Breed · Short smooth coats
Chihuahua grooming: smooth and long coats, nails and ears
AKC's Chihuahua coat facts for both varieties: occasional brushing for smooth coats, weekly for long coats, regular nail trims, dental and ear care.
Also listed as Chi
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Short answer
Chihuahuas come in two coats; AKC lists the coat type as Smooth and rates shedding 2 of 5. The smooth coat needs only occasional brushing and regular baths; the longhaired coat should be brushed at least once a week to avoid tangles and mats. Both need regular nail trims, ear checks and dental care (AKC). Core tools: soft brush or mitt, a gentle slicker for long coats, small nail clippers. Don't treat the two coats the same: the long coat needs the weekly brushing.
Key facts
- Coat type (AKC)
- Smooth[1]Two varieties, smooth coat and long coat; the standard prefers an undercoat in long coats.
- Coat length (AKC)
- Short, Medium[1]
- Shedding (AKC, 1-5)
- 2 of 5[1]
- Brushing (AKC guidance)
- Smooth: occasional; long coat: at least once a week[1]
- Seasonal shedding
- None noted by AKC[1]
- Clipping and shaving
- Not part of AKC's routine for the breed[1]Breed standard: groomed only to create a neat appearance.
- Nail trims
- Regularly, both varieties (AKC)[1]
- Professional grooming
- Not called for in AKC's breed advice[1]
Watch out for
- Two coats, two routines: AKC says the longhaired variety needs brushing at least once a week to avoid tangles and mats, while the smooth coat needs only occasional brushing.
- Ears: AKC says to check them regularly and remove excess wax or debris; Cornell advises cleaning only when you see dirt, and never with cotton swabs.
- If the nails are dark, VCA suggests trimming just the tip, then a series of small clips of 1-2 mm.
- Long-coat feet: a grinder can catch the feathering on the feet (VCA), so use a clipper or hold the hair back.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Nail clipper
Scissor-style pet nail clipper with LED lightChoose the gray clipper.
A scissor-style clipper with a light suits small nails; take small clips on dark nails (VCA).
Sold by Shop1105233629 Store
Slicker brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush (PS1140)Choose the single brush; any color.
For the long coat's weekly brushing, used gently; smooth coats don't need it.
Sold by Stone's Store
Smooth coat: occasional brushing and regular baths (AKC); a soft brush or rubber mitt does the job. Long coat: a gentle brush and comb through the ear fringes, ruff and pants at least weekly. Both: nails regularly, teeth brushed, ears checked.
No catalog pick yet for a soft brush, a mitt or a small comb. See how to trim black dog nails and the long coats family page for mat care.
Questions
How often should I brush a Chihuahua?
It depends on the coat. AKC says a smooth-coat Chihuahua needs only occasional brushing, while a longhaired one should be brushed at least once a week to avoid tangles or mats.[1]
Do long-haired Chihuahuas have an undercoat?
The AKC breed standard says an undercoat is preferred in long coats, and permits heavier coats with undercoats in smooth coats.[1]
What else does Chihuahua grooming include?
AKC lists regular nail trims for both varieties, tooth brushing as part of good dental care, and regular ear checks to remove excess wax or debris.[1]