Last Updated on August 1, 2021 by Marco
Have you been wondering whether Chihuahuas have hair or fur? You’ll find all the answers you’re looking for in our in-depth grooming guide!
Dog parents, groomers, and pretty much all canine enthusiasts have wondered about the difference between fur and hair at some point. And, here’s what makes things really confusing – everyone has their own take on the subject. Some people state the soft fuzz on your Chi’s body is fur. Others say that only humans are born with hair. We don’t blame Chihuahua owners for wanting to settle the debate once and for all.
We’ve taken it upon ourselves to tell you the exact difference between fur and hair and how you can categorize a Chihuahua’s coat. Oh, and there’s lots of other valuable info, such as whether hair or fur is better from an allergenic perspective and how to groom your Chi the right way! So, let’s hop to it without wasting any more time.
Fur Or Hair – What’s The Difference?
Before we get to answering whether Chihuahuas have fur or hair, let’s focus on how you can tell the difference between hair and fur. We know some of you are thinking about telling hair and fur apart through chemical composition. Alas, both hair and fur are made from the same ingredient – keratin.
If you’re not aware of what keratin is – it’s a type of protein that makes up the chunk of human nails, skin, and hair. Likewise, doggy hair (of fur) is also composed of the same protein quotient. So, telling hair and fur apart chemically isn’t going to help much. Though, you don’t have to lose hope just yet. That’s because we’ve compiled a list of tips to help tell the difference between dog hair and fur. Ready?
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The Feel Of The Stuff
If you’re not new to the dog parenting game and have multiple canine pets – you’ve probably noticed that your dog’s coat can be described in one of two ways: soft hair and smooth hair. The hair growing right at the top of your Chihuahua’s coat will feel finer, longer, smoother, and you can tell each strand apart. On the other hand, hair that grows closer to your pet’s skin is denser, shorter, much softer, and gets tangled really easily. That’s why one of the easiest ways to tell dog hair apart from fur is by feel.
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The Shed Factor
Here’s another way to tell if your Chi has hair or fur – observe which shed more. Generally, not only does fur shed more, but it also tends to stick to everything. From the carpet, curtains, and even air ducts – fur will float everywhere. Conversely, hair has a longer growth cycle and tends to shed less than fur. That’s why you won’t see too many hairs stuck to your blanket or coats.
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The Number Of Coats
We’ve all heard of terms like double-coat or single-coat to describe felines and canines. Double-coat means that two distinct coat types cover a dog’s skin, and you can easily tell them apart based on their looks. Typically, the topcoat will include longer, smoother, and finer hair. The second or bottom coat has hair that’s almost fuzzy and incredibly soft to the touch. Many people describe the second coat as resembling downy wool stuffing.
Read more about: How Much Is A Long-Haired Chihuahua: Chihuahua 101
Do Chihuahuas Have Hair Or Fur
Now that you know how to tell hair or fur apart let’s move on to answering whether Chis have fur or hair. The American Kennel Club (AKC) and other reputable canine organizations recognize two main coat varieties in Chihuahuas: smooth-coated Chis and long-coated Chihuahuas.
As the names suggest, long-coated Chis have a coat that can vary between curly or flat. The hair appears relatively smooth to look at on the body but tends to ruffle around the neck and feet. Also, the hair around a long-coated Chihuahua’s thighs and stomach grow out quite a bit and look a bit frizzy and plump.
On the other hand, a smooth-haired Chihuahua has a shiny and sleek coat that remains pretty even throughout the body, except the neck and tail. Also, smooth-coated Chis don’t have as much hair on their ears or heads as their long-coated counterparts.
Suffice it to say, smooth-haired Chis don’t get too many tangles and shed considerably less than the long-haired ones. However, it’s not uncommon for long-haired Chihuahuas to have double coats – with the top-level made of smoother and shinier hair strands and the bottom coat consisting of softer, more plushy fizz-like hair.
Chihuahua Fur Or Hair – Does It Matter?
The dog hair vs dog fur debate isn’t something that’s going to go away any time soon. Nonetheless, it’s responsible for creating quite a bit of controversy. For example, the opinion that long-haired Chihuahuas aren’t as hypoallergenic as smooth or short-coated ones. If you’ve been holding out for a perfectly hypoallergenic canine – no such thing exists.
Allergies & Grooming – Looking After Your Chihuahua
No canine is 100% hypoallergenic, and when it comes to Chihuahuas – be it long or short-haired, a proper grooming regime will help cut back allergies concerns like you won’t believe. Besides that, in pet allergies, the true culprit behind excessive sneezes and runny eyes is pet dander. You can cut back on the amount of dander inside your home through air purifiers, specialized air vents, and regular vacuuming. Finally, keep a steady supply of lint rollers at hand to pick up loose fur.
Also, a regular brushing routine will help keep allergens from getting stuck in your Chi’s coat while avoiding matted fur and tangles. You should also consult your veterinarian about how often you should bathe your Chi and always pick shampoos with dog-friendly ingredients. It’s also a good idea to brush your Chihuahua’s fur on your patio or balcony – that way, any dislodged pet dander won’t find its way indoors.
Conclusion
As we said earlier, more often than not, the fur/hair canine debate really revolves around whether a dog is hypoallergenic or not. What folks don’t realize is that it’s not the fur or hair that’s the problem, to begin with, but the dander. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the company of a lovable Chi – even with allergies – as long as you’re careful about measures to cut down the dander in your indoor environment. So, our advice is, don’t get bogged down with the question – do Chihuahuas have hair or fur. Instead, do your research, reach out to Chi parents, and make up your own mind. Chances are, you’ll soon discover there’s not much standing in your way from adopting that adorable Chi pup you’ve your heart set on.
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