Long Coat vs Short Coat

Is there a difference between the smooth coats and long coats? The issue of whether or not their is a differnce between the long-and smooth coats varieties seems to be a topic of debate within the Chihuahua community. Some claim that there is no difference, while others believe there is a great difference.

Once the decision to buy a Chihuahua has been made, one must choose between the long - and smooth- coated varieties. Though there are exceptions, the following observations regarding Chihuahuas have generally proven true though my years of experience. The varieties seem to differ in five respects in paticular: temperament, ability to withstand cold temperatures, desire to be a lapdog, shedding.

Temperment- It us my experience and opinion Chihuahu temperment differs with coat cariety. Smooth coats are ususaly a bit more bold, long-coated Chihuahuas, while not shy, are usually a bit more reserved but very playful.

Ability to Withstand Cold- Cold temperature are difficult for a smooth Chihuahuas to endure. (This I especially true of smooths that lack undercoat.) A smooth will tolerate a brief trip outside in cold weather for exercise, but it's wise to put a sweater on it. Conversely, many long-coated Chihuahuas love to rompin the snow. Becasue of their small size, even a thee-inch snow accumulation creates quite abstacle for our little ones. Chihuahuas should be kept warm and dry as much as possible.

Desire To Be Lapdog- Both smoth-and long- coated Chihuahuas are good lapdogs. Smooths enjoy sitting on a lap and enjoy the warth of a person's body. Although long coats also enjoy human contact, they are more inclined to sit beside or near a person than on a lap. If they do site on a lap they often become so warm they pant. As a teenager I often sneaked my first Chihuahua into my bedroom. This smooth coat was quite content to be under the covers with me. This is characteristic of smooth coats. Long coats, on the other hand, are more inclinded to lay on top of the covers when in bed.

Shedding- Long Coated Chihuahuas shed less they shed seasonally, usually twice a year. During those periods, they lose a lot of hair quite quickly. But a few good brucshings, plus vacuuming the carpets and furniture, puts an end to the problem for several months. Smooth Coated Chihuahuas on the other hand, shed old hair and replace it with new all the time. Consequently, a few tiny hairs always work their way onto your clothes, funiture, and carpets

Chihuahuas of both vareities make wonderful pets. They are intellegent and usually quite eager to please their owners. Prospective pet purchasers have to assess the differences between the coat varieties before they make a choice, but they should also remember that there are that their are exceptions to every generalization.


--Richard V Miller, 104 W, Archer AVE., Box 401, LaHarpe, IL 61450
(Taken from the Chihuahua breed column Dec. 1998)