most important single management investment for any Chihuahua owner.

The Long Coat variety requires slightly more grooming than the Smooth Coat, though it is not a high-maintenance coat by small-breed standards. Brushing two to three times per week, professional grooming every eight to twelve weeks, and checking for debris after outdoor walks is the full grooming routine.

Socialisation during the critical 8 to 16 week window is as important for the Long Coat as for any Chihuahua. The breed's tendency toward reactive, anxious behaviour in unfamiliar situations is almost always a product of insufficient early socialisation rather than anything intrinsic to the breed.

Cold sensitivity applies to the Long Coat just as to the Smooth variety. The longer coat provides some additional insulation but not enough to make outdoor activity in cold UK weather comfortable without a dog coat.

Purchase prices from KC-registered breeders range from £500 to £1,500. Monthly running costs of £75 to £130 are modest, though dental treatment is a recurring cost across a 12 to 20 year lifespan. The Chihuahua Club of Great Britain and Chihuahua Rescue and Transport UK are the primary contacts for breed information and rescue. For owners who invest in early socialisation and daily dental care, the Long Coat Chihuahua is a devoted, engaging and remarkably long-lived companion.

For owners who invest in early socialisation and daily dental care, the Long Coat Chihuahua is a devoted, gentle and remarkably long-lived companion. Its slightly softer presentation compared to the Smooth Coat, combined with the same depth of loyalty and personality, makes it one of the most appealing choices in the toy breed category. Commit to the dental care, socialise thoroughly, and this breed will return the investment across a 12 to 20 year partnership.

The Long Coat Chihuahua has the same characterful, bold, loyal temperament as the Smooth Coat. The differences between the two are entirely coat-related; in character, they are the same breed.

They form close, intense bonds with their person or family, following them through the house and seeking physical proximity. They are affectionate, engaged and perceptive dogs.

Their confidence can tip into reactivity if socialisation has been insufficient. A Long Coat Chihuahua that has been well socialised and positively trained is an easy, engaging companion. One that has not can be anxious, vocal and difficult in public.

They are alert dogs that will bark to announce visitors. This can be managed but not eliminated. In shared housing, this is worth considering.

Overall, the Long Coat Chihuahua is a rewarding companion with a gentle, slightly softer presentation than the Smooth Coat but the same depth of personality.

Long Coat Chihuahuas share the training priorities of the Smooth Coat variety. Positive reinforcement from day one; socialisation during the critical window; dental care as a daily routine.

Four priorities for a new Long Coat Chihuahua owner:

1. Socialisation. Comprehensive positive exposure during the 8 to 16 week window. Under-socialised Chihuahuas become reactive, anxious dogs.
2. Dental care routine. Daily toothbrushing from day one. Non-negotiable.
3. Recall and lead manners. Chihuahuas will challenge larger dogs. Reliable recall and loose-lead walking are safety priorities.
4. Basic obedience. Short, positive reinforcement sessions.

Common mistakes: Carrying the dog to avoid uncomfortable interactions rather than building genuine socialisation. The carried dog learns nothing useful and develops avoidance as its only strategy.

Long Coat Chihuahuas share the exercise requirements of the Smooth Coat variety: modest, achievable, and easily met for most owners.

Adult Long Coat Chihuahuas: 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily, delivered as one or two short walks plus indoor play. Most get adequate activity through household movement and purposeful short walks.

Mental stimulation: Trick training, puzzle feeders and short obedience sessions suit the breed's intelligence well.

Cold sensitivity: Long Coat Chihuahuas still require a well-fitting dog coat in cold or wet conditions despite having more coat than the Smooth variety. Their tiny size means they chill rapidly.

Coat after walks: Check the longer coat for debris, grass seeds and tangles after outdoor exercise, particularly in undergrowth.

The Long Coat Chihuahua carries the same health risks as the Smooth Coat variety. The coat type does not affect the underlying health profile.

Dental disease is the most prevalent health issue. Daily toothbrushing from puppyhood is the most important preventive measure.

Luxating Patella is common in small breeds. Ask breeders about parental patella grades.

Hydrocephalus occurs at elevated rates in the breed.

Hypoglycaemia is a risk in very small puppies.

Cardiac conditions including mitral valve disease occur as the breed ages.

Tracheal collapse occurs in some individuals. Use a harness rather than a collar.

Monthly insurance typically costs £15 to £35. Lifespan is 12 to 20 years.

Long Coat Chihuahuas share the same nutritional requirements as the Smooth Coat variety. They are very small dogs with specific considerations.

Daily feeding: Adult Long Coat Chihuahuas typically need 50 to 100g of a good quality small-breed dry complete food per day, split into two to three meals.

Dental health: Dry kibble provides mechanical dental action. Given the breed's severe dental disease predisposition, a predominantly dry diet is preferable. Dental chews provide supplementary benefit.

Hypoglycaemia: Young puppies and very small adults are at risk of dangerous low blood sugar. Feed little and often. Never allow a young puppy to go more than four hours without food. Signs include weakness, trembling and unresponsiveness.

Weight management: Excess weight is magnified in impact on a 2kg dog. Monitor body condition regularly.

Puppy feeding: Very small, frequent meals every three to four hours for young puppies.

The Long Coat Chihuahua has a soft, flat or slightly wavy coat that is longer than the Smooth variety but not excessively demanding to maintain.

Brushing: Two to three times per week with a pin brush and fine-toothed comb. The Long Coat does not mat as severely as some long-coated breeds but benefits from regular attention, particularly around the ears, neck frill and hindquarters.

Professional grooming: Every eight to twelve weeks for trimming and tidying, or more often if the owner prefers. Cost approximately £30 to £45 for a small dog.

Bathing: Every four to six weeks or when dirty. Dry thoroughly after bathing, particularly in cold weather.

Ear care: Check weekly for redness, discharge or odour.

Nails: Clip every three to four weeks.

Dental care: Daily toothbrushing. The most important health investment for this breed. Begin from day one.

Purchase price: £500 to £1,500 from a KC-registered breeder.

Monthly insurance: £15 to £35 for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Food: £10 to £20 per month for a good quality small-breed complete food.

Professional grooming: £30 to £45 every eight to twelve weeks.

Dental care: Professional dental cleaning under anaesthetic periodically, costing £150 to £300.

Routine veterinary care: Annual vaccination and health check approximately £60 to £80.

Total estimated monthly cost: £75 to £130 when insurance, food, grooming (amortised) and routine care are combined.

Best suited to: Individuals and families seeking a small, devoted companion; those who are home regularly; flat and apartment dwellers; owners who enjoy light coat maintenance and can commit to daily dental care.

Can work with: First-time owners who research the breed carefully; older owners; households with gentle, respectful children.

Not ideal for: Households with very young or boisterous children; those unable to commit to daily toothbrushing; owners wanting a quiet or wholly compliant breed; those needing a dog comfortable with long periods alone.

Size and living situation: Long Coat Chihuahuas are very small (1.5 to 3kg) and suited to any living situation. Their size makes them vulnerable in chaotic or crowded homes.

Children and other pets: Good with gentle children who interact appropriately. Vulnerable to rough handling. Usually sociable with other dogs and cats when well socialised.

Alone time: Build independence from puppyhood. With appropriate training, most Long Coat Chihuahuas manage alone time reasonably, but early foundation work is essential.