Grooming a Chihuahua for a Show

Grooming a chihuahua for the show ring is not much different from routine grooming for these delicate little dogs. Both long- and short-hair chihuahuas ̵1; known as smooth-coated -- need regular brushing, bathing and nail trims. Long-coated chis need to be brushed more often to avoid mats, but this breed is generally a low-maintenance dog that can easily be prepared for a show. Chihuahuas are shown in their natural coat, so only minimal trimming is required.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Tearless shampoo
  • Ear cleaner
  • Hairdryer
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your chihuahua to remove any loose hair. Chihuahuas do not shed much, but any dead or dry hair must be removed in order to achieve a crisp, clean coat in the show ring. Brush your chi against the hair growth with a slicker or soft bristle brush. Regular brushing generally will prevent matting on a long-coated chihuahua, but if you find a mat, don't tug at the fur. Spray the mat with conditioner or detangler and gently work the mat out with a wide-tooth comb.

    • 2

      Bathe the dog with a shampoo designed for dogs. A mild, tearless dog shampoo is best for the chihuahua's small size. Rinse the dog thoroughly. A chihuahua coat does not need conditioner. Use an ear cleaner to remove any wax or dirt from the dog's ears.

    • 3

      Gently blow the dog dry with a hairdryer set on low, brushing the hair in the direction it grows.

    • 4
      You will need a comb, bristle brush, clippers and slicker to groom a chihuahua.

      Place the chihuahua on a grooming table and trim any long hairs from around the ears and on the legs. Chihuahuas are not excessively trimmed for show, but removing long, straggly hair presents a neater appearance in the conformation ring. Trim any long strands of hair on the dog's pants and muzzle; trim hair under the tail. More trimming will be needed on a long-haired chihuahua; relatively little is needed on the smooth variety.

    • 5

      Trim the feet and nails. Clip fur between the paw pads and around the edge of the foot, to present a rounded, cat's-paw appearance. Keep the chihuahua's nails short enough that they do not touch the floor with regular monthly trimming to avoid cutting the quick when you trim them for show.