Smooth Coat Chihuahua: Temperament, Grooming, Cost & Adoption
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The smooth coat chihuahua is the most common variety of the world's smallest dog breed. Its short, dense, glossy, velvety coat lies flat against the body and needs minimal care: weekly brushing is enough, a bath every 2-3 months, and no detangling. That easy upkeep, combined with the lively, loyal, affectionate temperament typical of the breed, makes it an ideal companion for first-time owners or anyone who wants a low-maintenance dog. Height: 6-9 in (15-23 cm). Weight: 3.3-6.6 lb (1.5-3 kg). Life expectancy: 14-18 years. Price in France: €1,400-2,500 for a registered pet-quality puppy, roughly 10-15% less than a long coat (no professional grooming costs).
The short version: Smooth coat chihuahua = the ultra-easy-care variety. Coat: Short (0.2-0.6 in / 5-15 mm), dense, smooth, glossy, lying flat on the body. Slightly longer on the neck and tail. Velvety texture, or sometimes slightly coarse. Grooming: Brush once a week (10 min), bathe every 2-3 months, no detangling, no professional groomer needed. Shedding: Moderate (spring/fall); daily brushing is recommended during shedding periods. Temperament: Same as the long coat (affectionate, loyal, lively, alert, can be stubborn). Advantages over the long coat: 70% less grooming, dirt shows less, dries fast, saves €200-400 a year on groomers (French market). Price in France: €1,400-2,500 for a registered puppy (slightly lower than long coat). Health: Same as the rest of the breed (patellar luxation, dental problems, hypoglycemia). Ideal for: First-time owners, busy people, anyone wanting low maintenance, active lifestyles.
Breed Profile
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Variety | Smooth coat chihuahua (recognized coat variety) |
| Coat length | 0.2-0.6 in (5-15 mm) on the body, slightly longer on the neck (light ruff) and tail |
| Texture | Dense, smooth, glossy, lying flat against the skin. Velvety or slightly coarse depending on the dog |
| Adult height | 6-9 in (15-23 cm) at the withers (same as the long coat) |
| Adult weight | 3.3-6.6 lb (1.5-3 kg) per the breed standard. Ideal: 4-5.5 lb (1.8-2.5 kg) |
| Life expectancy | 14-18 years (sometimes 20 with excellent care) |
| Accepted colors | All except merle: fawn, black, white, chocolate, blue, cream, tricolor... |
| Temperament | Affectionate, loyal, lively, intelligent, alert, can be stubborn/territorial |
| Grooming level | ⭐ Very low: weekly brushing, rare baths, no groomer |
| Average price (France) | €1,400-2,500 for a registered pet puppy / €2,000-3,500 for champion bloodlines |
Coat Characteristics
A practical, elegant coat
In detail: A dense short coat (0.2-0.6 in / 5-15 mm) covers the body evenly. It is thicker on the neck, forming a light natural ruff, the tail is well furred without a plume, and the head and ears are very short-haired (0.08-0.2 in / 2-5 mm). A healthy coat has a natural shine (silky highlights in the light). Texture varies: mostly soft and velvety, sometimes slightly coarser and firmer (both textures are accepted by the standard, and neither is superior). Undercoat: Light to nonexistent depending on the dog and the season. Moderate shedding in spring and fall (increased hair loss for 2-4 weeks). Common colors: Fawn/sand (40-50%), black and tan (20-25%), white (10-15%), chocolate, blue, cream, tricolor. Merle is not accepted for registered pedigree dogs.
Ultra-Simple Grooming
| Care | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Regular brushing | Once a week (10 min) | Soft-bristle brush or rubber glove. Remove dead hair, stimulate circulation, keep the coat shiny. No detangling needed. |
| Brushing during shedding | Daily for 2-4 weeks (spring/fall) | Undercoat brush or glove. Speeds up coat renewal and reduces hair around the house. |
| Bath | Every 2-3 months (or when very dirty) | Lukewarm water, 98.6-100.4°F (37-38°C), mild dog shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry. Air drying is enough (a short coat dries in 15-30 min). |
| Eye cleaning | Daily or 2-3 times a week | Gauze pad and saline solution. Remove discharge from the corners of the eyes. Watch for brown tear stains on light coats. |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly | Dog-specific ear cleaner. Gently clean the outer ear. Helps prevent ear infections. |
| Nail trimming | Every 3-4 weeks | Dog nail clippers or electric grinder. Trim the tip without touching the quick (the pink part visible in light nails). |
| Dental care | At least 3-4 times a week | Brush teeth with enzymatic dog toothpaste. The breed is prone to tartar. A yearly professional cleaning at the vet is recommended from age 3-4. |
| Professional groomer | NOT NEEDED | Home care is enough. Saves €200-400 a year compared with a long coat (French market). |
Smooth Coat vs Long Coat: Differences
| Trait | Smooth coat | Long coat |
|---|---|---|
| Coat length | 0.2-0.6 in (5-15 mm) on the body | 1.2-2.8 in (3-7 cm) on the body, 3-5 in (8-12 cm) on the feathered areas |
| Brushing | Once a week (10 min) | Daily (15-30 min) plus detangling |
| Bath | Every 2-3 months | Monthly or every other month |
| Drying | 15-30 min air drying | 45-90 min, blow dryer needed |
| Groomer | Not needed | Recommended 4-6 times a year (€200-400/year in France) |
| Shedding | Moderate (2-4 weeks in spring/fall) | Similar, but long hairs are more visible around the house |
| Dirt | Less visible (except on white coats) | Very visible, frequent cleaning of paws and belly |
| Temperament | Same | Same (the idea that temperament differs is a myth) |
| Health | Same | Same |
| Average price (France) | €1,400-2,500 for a pet | €1,500-2,800 for a pet (+10-15%) |
Temperature Sensitivity
Extra protection from the cold
Cold vulnerability: A short coat offers minimal insulation compared with a long coat. Cold sensitivity is slightly higher (comfort threshold 64-68°F / 18-20°C vs 61-64°F / 16-18°C for long coats). Shivering to regulate body temperature starts sooner in cool weather. Protection is essential: Dress your dog below 59°F (15°C) outdoors (sweater, waterproof coat in rain or snow), keep the house at 68-75°F (20-24°C), provide a cozy bed with blankets, and limit outings in severe cold below 41°F (5°C) to 10-15 minute potty breaks. Heat: Better tolerance than the long coat (no thick coat to overheat). Still sensitive to heat waves above 86°F (30°C) (heatstroke is possible). Standard precautions: shade, fresh water, avoid the hottest hours.
