Is the Chihuahua (Long Coat) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) better for families with children?

Both the Chihuahua (Long Coat) and the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Chihuahua (Long Coat) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?

The Chihuahua (Long Coat) sheds more than the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat). If shedding is a concern, the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Chihuahua (Long Coat) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Chihuahua (Long Coat) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) bigger?

Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are a similar size (Very Small).

Which barks more, Chihuahua (Long Coat) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?

Both bark a similar amount (very high).

Which is better for apartment living, Chihuahua (Long Coat) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?

For apartment or apartment living, Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.

Chihuahua (Long Coat) vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat): Compared

Chihuahua (Long Coat) vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat): full comparison

Trait	Chihuahua (Long Coat)	Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
Size	Very Small	Very Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Low	Low
Grooming needs	High	Very Low
Shedding	High	Medium
Barking	Very High	Very High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Chihuahua (Long Coat) has noticeably higher grooming than the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat).

Size and living space

The Chihuahua (Long Coat) is a toy-sized companion that happily fits into even the smallest apartment and is easy to carry, travel with and manage indoors. By comparison, the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is a toy-sized companion that happily fits into even the smallest apartment and is easy to carry, travel with and manage indoors. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Chihuahua (Long Coat) wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Chihuahua (Long Coat) needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Chihuahua (Long Coat) is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. On guarding instinct, Chihuahua (Long Coat) is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Chihuahua (Long Coat) if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Chihuahua (Long Coat) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) better for families with children?: Both the Chihuahua (Long Coat) and the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Chihuahua (Long Coat) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?: The Chihuahua (Long Coat) sheds more than the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat). If shedding is a concern, the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Chihuahua (Long Coat) or the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Chihuahua (Long Coat) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) bigger?: Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are a similar size (Very Small).
Which barks more, Chihuahua (Long Coat) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?: Both bark a similar amount (very high).
Which is better for apartment living, Chihuahua (Long Coat) or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?: For apartment or apartment living, Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) are an even match — either can work well.

Chihuahua (Long Coat) vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)