Grooming Your Chihuahua

There are two types of Chihuahuas, the long coat and the short coat. The short haired variety is kept tidy with brushing several times a week with a rubber slicker or grooming glove. The smooth should be soft texture, close and glossy. The coat should be placed well over the body with ruff on neck, and scantier on head and ears.<

The long coats should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly curly with an undercoat preferably. Ears fringed (heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly never down), feathering on feet and legs, and pants on hind legs. Large ruff on neck desired and preferred. Tail should be full and long (as a plume).

The long coat will need attention a couple times per week. The long-coated Chihuahua is easy to maintain with brushing a couple times per week. They normally love the attention of being groomed.

You will need a cushioned natural bristle brush and a medium-toothed comb.

Grooming procedure:

  1. Brush through entire coat with a natural bristle brush and then comb to remove all tangles.

  2. A suitable shampoo for both the long and short coated Chihuahua might be "natural tea tree and lavender oil."

  3. Don't bathe your Chihuahua unless he gets really dirty. Oftentimes the Chihuahua will only need a bath about every 2 to 3 months depending on environment and circumstances. Always rinse well.

  4. Blow-dry the coat while brushing the long hair.

  5. After blow drying, comb through with your medium-toothed comb (these items can be purchased at any pet supply store or online.)

  6. Check the Chihuahua's nails, ears and teeth. His nails should be kept moderately short. For show dogs, follow the breed standard about nails.

Note: The interior of the ear canals of the little Chihuahua should be gently cleaned. You may want to use a little Betadine scrub in his ears to prevent yeast infections. Pay special attention to drying the inside and outside of his ears. Ear infections can arise from moist ear canals.

Special Note about the Chihuahua Show Dogs:

For the show ring cut the hairs on the muzzle with a curve scissor and, for Long Coats, trim around the feet and between the pads.