How to Groom a Longhaired Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in existence and have recently soared in popularity as pets in the United States. The long-haired Chihuahua and the short-haired Chihuahua are the only two recognized varieties of the breed, according to the United Kingdom and American Kennel Clubs. The long-haired Chihuahua has the same curious, devoted personality as its short-haired counterpart, but has a softer, smoother coat that requires additional grooming.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft bristle-brush
  • Medium steel comb
  • Flea comb
  • Metal tweezers
  • Tearless dog shampoo
  • Cotton balls
  • Sink
  • Veterinarian-approved ear wash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your long-haired Chihuahua with a soft bristle-brush weekly to remove dead hair and shine the top coat. Brush the dog again, this time with a medium steel comb to remove any matted hair or tangles.

    • 2

      Check your Chihuahua's skin while brushing its coat. Brush sections of hair aside to reveal the skin. Search for fleas and ticks. Fleas can be removed by running a flea comb through your dog's coat. Ticks can be removed with metal tweezers.

    • 3

      Bathe your long-haired Chihuahua in the sink once a month or whenever it becomes dirty. Place cotton balls in the dog's ears (to block out soap and water) and saturate its fur with warm water and tearless dog shampoo. Lather the shampoo into the fur from neck to back, making sure to massage down into the skin. Rinse the coat thoroughly.

    • 4

      Check your Chihuahua's ears weekly for wax buildup and mites. Apply a veterinarian-approved ear wash to a cotton ball and clean out the ear canal weekly.

    • 5

      Check your Chihuahua's eyes daily for any cloudiness or discharge. Remove discharge by gently sweeping a cotton ball over the eye area.