Chihuahua Grooming Tips
The Chihuahua is undoubtedly the oldest purebred canine
native to the North American continent. He is known
by no other name. The Chihuahua is a native of the state
of Chihuahua, Mexico. He appears in a short-or smooth-coated
variety and another type that has a long coat. The distinguishing
features of a Chihuahua are very small size (average
weight is 3 pounds) large ears, prominent eyes and a
long tail.
The Chihuahua was important in the ceremonial life of
both Toltec and Aztex peoples and is still a very popular
pet in his native land and all around the world. He
is the smallest of all dogs. His purpose is to provide
loving companionship. His very small size keeps him
from being a good pet to children or toddlers, or even
young adolescents. He makes a wonderful little pet for
the elderly. His size makes him very easy to pick up,
carry around, and to take care of during grooming chores.
The Chihuahua seems to know other Chihuahuas and prefers
their company over other breeds of dogs. He is highly
sensitive and can be a bit stubborn.
Although the Chihuahua looks very fragile he can be
quite courageous. He is known to be more of a one-person
dog and can be quite ferocious in defending that person.
The short haired variety is kept tidy with brushing
several times a week with a rubber slicker or grooming
glove. The smooth should be soft texture, close and
glossy. The coat should be placed well over the body
with ruff on neck, and scantier on head and ears.
The long coats should be of a soft texture, either flat
or slightly curly with an undercoat preferably. Ears
fringed (heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly
never down), feathering on feet and legs, and pants
on hind legs. Large ruff on neck desired and preferred.
Tail should be full and long (as a plume).
The long coat will need attention a couple times per
week. The long-coated Chihuahua is easy to maintain
with brushing a couple times per week. They normally
love the attention of being groomed.
You will need a cushioned natural bristle brush and
a medium-toothed comb.
Grooming procedure:
1. Brush through entire coat with a natural bristle
brush and then comb to remove all tangles.
2. A suitable shampoo for both the long and short coated
Chihuahua might be "natural tea tree and lavender oil."
3. Don't bathe your Chihuahua unless he gets really
dirty. Oftentimes the Chihuahua will only need a bath
about every 2 to 3 months depending on environment and
circumstances. Always rinse well.
4. Blow-dry the coat while brushing the long hair.
5. After blow drying, comb through with your medium-toothed
comb (these items can be
purchased at any pet supply store or online.
6. Check the Chihuahua's nails, ears and teeth. His
nails should be kept moderately short. For show dogs,
follow the breed standard about nails.
Note: The interior of the ear canals of the little Chihuahua
should be gently cleaned. You may want to use a little
Betadine scrub in his ears to prevent yeast infections.
Pay special attention to drying the inside and outside
of his ears. Ear infections can arise from moist ear
canals.
Special Note about the Chihuahua Show Dogs:
For the show ring cut the hairs on the muzzle with a
curve scissor and, for Long Coats, trim around the feet
and between the pads.
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