How to Groom a Long Haired Chihuahua

The saying “looks can be more deceiving” couldn’t ring more true for the lovable Chihuahua! Courageous, feisty, and channeling big dog bravado, they boast a mighty personality in a pint-sized package. 

Chihuahuas can be double-coated or single-coated, and they also come in two varieties: smooth and long-haired. While the long-haired coat no doubt gives them an extra fluffy and adorable look, it does require a fair bit of maintenance in comparison to the smooth coat. 

Today, we’ll share some tips on how to properly care for the long-haired Chihauhua’s coat and keep it in good condition for years to come.  

Invest in a Slicker Brush 

Long-haired Chihuahuas are a lot more prone to mats than smooth-coated Chihuahuas, so you’ll want to invest in a slicker brush as soon as possible. A slicker brush is made up of short, fine wires and is specifically designed to ease mats, dislodge debris, and loosen trapped hairs.  

While a slicker brush is a highly effective grooming tool, it is a little harsher than a standard grooming pin brush. Make sure to avoid applying heavy pressure and brush in the direction that your Chihuahua’s fur naturally grows. 

Keep Up a Regular Grooming Routine 

Long-haired Chihuahuas should be groomed at least two to three times a week, or even daily if they have double coats and are blowing their fur.  

Maintaining a regular grooming routine may be time-consuming, but it’s incredibly important to do so. It helps keep your long-haired Chihuahua’s fur and skin in good condition and it prevents painful mats from forming. 

Professional Grooming Trips 

Aim to take your long-haired Chihuahua to a professional groomer once a month so that their fur is always kept at a manageable, healthy length. While it’s certainly possible to trim your long-haired Chihuahua’s coat yourself, we advise leaving it to a professional. They’re an expert with the clippers and will ensure their coat is cut in a way that doesn’t damage their fur or irritate their skin.  

A professional groomer can also examine your pup’s skin closely for signs of infections, ticks, or other concerns that are hard to pick up with the naked eye.

Monthly Washing  

Despite common misconception, dogs don’t need to be washed weekly. In fact, frequent washing can actually worsen coat health since it strips away the natural oils. Aim to wash your long-haired Chihuahua once every four to six weeks or whenever they’re dirty (i.e. rolled in a whole lot of mud). 

Make sure to use shampoo tailored specifically to dogs and speak to a veterinarian for suitable product recommendations if your long-haired Chihuahua has any sensitivities. 

Clean Your Long-Haired Chihuahua’s Ears Regularly 

Keeping your long-haired Chihuahua’s ears clean is just as crucial as brushing their coat regularly. Excessive wax buildup and lodged debris in the ear canal can lead to infections, which can cause pain, irritation, and foul odor.   

Use a dog-friendly, ear-cleaning solution every two weeks, and read the instructions on the packaging carefully to ensure you use the solution properly. You also shouldn’t use cotton swabs as they can push dirt further into the ear canal.  

Clip Your Long-Haired Chihuahua’s Nails 

Chihuahuas often wear their nails down naturally since they’re energetic and exercise frequently. However, if you hear their nails start to audibly “click” against the floor, you’ll need to trim them. This is because overgrown nails can hinder a dog’s natural gait and cause complications. In severe cases, their nails can even grow into their paw pads, leading to significant pain and irritation. 

Most dogs take time to get accustomed to nail clipping, so you’ll want to desensitize them to the tools and process. Since Chihuahuas also have extremely delicate paws, it may be best to leave this to a professional groomer or a veterinarian.  

Brush Their Teeth Daily  

Dental hygiene is sadly often overlooked in dogs, but it’s incredibly important. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in dogs. Brush your long-haired Chihuahua’s teeth daily, making sure to use a dog-friendly toothpaste that they enjoy the flavor of.  

Never use human toothpaste — most human toothpastes contain ingredients such as fluoride that are incredibly toxic for dogs.  

Giving Your Long-Haired Chihuahua a Glow-Up 

While grooming doesn’t seem like the most important aspect of pet care, ensuring your long-haired Chihuahua’s coat, teeth, and ears are properly cared for will help them lead a long, healthy life. If you want to learn more about how to properly look after this breed, make sure to check out this in-depth long haired Chihuahua care guide.  

*This is a collaboration post