Long haired chihuahuas are lovable little pups with long silky coats and the distinctive appearance of a chihuahua.
Long haired chihuahuas are a variety of the deer head or apple head chihuahua, and the only difference between the long haired and short haired chihuahua is the length of their coat. This pup is slightly rarer due to their coats, and they can cost more than a short haired chihuahua.
Our article tells you more about long haired chihuahua, how much these pups typically cost, and where you might find a long haired chihuahua to adopt.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Rare?
While long haired chihuahuas aren’t necessarily a rare breed, they are much less common than short haired chihuahuas.
According to this long haired chihuahua breed guide, this is because the gene that creates long hair in chihuahuas is recessive, meaning it needs to be specifically bred for most of the time by having the parent dogs both be long haired chihuahuas.
Doing this makes it much more likely the long haired trait will pass down. Some breeders may be dedicated to long haired chihuahuas, while others will simply breed chihuahuas and let any long haired chihuahua pups occur naturally.
How Much Will I Pay for a Long Haired Chihuahua?
Long haired chihuahuas are typically a little more expensive than short haired chihuahuas because they are not as common, nor are they as popular.
Breeders may specialize in long haired chihuahuas, or you may locate a long haired chihuahua in a shelter or rescue organization; depending on where you adopt your chihuahua from, prices may vary.
On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $1,500 for a long haired chihuahua. Dogs on the more expensive end will likely come from breeders, and they may come from lines of chihuahuas that have been bred as show dogs.
Lower-priced dogs may come from adoption shelters, though many shelters offer adoptions for dogs for $100 less, depending on the organization and your location.
What to Know About Adopting From a Breeder?
If you choose to adopt your long haired chihuahua from a breeder, you should keep in mind the following considerations to help you choose an ethical breeder that puts the health of the dogs first.
- The breeder should have no problem showing you the dogs or letting you tour the breeding area to ensure it is clean and supportive of the dog’s health.
- Your breeder puts the dog’s health first and can answer all of the questions about your dog.
- Your breeder would rather you return the dog to them than to the shelter if they are not a good fit in your home.
- The breeder is not charging you a huge amount for your puppy.
- Your breeder has all licenses and certifications as applicable in your state.
Making sure you choose an ethical breeder can help lower your chances of adopting a dog with health issues or supporting practices that are harmful to the animals involved.
Can I Find a Long Haired Chihuahua in a Shelter?
It is possible to find a long haired chihuahua in a shelter, though this isn’t as common as short haired chihuahuas or dogs that are mixed breed and partly chihuahua. This is mostly because long haired chihuahuas are more rare, and they don’t end up in shelters often.
However, it is possible to work with rescues that are specifically dedicated to rescuing long haired chihuahuas and placing them in loving homes, and you may be able to adopt a dog from one of these organizations if you would prefer adoption over working with a breeder.
How Do I Care for My Long Haired Chihuahua?
Caring for your long haired chihuahua is fortunately not too difficult, as chihuahuas aren’t known for being especially high maintenance, despite their notoriously sassy personalities.
Your dog will need a few walks each day in addition to regular playtime, and they will need their own space in your home, complete with a bed and toys. Feed your dog a healthy diet and ensure their caloric intake isn’t too excessive, as chihuahuas are prone to both obesity and blood sugar problems.
Combine this care with preventative health care and regular vet visits, and your long haired chihuahua will be one happy, healthy pup.
Loving Your Long Haired Pup
Long haired chihuahuas are a unique variety of the popular chihuahua dog, and these pups have just as much personality packed into their small bodies as their short haired counterparts.
If you are interested in adopting a long haired chihuahua, make sure that you take into account any extra grooming requirements for this dog and that you select a dog from an ethical breeder to ensure your pup is healthy and happy throughout its life.