Chihuahua Care & Grooming Guide

Chihuahuas are low-maintenance in some ways and surprisingly demanding in others. Their grooming needs are modest, but dental care, warmth and protecting their delicate frame matter enormously. Here's a practical guide to looking after a Chihuahua day to day, whether you have a smooth-coated or long-coated dog.

Smooth coat vs long coat

Chihuahuas come in two coat types, and grooming differs between them:

• Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have a short, glossy coat that needs little more than a weekly brush with a soft brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.
• Long-coated Chihuahuas have a soft, longer coat with feathering on the ears, legs and tail. They benefit from brushing two or three times a week to prevent tangles, with a little extra attention behind the ears and on the trousers.

Both types shed moderately year-round, so a quick regular brush keeps loose hair under control and gives you a chance to check the skin. Neither needs frequent bathing — an occasional bath with a gentle dog shampoo when genuinely dirty is plenty, as over-bathing strips the coat's natural oils and can dry the skin. Introduce grooming, handling of the paws and gentle brushing early so your dog learns to enjoy it rather than tolerate it.

Dental care — the top priority

If you do one thing well for a Chihuahua, make it dental care. Small breeds are very prone to dental disease, which causes pain, bad breath and tooth loss, and can affect general health. Brush the teeth daily with a dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and a small brush or finger brush, introduced gently and rewarded. Dental chews and products can help between brushings, and your vet will advise on professional cleaning when needed. Routine dental checks should be part of every vet visit.

Keeping warm

Chihuahuas feel the cold. With little body fat and a high metabolism, they lose heat quickly and often shiver in cool weather. In a British winter, a well-fitted coat or jumper for walks makes a real difference to comfort, and a cosy, draught-free bed indoors is essential. Don't mistake a cold dog for an anxious one — but if shivering is persistent or unexplained, ask your vet to check it.

Exercise

Chihuahuas have modest exercise needs — around 30 minutes a day suits most adults, ideally split into shorter walks plus play and sniffing time at home. They're well suited to flats and less active owners, but they still need mental stimulation and the chance to behave like a dog. Use a harness rather than a collar to avoid pressure on the windpipe, avoid over-exercising puppies, and don't let them make repeated big jumps from furniture, which strains delicate joints.

Nails, ears and eyes

Keep nails trimmed — small dogs that walk on soft surfaces wear them down slowly, so regular clipping (or a vet/groomer's help) prevents overgrowth. Check ears for redness, wax or odour, especially in long-coated dogs, and wipe gently if needed. Their prominent eyes benefit from a quick check for discharge or cloudiness; anything persistent warrants a vet visit.

Feeding and weight

Chihuahuas are tiny, so it takes very little to over-feed them, and excess weight strains their joints and heart. Measure meals, go easy on treats (count them as part of the daily total), and keep your dog lean — you should be able to feel the ribs easily. Puppies need regular small meals to avoid low blood sugar.

Handling and everyday care

Lift a Chihuahua gently with both hands, supporting the chest and back end, and discourage children from carrying them about. Resist the urge to baby them constantly — a Chihuahua that's allowed to walk, sniff and socialise is a happier, more confident dog. A predictable routine of walks, meals, play and rest suits the breed well.

A simple weekly rhythm

• Daily: tooth brushing, measured meals, a couple of short walks or play sessions, a coat in cold weather.
• Weekly: brush the coat (more often for long coats), check ears, eyes and nails.
• Regularly: vet check-ups with a dental assessment, and prompt attention to any coughing, limping or lethargy.

Get the dental care, warmth and gentle handling right, and a Chihuahua is a genuinely easy-going little companion.

*This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet, who can assess your individual dog.*

Sources

• RVC VetCompass — UK dog health research, including dental disease (rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass).
• UK Kennel Club & BVA — breed grooming and health information (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — dog grooming, dental and care advice (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — dog care and grooming (bluecross.org.uk).