Grooming and coat
Do smooth and long coated Chihuahuas need different grooming?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes. A smooth coated Chihuahua needs little more than a weekly wipe with a soft cloth or rubber brush, while a long coated Chihuahua needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangling around the ears, tail feathering, and the ruff of longer hair around the neck.
The smooth coat's minimal needs
Weighing typically 1.5 to 3 kg (3 to 6 lb), a smooth coated Chihuahua has a short, close lying coat that sheds lightly and rarely tangles, so a weekly session with a rubber curry brush or soft cloth is usually enough, along with more frequent attention only during the two main seasonal sheds.
Where the long coat needs more attention
The longer coated variety carries feathering on the ears, legs, and tail along with a fuller ruff around the neck, all areas prone to tangling from everyday movement. Two to three sessions a week with a pin brush followed by a comb check through these spots specifically prevents the small, fine mats that can form quickly in such delicate hair.
Bathing frequency is similar for both
Coat type affects brushing far more than bathing in this breed, and both varieties generally do well with a bath every four to six weeks using a gentle shampoo, since neither coat type produces the heavy oil buildup seen in some larger, denser coated breeds.
Key takeaways
- Smooth coated Chihuahuas need only a weekly wipe or brush, while long coated ones need brushing several times a week.
- The long coat's feathering around the ears, legs, and tail is where tangling starts first.
- Both coat varieties generally need bathing about as often, roughly every four to six weeks.