The Complete Long haired chihuahua Guide

You didn’t land on the Long haired chihuahua by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Tiny but intensely devoted, bold and opinionated, and a soft coat over an enormous personality, they’re a natural fit for individuals, apartment dwellers, and experienced small dog owners who appreciate a deeply bonded, spirited companion who want a tiny, fiercely devoted dog who bonds intensely with their person and brings outsized personality to any space. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Long haired chihuahua?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Long haired chihuahua? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	3 out of 5	Bright and quick. Chihuahuas are more intelligent than many people expect and learn fast when motivated
Obedience	3 out of 5	Can be reliable in low-distraction environments. Their terrier-like independence shows in the field
Focus	2 out of 5	Focused in training but easily distracted. Their alert nature means they notice everything
Stubbornness	4 out of 5	Stubborn and opinionated. They know what they want and aren't shy about pursuing it

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Deeply devoted to their person. Long-haired Chihuahuas form some of the most intense bonds in the dog world
Good with children	2 out of 5	Better with older children who understand how to handle a very small dog. Rough handling can cause serious injury
Good with strangers	2 out of 5	Suspicious and reserved with strangers. Some can be reactive. Socialization from puppyhood is essential
Good with other dogs	2 out of 5	Can be dog-selective and may prefer their own company or the company of another Chihuahua

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	5 out of 5	One of the best breeds for apartment living. Tiny, quiet indoors when well exercised
Cold weather	2 out of 5	Their small body loses heat very quickly. A coat is essential in cold weather
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate warmth
Routine flexibility	3 out of 5	Adaptable with their person. They go where you go
First time owner	3 out of 5	Better suited to experienced small dog owners who understand how to avoid creating an anxious, reactive dog

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	3 out of 5	Moderate energy. Lively and playful indoors with modest outdoor needs
Endurance	1 out of 5	Not built for endurance. Short activity bursts suit them well
Exercise needs	2 out of 5	Needs 20 to 30 minutes of gentle daily exercise
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Curious and alert. Mental engagement through training and games keeps them content
Grooming needs	3 out of 5	The soft, slightly wavy coat requires more maintenance than the smooth variety

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	4 out of 5	Playful and spirited throughout their life
Affection	5 out of 5	Extremely affectionate with their person. They want physical contact almost constantly
Loyalty	5 out of 5	One of the most intensely bonded small breeds. Their devotion to their person is total
Independence	1 out of 5	Very low independence. They are not comfortable alone and can develop severe separation anxiety
Alertness	4 out of 5	Extremely alert. They react to sounds, movements, and changes in environment continuously

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	4 out of 5	Vocal breed. Barking is frequent and training is needed to manage it
Digging tendency	1 out of 5	Not prone to digging
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Light chewing tendency
Prey drive	2 out of 5	Some prey drive, low in practice given their size
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Alert and vocal alarm dog. Their bark outpaces their deterrent ability at this size

What are common health issues of a Long haired chihuahua?

Like all breeds, Long haired chihuahuas are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Long haired chihuahuas? 

Your Long haired chihuahua can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA patella evaluation
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist
• OFA cardiac exam via auscultation

Do Long haired chihuahuas need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Long haired chihuahua owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Long haired chihuahua owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Long-Haired Chi specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Long haired chihuahuas are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Long-Haired Chis age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Long haired chihuahua owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$50-$55
2 years old	$45-$50
3 years old	$40-$45
4 years old	$50-$55
5 years old	$65-$70
6 years old	$55-$60
7 years old	$70-$75

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Long-Haired Chi?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Long haired chihuahua and your budget.

History of the Long haired chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the oldest breeds in the Americas, with strong historical ties to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Small dog remains have been found in ancient burial sites throughout Mexico and Central America, and the Techichi, a small companion dog kept by the Toltec people, is widely considered an ancestor. The modern Chihuahua takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the breed was rediscovered by American travelers in the late 1800s. The AKC recognized the Chihuahua in 1904, making it one of the first recognized breeds with indigenous American origins. The long-haired variety likely developed through natural variation or cross-breeding with small long-coated dogs brought by Spanish colonizers. Both smooth and long-haired coat types appear in the same breed standard.

Caring for a Long haired chihuahua

Training

Training a Long haired chihuahua takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are bold, stubborn, and prone to small dog syndrome, which means owners must be consistent and avoid letting unwanted behaviors slide because of their small size. Short, positive sessions with high-value treats and firm but gentle boundaries tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Long haired chihuahuas have a long, soft coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush 2 to 3 times per week to prevent tangles, paying attention to the ear feathering and chest, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Occasional trimming around the ears, paws, and hindquarters keeps the coat looking neat.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Long-Haired Chi looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Long haired chihuahuas have moderate energy levels and need 30 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Short brisk walks, indoor play sessions, and interactive puzzle games are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Long haired chihuahuas are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become snappy, anxious, and prone to excessive barking and demanding behaviors. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Long haired chihuahua will actually love.

Nutrition

Long haired chihuahuas are small dogs with moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 200 to 300 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $20 to $35 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Long haired chihuahua here.

Long haired chihuahua costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Long haired chihuahua?

Before your Long haired chihuahua even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$500-$1,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$500	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$100-$300	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$100-$200	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Long haired chihuahua each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Long haired chihuahua owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$200-$500	Based on the recommended portion for your Long haired chihuahua
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$200-$400	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Soft coat requires brushing several times weekly and professional trimming to stay neat.
Toys and Supplies	$100-$300	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Long haired chihuahua names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Long haired chihuahua we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Long haired chihuahua puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Long haired chihuahua puppies are intensely bonded, alert, and convinced their person is the most important individual in any room. That a total devotion that makes them one of the most attached companion dogs you can own is part of what makes them one of the most travel-friendly and adaptable tiny companions for owners who can be their entire world, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Long haired chihuahua brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Long haired chihuahua’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Long haired chihuahuas are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

2. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

3. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

4. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

5. New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Long haired chihuahua? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Long haired chihuahua right for you?

Long haired chihuahuas reward the right owner with a depth of devotion that very few other breeds come close to matching and a compact, portable presence that fits comfortably into almost any lifestyle. They just need daily dental care, harness use, patient gentle training, a warm coat for cold weather, and careful handling at all times in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Long haired chihuahua. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.