Do Chihuahuas Shed? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
Chihuahuas are some of the most popular small breeds to exist. Their compact bodies and their hilarious personalities are just a few of the things that make them so attractive to potential owners.
However, if you’re a person who looks for a low shedding dog, or even one that is hypoallergenic, you might wonder if a Chihuahua fits the bill. If they do shed, you might wonder exactly how much so you know what to expect.
In this article, we aim to explore exactly what Chihuahua ownership looks like as far as grooming and caretaking. Let’s dig in!
Chihuahuas Do Shed
Yes, Chihuahuas do shed. They might not have as high of a shed output as some, but they certainly still lose their locks year round. Chihuahuas are definitely not a hypoallergenic breed.
They shed just as much as any other single-coated dog. However, because of their compact size, it makes shedding a lot easier to manage. You don’t have to worry about large handfuls of hair littering your home. You really only have to worry about cleaning regularly.
Chihuahuas Are Not Grooming-Intensive
Unless you have a long-haired Chihuahua, you don’t have to worry about buying clippers, taking your dog to the groomer every 4 to 6 weeks, or anything of that nature. Chihuahuas are pretty easy to maintain and most of them have short hair. But even the long-haired Chihuahuas are super simple to brush and clean up after.
Grooming Supplies for Chihuahuas
You don’t have to get any special bells or whistles when you are shopping for grooming supplies for Chihuahuas. Their coat tends to be very straightforward and easy to maintain. However, there are certain grooming supplies that are an absolute must for any canine, including yours.
1. Shampoo/Conditioner
Shampoo is an absolute must! After all, how will your dog get clean without a little extra help? Conditioner, on the other hand, is totally elective.
Since the Chihuahua usually has a shorter coat, the conditioner is something that will certainly make it smoother, but not necessarily make it an essential. To be on the safe side, you should always buy fragrance-free shampoos for your pooch.
The more natural the ingredients, the better. Chihuahuas can be very prone to allergies, so they can be sensitive to certain chemical compounds put on the skin.
2. Brushes
There are many different kinds of brushes you can buy for your dog. Since Chihuahuas are so tiny, you will definitely want a smaller version that fits nicely into your hand. Don’t buy bigger, bulkier brushes and expect it to run smoothly.
There are different types of brushes for different purposes. Let’s get to know each one a little better.
3. Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is an ideal choice for everyday brushing, especially for long-haired Chihuahuas. It is designed to gently remove shed from the top coat and the under layer, raking away any dead fur and collecting it all neatly into the bristles.
Some of these brushes have a self cleaning feature where you push a button on the back and it retracts the bristles. You can wipe down the surface with the bristles retracted to sanitize it.
Other options just have a manual cleaning mechanism where you simply pull the hair out of the bristles and call it a day.
4. Bristle Brush
Bristle brushes can be made of either animal hair or synthetic bristles. These brushes are designed for everyday use as well, but for a slightly different purpose.
Rather than being a major detangler, these brushes are used to distribute oils throughout the fur, making it shiny and soft.
5. Bathing Glove
A bathing glove is a nice thing to have on hand. Not only can this help with keeping your own hands clean during bath time, but it has rubber nodules that will loosen and remove any dead fur in the coat.
6. Toothbrushes
There are several different types of toothbrushes for dogs. Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent any tartar buildup, which can lead to plaque. There are a few different toothbrush selections for dogs.
Traditional brushes look just like human toothbrushes, only for dogs. If you have a little nipper on your hands, it can also save your fingers from certain bites. If you have a modest little Chihuahua in your hands, you can put a soft finger brush on you and gently brush their teeth. Often, these options are reusable, but sometimes they are disposable.
7. Dental Toys
There are several different dental toys on the market. These types of toys are designed to promote healthy chewing. Your dog’s chewing can naturally eliminate build up on the teeth and gums.
8. Nail Clippers
Even your sweet little Chihuahua gets long, gangly nails sometimes. That is why it is important to trim them, especially after bath time, to prevent scratching fabrics, furniture, and even your skin!
9. Bath Towel
If you don’t like the idea of using one of your bath towels for your dog, buy them their own! They make tons of adorable doggy towels on the market, or you can use a traditional towel that is designated only for your pooch.
Chihuahua Grooming Tips
If you haven’t gotten your Chihuahua yet, here are some grooming tips to help you out when you finally do!
Acclimate Your Chihuahua Early
Remember that brushing should start pretty early on. You will want your Chihuahua to be very used to it. Most Chihuahuas love to be pampered, so you won’t have to do much convincing.
However, if you’ve adopted your Chihuahua or gotten them later in life for whatever reason, they might be a little bit afraid or just not quite used to it at first. The more you do it, however, the easier it will become.
Most of the time, any dog will warm up to brushing if it’s done regularly. In fact, dogs that love to be pampered will particularly show interest because it quite frankly feels good.
If your Chihuahua enjoys it, they will gladly pile on your lap or stand up for their daily brushing. Whether you have a short or long-haired Chihuahua, you can easily get the job done within seconds.
Don’t think of grooming as just brushing your dog and giving them a bath once every 4 to 6 weeks. There’s a lot more that goes into it than just that! You have to make sure they have their teeth brushed, ears cleaned, and nails clipped to keep them in tiptop shape.
Brushing the teeth is an often-overlooked grooming practice for pets. That is likely because it’s just something we never think about. After all, our dogs are constantly putting something gross in their mouth and not giving it a second thought.
However, unbrushed teeth can lead to some serious complications for a Chihuahua. These dogs are susceptible to dental disease and decay. It is also a good idea to get them lots of toys they can gnaw on to remove any plaque or tartar buildup. Also, you can purchase dental-specific toys to keep your pet busy and keep their teeth clean at the same time.
Conclusion
And now you know that Chihuahuas do shed! Since they are tiny, it is a lot easier to manage their shedding than some other larger, heavier-coated breeds. We hope that you have enjoyed these tips for proper grooming. As long as you keep up with regular hygiene and routine cleaning with your Chihuahua, your home should be virtually hair-free.
Featured Image Credit: Albina Gavrilovic, Shutterstock
