Long-Haired Chihuahua
Find Long-Haired Chihuahua Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Long-Haired Chihuahua puppies available.
Find Long-Haired Chihuahua BreedersGet to Know Long-Haired Chihuahuas
- Long-Haired Variety Is Naturally Occurring: The long-haired coat is a natural genetic variation within the breed, not a separate breed. Their feathered ears and plume tail add to their distinctive elegance.
- Ancient Roots: Chihuahuas descend from the ancient Techichi dogs kept by the Toltec civilization, making them one of the oldest companion breeds in the Americas.
- Smallest Dog Breed in the World: Chihuahuas are the smallest recognized dog breed, yet they carry themselves with remarkable confidence and boldness far beyond their size.
- Strong One-Person Bond: Many Long-Haired Chihuahuas form an especially strong attachment to a single person, often becoming extremely loyal and protective.
- Surprisingly Hardy: Despite their tiny size, well-bred Chihuahuas are generally long-lived and resilient, often remaining active well into their senior years.
Breed History
The Long-Haired Chihuahua traces its origins to Mexico, where its ancestors—the Techichi—were kept as companion dogs by ancient civilizations including the Toltecs and later the Aztecs. The modern Chihuahua was developed in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from which the breed takes its name. The long-haired variety emerged naturally through selective breeding, possibly influenced by small companion dogs brought by Europeans. Today, the breed is cherished worldwide as a devoted, portable companion.
Personality and Behaviour
- Devoted & Loyal: They form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on close companionship.
- Alert & Vocal: Naturally watchful, they make excellent little watchdogs and will readily alert their owners to unfamiliar activity.
- Sensitive & Intelligent: They are quick learners but respond best to gentle handling and positive reinforcement.
Care
- Exercise: Short daily walks and indoor play provide adequate physical activity without overexertion.
- Training: Early socialization and consistent training help prevent overprotectiveness and fearfulness.
- Grooming: Brush several times a week to keep the coat free of tangles and reduce shedding.
Long-Haired Chihuahua Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Chihuahua Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Long-Haired Chihuahua Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Long-Haired Chihuahua is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Long-Haired Chihuahua
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Long-Haired Chihuahua puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Long-Haired Chihuahua, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Long-Haired Chihuahua is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
