Chihuahua (Long Coat) characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Very Small | 3% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Medium | 34% of breeds |
| Good with children | Low | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Very High | 5% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | High | 22% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 15 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Chihuahua (Long Coat) right for you?
The Chihuahua (Long Coat) is one of the smallest breeds you can own that takes up almost no room at home and is simple to transport. In terms of temperament, it manages with kids when introductions are handled slowly and is naturally alert and defends its people. Day to day, the Chihuahua (Long Coat) thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Chihuahua (Long Coat) thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. With medium energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Chihuahua (Long Coat) to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Chihuahua (Long Coat) needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Chihuahua (Long Coat) is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house. It is fairly independent and handles alone time well, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Chihuahua (Long Coat)
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Chihuahua (Long Coat) genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Size: Very small — the Chihuahua (Long Coat) is among the smallest breeds we score, small enough that supervision around toddlers matters. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Barking: Very high — the Chihuahua (Long Coat) is among the most vocal breeds in the catalogue — a real constraint in a flat with shared walls. Only 5% of breeds we score share this rating.
- With children: Low — the Chihuahua (Long Coat) is less child-oriented than most breeds. Only 7% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Athleticism: Low — the Chihuahua (Long Coat) is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Chihuahua (Long Coat) actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Handles normal working hours better than most, given exercise either side. |
| Noise | Vocal enough to be a genuine issue with shared walls. |
Where the Chihuahua (Long Coat) fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Workable on space, but the barking needs managing where walls are shared. |
| Families with young children | Poor fit | Low child tolerance — a household with toddlers is not the right fit. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Good fit | High independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
| Wanting a watchful dog | Good fit | High protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive. |
Guides the Chihuahua (Long Coat) is ranked in
The Chihuahua (Long Coat) earns a place on 4 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Apartment living
- Grooming enthusiasts
- Senior owners
- Cold climate toy dog lovers
Things to consider
- Regular grooming needed
- Fragile build
- Can be protective and nippy
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Chihuahua (Long Coat) good with children?
- The Chihuahua (Long Coat) may do better in homes with older or no children, and needs careful socialization.
- Does the Chihuahua (Long Coat) shed a lot?
- The Chihuahua (Long Coat) has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Chihuahua (Long Coat) need?
- With medium energy, the Chihuahua (Long Coat) needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Chihuahua (Long Coat) live?
- The Chihuahua (Long Coat) typically lives around 15 years.
- Can the Chihuahua (Long Coat) live in an apartment?
- The Chihuahua (Long Coat) can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Chihuahua (Long Coat) easy to train?
- The Chihuahua (Long Coat) is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Chihuahua (Long Coat) be left alone during the day?
- The Chihuahua (Long Coat) is fairly independent and handles alone time well. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.