Long Haired Chihuahua Grooming 2022 Guide (With Steps!)

Long haired Chihuahua grooming is an elaborate process, one that needs the know-how and the right tools as well.

The process not only includes bathing your Chi but also brushing its coat regularly, trimming its nails, cleaning out ears, trimming that extra-long hair, brushing their teeth, and cleaning the eyes.

Regular grooming will not only keep your pet looking gorgeous, it will also give you an opportunity to keep an eye out for any irregularities.

You see, Chis are delicate dogs and they are prone to skin issues, ear infections, and even eye problems. Therefore, regular grooming of your Long Haired Chihuahua is a must to prevent these problems and also catch them early on.

In this guide, we will talk about:

Benefits of long haired Chihuahua grooming
Tools you will need for the grooming process
Steps for long haired Chihuahua grooming
Top hairstyles for your long haired Chi
FAQs

5 Benefits of Long Haired Chihuahua Grooming

Here are some benefits of grooming your long haired Chihuahua:

1. Helps distribute natural oils through the skin

Even simply brushing your long-haired Chi from time to time can result in a gorgeous and shiny coat. The act of brushing helps redistribute the oils under its skin and improves circulation.

This, in turn, results in a beautiful and shiny coat.

2. You get a chance to check for irregularities

When you hold and brush your pet, you also get an opportunity to discover any irregularities on your pet’s skin. These can include ticks, fleas, parasites, lumps, and bumps.

An early discovery of skin issues can help you take necessary corrective steps and resolve them sooner.

You can also use the sessions to check your pet’s teeth and gums, eyes, and ears for any abnormalities.

3. Eliminates doggy odors

Bathing your Chi can reduce odor and keep your pet smelling fresh and clean.

4. Helps in human-pet bonding

Regularly grooming your pet fosters an improved human-pet bond. It gives you a chance to spend time with your pet, cuddle it, and this can help you bond with your Chi.

5. Reduces stress

The skin-to-skin contact can also help reduce stress in humans and canines. Therefore regular brushing and spending time with your long-haired Chi can benefit you and your pet as well.

Now that you know what the benefits of grooming are, let us move on to the exact steps of long haired Chihuahua grooming as well as the tools you will need.

Products and Tools You Will Need for Long Haired Chihuahua Grooming

1. Brushes

Your long-haired Chi has different types of hair on its body. For example, in some parts, it has feathered hair such as behind the legs, on the ears, etc. The rest of its body will have thicker hair covering an undercoat.

You need different brushes for these. For longer haired dogs, it is best to use brushes with wider teeth spacing and longer bristles.

It is also a good idea to choose brushes with protective tips (rubber tips or wire tipped) that can prevent scratches and abrasion on your Chi’s delicate skin. We recommend the Coastal Lil’ Pals Safety Tipped Brush .

You also need a de-shedding brush to remove the loose and stray hairs. We recommend the Furminator de-Shedding Tool for Long-Haired Small Dogs .

You can also invest in a bristle brush.

These products can help gently remove mats and tangles, stray hairs, parasites like ticks and fleas, and also stimulate natural oils.

Also read: Best Brush for Chihuahua

2. Hair trimmers/clippers

Hair clippers or trimmers are important to trim off the excess hair that is prone to matting. We recommend PettingPal small trimmer blade as it is perfect width for small pets like Chis.

3. Shampoo and conditioner

For the best shampoo and conditioner, you can use our guide on the Best shampoo for Chihuahua. Here, we have recommended many top shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for Chihuahuas.

It is also a good idea to check with your vet about specific shampoos especially in case your pet has a skin issue.

In general, long-haired dogs can benefit from TropiClean Perfect Fur Long-Haired Shampoo because it detangles and removes mats and dead hair.

4. Nail Clippers

As a part of your long haired Chihuahua grooming routine, you will also need sturdy nail clippers to trim their sharp claws and nails.

We recommend Gonicc Dog Clippers as they are ideal for small nails and have safety features to prevent bleeding.

5. Toothpaste and brush

Chihuahuas are prone to dental issues and need a high-quality toothpaste and brush. This can remove plaque and tartar and keep your pet’s breath fresh.

We recommend the V-TurboWay 360-Degree Toothbrush for Small Dogs .

Check out our guide on Best Toothbrush for Chihuahua.

6. Miscellaneous

Also, you need ear cleaner solution, dog wipes, or cotton balls.

