Last Updated on July 26, 2021 by Marco
Have your recently brought home an adorable long-haired Chi? Here’s all you need to understand about why do Long-haired Chihuahuas shed.
There’s no denying that chihuahuas are small-breed dogs. But, it is also a fact that these beautiful creatures have big personalities, whether short-haired or long-haired chihuahua.
Yet, when it comes to grooming a long-haired chihuahua, many animal lovers question – do Long-haired Chis shed far more than their short-haired counterparts? Also, prospective pet parents of long-haired chihuahuas wonder precisely how difficult the task of grooming a long-haired chihuahua is. Well, wonder no more as you have to read on to discover the truth behind chihuahuas shedding.
To answer your query – yes, long-haired chihuahuas shed more than their short-haired cousins. But, it is not as herculean a task as some people believe it to be. You have only to understand some fundamental aspects of grooming and the long-haired chihuahua shedding patterns. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the matter of long-haired chihuahua shedding.
Do Chihuahuas Shed?
Yes, chihuahuas shed, whether it be long-haired chihuahuas or short-haired ones. But, chihuahuas have soft, fine guard hair. And, usually, most long-haired chihuahuas have two coats of fur. The top coat of long, silky hair with an undercoat of downy hair gives the long-haired chihuahuas their adorable, fluffy appearance.
Read more about: How Much Is A Long-Haired Chihuahua: Chihuahua 101
Chihuahuas aren’t heavy shedders, so you are unlikely to run into huge clumps of hair in your home. But, they do shed throughout the year. Although, chihuahuas experience less shedding during the cold weather.
It isn’t possible to comment precisely how much long-haired chihuahuas shed as each dog is different. And, quite like a chihuahua’s personality, their shedding patterns are also unique. So, while you may have a long-haired chihuahua that sheds relatively less, your best friend may have a long-haired chihuahua that looks like Cousin It from the Addam’s Family, leaving behind a trail of hairballs.
Hence, it goes without saying that if you don’t brush out their hair daily, you’ll have a heap of a tangled, matted mess.
Why Do Chis Shed?
Canines shed except for some hairless breeds of dogs, such as the Chinese Crested dog or Xoloitzcuintli. And, whether you have a deer head chihuahua or an apple head one, with short hair or long-haired one, all chihuahuas shed, excluding the hairless variation.
And, shedding in canines isn’t a bad thing. Every hair on your dog’s body has a life cycle. And, there are three phases. The first phase is known as the Anagen phase, where the hair actively grows. The next phase is called the Catagen phase, where the hair stops growing. And, the last phase is the Telogen phase, where the old hair falls out, making room for new hair.
Now, dog hair is made up of keratin like humans. And, much like humans, dogs also naturally lose their hair. But, for dogs, shedding means the regulation of body temperature. You see, dogs are homeotherms, with a constant body temperature of 101- 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. To get rid of excess heat when a dog feels hot, a dog’s body naturally chooses to shed hair as they do not sweat.
So, now you know the answer to why do long-haired chihuahuas shed. Let’s take a look at the ways to deal with the issue of chihuahua shedding.
Is Long-Haired Chihuahua Shedding Difficult-To-Handle?
You see, there is a general misconception that long-haired chihuahuas will invariably shed more than short-haired chihuahuas. But that is nothing more than a myth. The only known fact is that dogs with more than one coat of fur tend to shed more. And, both the long-haired chihuahuas and short-haired ones can sometimes have a single coat of fur. In contrast, some chihuahuas have two coats of fur.
If your long-haired chihuahua has two coats of fur, then you will have to deal with more shedding. Yet, a chihuahua is a relatively small dog. Chihuahuas are generally 15-25 cm tall and weigh around 4-6 lbs. So, it isn’t an arduous task at all to hold your long-haired chihuahua and get on with its brushing. And, a mere 5-10 minutes of steady hair brushing every day of your long-haired chihuahua goes a long way in keeping your adorable pet’s coat looking glossier and tangle-free.
The bristle brush is ideal for all dog hair types, and it makes brushing an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. But, for long-haired chihuahuas, you’ll need to keep a slicker brush handy too. Slicker brushes are particularly helpful when it comes to getting rid of tangles and mats.
Moreover, keeping a sharp pair of dog hair clippers for a regular trim will also help you manage the long-haired chihuahua shedding. And, if you believe that you aren’t qualified to undertake such a task, then regular visits to the local groomer will significantly help you along the way.
Why Is It Grooming Of Long-Haired Chihuahuas So Important?
When you speak of grooming, you must understand that grooming involves brushing the fur coat and regular trimming of hair and nails. It also includes showers, ear cleaning, bi-monthly visits to the groomers, and even proper medical checkups can all come under the broad definition of grooming.
Technically, grooming is a must for all canines, even the hairless variations. Grooming is essential for the maintenance of the general health, hygiene, and security of your house. Dogs, in general, need grooming to keep their coat of fur clean. But, if you take a closer look, you’ll realize that grooming is vital for your fur baby’s health and overall well-being.
Brushing your dog’s fur coat means removing tangles. It also means that when you brush your canine, you stimulate the fur’s natural oils. The oil spreads all over the body when you brush their coat and make the hair shiner. But, most importantly, it means removing dead skin and dirt from your faithful companions’ fur.
Grooming, particularly brushing your dog daily, means you keep the skin free from problems like skin irritation, bacterial growth, and even parasites.
Conclusion
Canines make loyal friends, faithful companions, and indispensable family members. And, just as your four-legged buddy is going to fill your life up with joy and happiness, it falls on your shoulder to care for it. Speaking of long-haired chihuahuas, many pet guardians do not look at grooming as a chore. Instead, they see it as a privilege. After all, even the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt have kneeled before the mighty power of the chihuahua.