Temperament and Behavior
- Overflowing affection: Intense attachment to the owner, constantly seeks physical contact, follows you around the house (a true "velcro dog")
- Fierce loyalty: Total devotion to the family, wary of strangers if not socialized, strongly territorial (protects home and owner)
- Sharp intelligence: Learns commands quickly, memorizes routines, can be manipulative (tests your limits)
- Excellent watchfulness: A great alert dog despite its size, barks easily at the slightest noise, an effective watchdog (vocal and courageous far beyond its size)
- Assertive personality: Strong character, can challenge authority if training is lax, and "little boss" syndrome is common if spoiled
- Moderate exercise needs: 30-45 min of outings a day is enough, games and mental stimulation are essential, and apartment life works well if the dog is properly exercised
Health
Breed predispositions
Common conditions: Patellar luxation (20-30% of chihuahuas, unstable kneecap, limping, surgery possible), dental problems (early tartar from age 2-3, gingivitis, tooth loss, brushing 3-4 times a week is a must), hypoglycemia (puppies and minis under 3.3 lb / 1.5 kg, sudden blood sugar drop, a vet emergency), tracheal collapse (compressed windpipe, chronic cough, always use a harness, never a collar), hydrocephalus (rare, fluid buildup in the brain, puppies), heart disease (murmurs, heart failure, seniors over 10 years). General hardiness: Despite its fragile look, an excellent lifespan of 14-18 years shows a robust constitution with proper care. Yearly health budget: €250-500 in France (preventive checkups, vaccines, parasite control, dental cleaning).
Price and Budget
| Item | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Registered pet puppy | €1,400-2,500 | Varies by breeder, bloodline, and color. Slightly lower than long coat (-10-15%) |
| Champion bloodline | €2,500-4,000 | Titled show parents, intended for breeding or competition |
| Unregistered (look-alike) | €700-1,500 | No pedigree, fewer health and temperament guarantees |
| Shelter/rescue | €150-350 | Adoption fee, dog is microchipped/vaccinated/neutered. Adults are common |
| Food per year | €350-700 | Premium kibble, 1.4-2.8 oz/day (40-80 g) depending on weight and activity |
| Vet per year | €250-500 | Checkups, vaccines, parasite control, dental cleaning |
| Accessories per year | €150-300 | Toys, clothes, harness, bed, bowls |
| Grooming per year | €0 | Home care is enough. Saves €200-400 vs a long coat |
| First-year total | €2,200-3,500 | Purchase + starter gear + running costs |
| Total per following year | €750-1,500 | Upkeep only (without the initial purchase) |
Who Is This Dog For?
Adoption Tips
- Choosing a breeder: Always visit the kennel, see the parents to check health and temperament, look for a clean, stimulating environment, puppies handled daily (socialization), health tests on the parents (kneecaps, heart), a written health guarantee, and pedigree registration
- Evaluating a puppy: Shiny coat without scabs or parasites, a lively, curious, balanced attitude (not fearful or aggressive), correct weight for its age, clear eyes without excessive discharge
- Preparing your home: Secure the space (small gaps are dangerous, avoid falls from height), keep a stable 68-75°F (20-24°C), a cozy bed in a quiet area, stimulating toys, water and food bowls
- Early training: Start at 8 weeks with clear, firm but gentle limits, intensive socialization from 8-16 weeks (people, dogs, noises, environments), puppy classes, positive reinforcement
- Vet follow-up: A first checkup after adoption (health confirmation), follow the vaccination schedule, deworm quarterly, monitor weight and teeth
The smooth coat chihuahua combines miniature charm, a strong personality, and maximum easy care, ideal for owners who want a faithful companion without heavy grooming demands. An initial investment of €1,400-2,500 and a yearly budget of €750-1,500 (French market) buy you 14-18 years of companionship with this little dog with a big heart.