Grooming The Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is undoubtedly the oldest purebred canine native
to the North American continent.  He is known by no other name.
The Chihuahua is a native of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico.  He
appears in a short-or smooth-coated variety and another type
that has a long coat.  The distinguishing features of a
Chihuahua are very small size (average weight is 3 pounds) large
ears, prominent eyes and a long tail.

The Chihuahua was important in the ceremonial life of both
Toltec and Aztex peoples and is still a very popular pet in his
native land and all around the world.  He is the smallest of all
dogs.    His purpose is to provide loving companionship.  His
very small size keeps him from being a good pet to children or
toddlers, or even young adolescents.  He makes a wonderful
little pet for the elderly.  His size makes him very easy to
pick up, carry around, and to take care of during grooming
chores.  The Chihuahua seems to know other Chihuahuas and
prefers their company over other breeds of dogs.  He is highly
sensitive and can be a bit stubborn.

Although the Chihuahua looks very fragile he can be quite
courageous.  He is known to be more of a one-person dog and can
be quite ferocious in defending that person.

The shorthaired 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.