Steps Involved in Long Haired Chihuahua Grooming

1. Brushing

The first step in the long haired Chihuahua grooming is brushing. Brushing removes stray and dead hair and prepares your pet for its bath.

It is best to brush your Chi on a surface that is easy to vacuum. You can place your pet on a grooming table, or brush it outside in the yard. This will ease your cleanup later.

Step 1 – Run your fingers through your pet’s coat

This step helps loosen mats and tangles. It is an important step as it can prevent pain in the event your pet’s hair is extremely matted in any place.

Once this is done, you can move to the next step.

Step 2 – Use the slicker brush

Start by brushing your pet’s backside. You can run the slicker brush through its coat starting from the neck to the base of the tail.
Brush three to four times in one direction (in the direction of hair growth) and discard all of the trapped loose hair.
Next, brush your pet’s neck, belly, front legs, and back legs. Use gentle pressure as you complete the stroke on each part before moving to the next. Each time, remove the trapped hair from the brush.
Brush your pet’s head too.

Step 3 – Repeat with a bristle brush

Next, repeat the brushing with a bristle brush. You can use a brush like this one . It is ideal for short and long-haired dogs and removes all of the dead, shed hair.

Simply use this brush all over your pet’s body, including the head, ears, neck, belly, thighs, back of the legs, and each of the legs.

2. Clean your pet’s ears

Due to the structure of your pet’s ears, you will likely see a lot of gunky buildup inside its ears.

There also might be foul odor emanating from the ears.

To clean the ears, use special dog ear cleaner solutions or dog wipes. However, you must never go inside too deep and only clean your pet’s external part of both the ears.

We recommend PetMD Otic Cleaner that removes odors, prevents itching, and reduces the risk of ear infections.

Gently add a few drops of the otic cleaner solution inside the ear.
Massage the base of the ear.
Your pet will shake its ear. This is okay as it will allow the medicine to reach inside the ear canal.
Next, use the pet wipe or a cotton ball to wipe out the excess liquid. If you notice oozing, redness, and bad-smelling discharge, have it checked by your vet.
Repeat this step each time you perform the long haired Chihuahua grooming routine.

Discuss with your vet if you should pull out or tweeze your Chi’s ear hair.

3. Bathe your Chi

You need to groom your long haired Chihuahua 2-3 times a week but bathe it just once a month.

Step 1 – Prepare the bath

Place a rubber mat inside the tub. This will prevent your Chi from slipping.
Fill the tub 1/4^th or up to 5 inches with warm water. Check the temperature – if it is too hot for you, it will be very hot for your Chi. Likewise, make sure the water is not cool or cold. Chis are very sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Keep your pet’s towel, shampoo and conditioner handy before you begin.

Step 2 – Wet your Chi’s fur

Place your Chi in the tub.
Start wetting its fur with water. Get the fur completely wet. Don’t forget to wet the fur in the belly area, under the tail, and on the neck.
Be gentle and make sure not to get water in its eyes while wetting its face. You can place your hand over its eyes while wetting the face.
Be patient – it will take at least 5-10 minutes to get your long haired Chihuahua completely wet.

Step 3 – Apply the shampoo

Take a dollop of shampoo in your palm and rub your hands together.
Work from your pet’s head to the neck and massage the shampoo all over the wet fur. As before, take care not to get the suds inside your pet’s eyes.
Take more shampoo if needed to massage and lather your pet’s belly, neck, paws, tail, and legs.
Use your fingers to distribute the shampoo thoroughly throughout the fur.
Don’t forget to clean under your pet’s ear flaps.

Wait for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4 – Rinse

Use a hand-held shower or the faucet to rinse your pet’s coat.
You can also use a bucket and pail.
Be thorough and get all of the shampoo out of the coat.
Massage and run your hands through the coat to get all the suds out.
Clean your pet’s eyes, mouth and ears as well.
Be patient, this process can take a few minutes for a long haired Chihuahua.

Step 5 – Apply the conditioner

If the shampoo does not contain the conditioner, then you need to use one separately.
Take a liberal amount and apply it to your pet’s hair and fur focusing on the ends.
As before, run your hands and fingers to evenly distribute the product throughout.
Make sure you condition the neck, belly, and the feathered hair on the back of your pet’s legs.
Follow the instructions on the product label and wait for the stipulated time before rinsing out the conditioner. (Different products have different standing times).
Rinse the conditioner out completely.

