How long does a Chihuahua de Pelo Largo live?

The life expectancy of the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo is 12-20 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Chihuahua de Pelo Largo weigh?

An adult Chihuahua de Pelo Largo weighs between 1-3 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is toy.

Where does the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo breed come from?

The Chihuahua de Pelo Largo originates from México. Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Mexico. Long-haired variety of the Chihuahua.

How much exercise does a Chihuahua de Pelo Largo need?

The Chihuahua de Pelo Largo has media energy. **Exercise:** 30-45 min/day.

Who is the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Very young children (fragile). It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

Why does it get so cold?

Its tiny size and low body mass mean it loses heat very quickly. It shivers easily and appreciates a coat in winter, walks during the milder hours and a warm bed. It is a distinctly cold-sensitive dog.

Is it a good idea with young children?

It is not ideal. It weighs 1-3 kg and is very fragile: a fall or a squeeze can injure it seriously, and it may defend itself by biting if it feels threatened. It fits better with adults or older, careful children.

What is the 'molera'?

It is a fontanelle (soft area of the skull) that in many Chihuahuas never fully closes. It is usually benign, but it requires careful handling of the head and watching for signs of hydrocephalus (seizures, disorientation).

Why is there so much emphasis on its teeth?

Its tiny mouth crowds the teeth and traps plaque, so tartar and periodontal disease are very common. Regular tooth brushing and veterinary cleanings are key to its health and longevity.

Why is a harness recommended instead of a collar?

Because of its predisposition to tracheal collapse. A collar presses on a delicate trachea and can cause a chronic cough; a well-fitted harness spreads the force and protects the airway.

Breed profile

Chihuahua de Pelo Largo

Long-haired variety of the Chihuahua. The same daring character in an even more fragile body. Requires more careful brushing.

Origin: México Size: Toy Lifespan: 12-20 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Small flats
✓Older people
✓Quiet urban families

Reconsider if

×Very young children (fragile)

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Is the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

40-70 €/month

Food 12-22 €, warm clothing and small accessories 5-12 €, parasite control 8-12 €, veterinary provision 15-25 € (including periodic dental cleanings, frequent in the breed). Low food cost, but budget for dental care.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Mexico. Long-haired variety of the Chihuahua.

Temperament and character

Intelligent, loyal and well-balanced when properly socialised and trained. Needs daily mental stimulation. Responds best to positive reinforcement. Physical punishment creates fear and reactivity.

Living together

Children: with careful older ones (fragile). **Other dogs:** fine with those of its size. **Cats:** usually gets along.

Life stages of the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-20 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Very careful handling due to its fragility; monitoring for hypoglycaemia and the fontanelle; early socialisation to prevent fearfulness.

Young adult

1-3 years

Light exercise and play; early dental hygiene; protection from the cold due to its small size.

Adult

3-9 years

Intensive dental care, monitoring of the patella, heart and trachea; weight control.

Senior

9+ years

Cardiac, dental and neurological monitoring; senior diet; its high longevity requires regular check-ups.

Care

Exercise: 30-45 min/day.

Brushing: according to coat.

**Dental hygiene critical.

Vet: annual check-up + attention to patellar luxation.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food with very small kibble; measured portions and, in puppies, several meals a day to prevent hypoglycaemia. Avoid excess weight, which puts strain on the patella and heart.

✂️ Grooming

Light long coat: brush 2-3 times a week to prevent matting, paying attention to the ear and tail feathering. Frequent dental hygiene, essential in this breed.

🎓 Training

Intelligent and daring, but often spoiled ('small dog syndrome'): treat it like a real dog, with rules, socialisation and positive reinforcement. Use a harness, not a collar, because of its trachea.

🏃 Exercise

30-45 minutes daily of walking and light play; small and of medium energy, but it needs to get out and socialise so it does not become fearful or prone to barking.

Breed-specific health

Common conditions in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 12-20 years with appropriate care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from 5 years of age.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🦿Luxación de rótula 💧Hidrocefalia 🌬️Colapso traqueal 📉Hipoglucemia 🦷Enfermedad periodontal

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Patellar luxation assessment
✓Cardiac auscultation/echocardiography (mitral valve disease, patent ductus arteriosus)
✓Fontanelle check (open molera) and neurological assessment (hydrocephalus)
✓Dental examination and assessment for tracheal collapse

Prevention

Rigorous dental hygiene (breed very prone to tartar), protection from the cold, careful handling due to its fragility and, in puppies, frequent meals to prevent hypoglycaemia. Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with dental and cardiac monitoring; two visits a year from 8-9 years of age. A very long-lived breed (12-20 years).

Warning signs

!Skipping on a hind leg or intermittent hindlimb lameness (patella)
!Dry, honking-type cough when excited or pulling on the collar (tracheal collapse)
!Weakness, tremors or fainting in puppies (hypoglycaemia)
!Soft cranial dome, seizures or wobbly gait (hydrocephalus)

Chihuahua de Pelo Largo gallery

Foto de la raza chihuahua pelo largo — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo

How long does a Chihuahua de Pelo Largo live?: The life expectancy of the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo is 12-20 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Chihuahua de Pelo Largo weigh?: An adult Chihuahua de Pelo Largo weighs between 1-3 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is toy.
Where does the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo breed come from?: The Chihuahua de Pelo Largo originates from México. Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Mexico. Long-haired variety of the Chihuahua.
How much exercise does a Chihuahua de Pelo Largo need?: The Chihuahua de Pelo Largo has media energy. **Exercise:** 30-45 min/day.
Is the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo good with children?: **Children:** with careful older ones (fragile). **Other dogs:** fine with those of its size. **Cats:** usually gets along.
Who is the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Very young children (fragile). It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Chihuahua de Pelo Largo have?: Common conditions in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 12-20 years with appropriate care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from 5 years of age.
Why does it get so cold?: Its tiny size and low body mass mean it loses heat very quickly. It shivers easily and appreciates a coat in winter, walks during the milder hours and a warm bed. It is a distinctly cold-sensitive dog.
Is it a good idea with young children?: It is not ideal. It weighs 1-3 kg and is very fragile: a fall or a squeeze can injure it seriously, and it may defend itself by biting if it feels threatened. It fits better with adults or older, careful children.
What is the 'molera'?: It is a fontanelle (soft area of the skull) that in many Chihuahuas never fully closes. It is usually benign, but it requires careful handling of the head and watching for signs of hydrocephalus (seizures, disorientation).
Why is there so much emphasis on its teeth?: Its tiny mouth crowds the teeth and traps plaque, so tartar and periodontal disease are very common. Regular tooth brushing and veterinary cleanings are key to its health and longevity.
Why is a harness recommended instead of a collar?: Because of its predisposition to tracheal collapse. A collar presses on a delicate trachea and can cause a chronic cough; a well-fitted harness spreads the force and protects the airway.