Do Chihuahuas Shed? This is a common question for aspiring Chihuahua keepers. Moreover, this is a huge consideration when getting a Chihuahua if you or a family member suffers from asthma. Shedding is a normal occurrence in most dogs. Also, it is the dander attached to a dog’s shed that triggers asthma or triggers other allergies. Let’s find out in this article.
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Chihuahua coat types
The purebred Chihuahua is available in two coat types. However, there are 7 different types of Chihuahuas to choose from and these other varieties may also come in either the short or long coat type. These two coat types have significant differences when it comes to maintenance and grooming. Nevertheless, choosing the best shampoo for your Chihuahua may help limit the shedding for either coat type.
These two Chihuahua coat types may slightly differ when it comes to care, but they are equally affectionate and loyal. Moreover, these coat types may only vary in appearance, yet they are both purebred Chihuahuas with all the lovable qualities known to the breed. You might want to prefer one Chihuahua coat type over the other due to their different grooming needs.
Short haired
The short haired Chihuahua needs very minimal grooming needs and only has to be brushed and bathed occasionally. However, even though these Chihuahuas are short haired, they may also shed occasionally. This means that your furniture or carpets may also have some fur attached to them during this time. Luckily, you may limit the fur on furniture by brushing your Chihuahua to remove shed fur before they fall off.
Long haired
The long haired Chihuahua is another coat type option for the Chihuahua. Moreover, this type of Chihuahua does not really shed more than the short-haired Chihuahua since they are both Chihuahuas. However, the long haired Chihuahua sheds longer fur that might be more noticeable once it attaches to furniture and carpets. Besides, the long haired Chihuahua requires more grooming compared to the short haired Chihuahua.
Do Chihuahuas Shed?
Just like any other dog, the Chihuahua also sheds. However, Chihuahuas do not shed as frequently as other breeds. That is why they only need occasionally brushing to remove shed fur. The shed of a Chihuahua is very easy to manage when you have the right tools since they only shed occasionally.
The most important tool in caring for a Chihuahua is having the right grooming needs to help manage the occasional shedding of the breed. Regular bathing may help get rid of sheds easily as they may get washed off once you bathe your dog. Also, after bathing and drying your Chihuahua, you may then use the appropriate brush or grooming tool to get rid of other shed fur that has not come off during the bath.
You may have to brush your dog to remove loose fur to prevent it from sticking to carpets and furniture. Moreover, this may mean that you have to brush your dog occasionally to make sure that your surroundings remain free from dog fur. Brushing is beneficial in the management of Chihuahua sheds because it picks up the loose fur even before it falls of and sticks to something in your home.
The Chihuahua may shed, but it is very manageable since it occasionally happens. Moreover, if your Chihuahua shed too much and there are some noticeable bald spots on your Chihuahua’s fur, then there might be an underlying health problem in your dog, so you might want to get it checked out by a veterinarian. If your Chihuahua has a skin problem, it might be a cause for excessive shedding.
Are Chihuahuas hypoallergenic?
There is no dog that is completely hypoallergenic. But, there are a few breeds that come very close to being hypoallergenic that some allergy and asthma sufferers may tolerate them well. However, the Chihuahua is not listed in the hypoallergenic breeds in the American Kennel Club.
The Chihuahua may not be hypoallergenic, but they may be tolerated by some allergy and asthma sufferers. If you or a family member suffers from asthma or allergies, the Chihuahua may be tolerated as long as the dog has proper hygiene and grooming.
In allergies involving dogs, it is the dander attached to the fur that causes the allergy, not the entire dog. So, properly grooming a Chihuahua and regularly cleaning the surroundings with a good pet hair vacuum cleaner may do the trick to keeping you or your family member free from allergens such as Chihuahua’s dander.
How to maintain a Chihuahua’s fur and reduce shedding?
The Chihuahua’s fur is easy to maintain because it sheds occasionally. However, other things may also influence your dog’s fur and shedding. Using the appropriate shampoo for the breed may be beneficial in limiting the amount of shed that your dog produces. Moreover, nutrition also plays a huge role in your Chihuahua’s fur and the way it sheds. There are some dog foods that promote a healthy fur for your dog and these diets may also reduce shedding due to the nutrients that it provides for your dog.
There are some steps that you can take to reduce the shedding of your Chihuahua and have a clean home that is free from stray fur. Here are some steps that you can take to maintain the cleanliness of your home and the hair and skin health of your Chihuahua:
- Bathe and bath your Chihuahua regularly
- Use the right grooming tools on your Chihuahua
- Provide the proper nutrition for your Chihuahua
- Use a vacuum for pet hair to clean your home
- Visit a veterinarian if your Chihuahua is shedding excessively to determine any possible health problem
Conclusion
Do Chihuahuas Shed? Yes, just like any other dog, the Chihuahua also sheds. However, the Chihuahua is only supposed to shed occasionally. The Chihuahua’s fur is easy to maintain due to the occasional shedding as long as you use the right shampoo and grooming tools. Also, providing the right nutrition for your Chihuahua may help reduce shedding.