Step 6 – Dry your Chi

Use a clean towel to dry your pet.
Your pet will also shake and run about to dry itself. It is best to allow this, as it will speed up the drying.
You can also allow your pet to dry naturally in the sun, as long as it isn’t too hot.
Take special care to dry your pet’s years. Use the towel and gently insert it (not too deep) to dry the outer part of the ear canal.
Once your pet is about 80-90% dry, run its brush (bristle side) through the fur.
This will remove loose wet hair, if any.

4. Clean your pet’s teeth

We assume you brush your pet’s teeth daily as this is the best way to prevent dental issues. You can refer to our guide on the Best toothbrush for Chihuahua where we have covered many aspects of your Chi’s dental cleaning routine there.

Take a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste on the brush.
Gently touch your pet’s muzzle and lift its upper mouth flap.
Place the brush inside the mouth and clean the upper and lower teeth on that side.
Repeat for the other side.
Also, get your pet to open its mouth wider for cleaning teeth on the back.

5. Clean your pet’s eyes

Use special dog wipes to clean your pet’s eyes.

Check out our guide on How to Remove Dog Eye Boogers. We have recommended many dog eye cleaning products to get rid of tear stains and eye boogers.

Gently touch your pet’s face.
Take out one wipe from the package and gently wipe down your pet’s eye.
Speak soothingly to your pet. This will make your Chi feel more relaxed.
Repeat the process for cleaning the other eye using a fresh wipe.

6. Trim your Chi’s nails

If you are not used to trimming your pet’s nails, then it is best to get the job done from a groomer or the vet.

Gently lift one paw.
Take the clippers in your hand and take your pet’s toe in the other.
Place the nail inside the clipper’s hole.
Make sure the trimmer is perpendicular to the nail. This will help you cut it from top to bottom.
If your pet has transparent nails, please avoid the inner pink area –called the quick. This is very delicate and it can bleed if the clippers’ blades hurt it accidentally.
If your pet has dark nails and you are unsure where the quick is, then it is best to trim just a few millimeters of the nails and not go in too deep.
Repeat for all other nails on the remaining paws as well.

Top Hairstyles for Long Haired Chihuahua

Puppy cut

Puppy cut is a term groomers use when they keep the same length of hair all over your pet’s body. This involves shaving or trimming the hair to about 2-inches all over.

Westie cut

In this style, you clip the hair on your pet’s back and shoulders to blend it into the skirt-like fur on its belly and leg area.

Next, you need to pluck and strip the fur on your Chi’s face to form a round chrysanthemum-like shape.

A general trim

In this style, you use a pair of scissors to trim any longer hair around the belly, back of the legs and tail, mouth, ears, and neck for a neater and trimmer look.

FAQs on Long Haired Chihuahua Grooming

1. Can you groom a long haired Chi at home?

Yes, you can perform a basic grooming routine for a long haired Chi, right in the comforts of your home. The process will be a lot easier if your pet is used to grooming since puppyhood.

For basic grooming, you can follow the steps above.

2. Does a long hair Chihuahua’s hair grow back?

Unlike other breeds like Maltese, your long haired Chihuahua will not have continuous hair growth. The hair does stop growing at some point.

If you have trimmed your pet, the hair will grow back after a while. You can brush your pet’s fur to stimulate natural oils and hair growth and prevent mats and tangles.

3. Do long haired Chihuahuas need a haircut?

No, you need not give your pet any special haircut. Simply trimming the longer feathered fur on the back of the necks can help alongside regular brushing and bathing.

Make sure you brush your pet regularly to prevent matting and keep the coat in top condition.

4. Why is my long haired Chi balding?

Many factors can cause excess hair fall and bald spots in long haired Chis: parasites like fleas and related dermatitis, scabies, skin mites, general alopecia, food allergies, poor diet, bad products/shampoos, irregular grooming, and underlying health issues can all cause excess hair-loss and bald spots.

Please see your vet and have the same evaluated.

5. Are long haired Chihuahuas prone to shedding?

Yes, long haired Chihuahuas do shed quite a bit – their shedding is more pronounced in some seasons but they also shed little by little all year round.

However, excess shedding that results in bald patches is unnatural. Please see your vet to have this evaluated.

Conclusion – Long Haired Chihuahua Grooming

Long haired Chihuahua grooming is an important task that you must perform regularly to maintain its coat and skin health, keep the nails short, ears and eyes clean, and also rule out health issues.

Regular grooming can help remove dirt, odor, and parasites, and also keep your pet’s fur shinier and softer.

We hope the above guide with product recommendations helps you.