Chihuahua (Long Coat)

The breed takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where small dogs matching its description were found in the mid-19th century, thought to descend from the Techichi, a companion dog kept by the Toltec and later Aztec civilisations. The long-coated variety is a natural, recessive coat variation rather than a separate later development, and both coat types can appear in the same litter. American traders exported the breed north from the 1850s onward, and it was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1904.

Living with a Long Coat Chihuahua means living with the smallest dog breed recognised by major kennel clubs, which brings both convenience and fragility. It travels easily and needs relatively little space, but its tiny bones fracture easily around rough handling or falls, making it a poor match for very young children. It is fiercely loyal, often to one person in particular, and can be wary of strangers and other dogs, expressing this vocally. Its longer coat needs brushing a few times a week to prevent tangles but sheds less noticeably than the smooth coat.

Chihuahuas are prone to shivering in cold weather owing to their size and short coat length relative to their body, and many owners use coats for winter walks. They also tend to be feisty and unaware of their own size, which owners need to manage around larger dogs.

Today the Long Coat Chihuahua is kept almost exclusively as a companion, popular in cities and apartments for its size, portability and strong personal attachment to its owner.