Chihuahua: bathing, clipping and coat care

The Chihuahua has a short coat. See how we care for it in the salon, how often to visit and what to do at home.

SizeSmall
Weight1.5–3 kg
Height15–23 cm
CoatShort
SheddingMedium
Chihuahua
Photo: Alicia Gauthier femalecamper · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Breed facts

FCI groupGroup 9: Companion and toy dogs
OriginMexico
Weight1.5–3 kg
Height15–23 cm
Life expectancy12–17 years

Temperament

Lively, brave and very attached to its owner, with a huge personality for its size. It can be wary of strangers.

History

From Mexico, the name comes from the state of Chihuahua; it is linked to ancient Mexican dogs.

Fun facts

It is the smallest recognised dog breed in the world.

The Chihuahua coat

A short, close coat that is simple to maintain but sheds throughout the year.

There are two varieties: short-haired (easy to maintain) and long-haired (needs frequent brushing). It feels the cold.

What we do in the salon

A full bath with dead-hair removal, nail trimming, ear cleaning and conditioning.

Recommended services

  • Bathabout 1 h

How often?

Bathevery 6 to 8 weeks
Cut / upkeepUsually no cut needed.

Care at home between visits

  1. Brush once a week with a rubber glove or soft-bristle brush.
  2. Dry the skin and folds well after a bath or rain.
  3. Check the skin: a short coat shows any irritation early.
  4. Look after the nails and ears.

Frequently asked questions about the Chihuahua

Does the Chihuahua shed a lot?

It sheds moderately. Brushing once or twice a week and a bath with dead-hair removal keeps the home and the coat tidy.

How often should I bring my Chihuahua to the salon?

In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Usually no cut needed. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.

How long do a bath and a clip take?

When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.

Does it need clipping?

Usually not: a regular bath with dead-hair removal and weekly brushing is enough.

Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.