The long-coat Chihuahua or long-haired Chihuahua is the other officially recognized variety.  Long-hairs can come in many different colors, and their coat length can be very long or sometimes only slightly longer than a smooth-coat. The long-hair can be an apple-head, a dear-head, and may have long legs or short legs.

 

MOST long-haired Chihuahuas have 2 coats of fur and are actually smoother to the touch than shorts. They have soft, fine guard hairs and a downy undercoat, which gives them their fluffy appearance. Unlike many long-haired breeds, long-haired Chihuahuas require no trimming and minimal grooming. Contrary to popular belief, the long-haired breed also typically sheds less than their short-haired counterparts. For those with puppies, one should know that it may take up to 2 or more years before a full long-haired coat develops.

 

Usually, males have a larger ruff around the neck and more hair than the females do. Also occasionally their ears are heavier and have a harder time standing up. Sometimes the heavy ear will flop over on the tips, but they can hold them up at will, and the heavy ear can be upright all the time.  Others have the paper thin ears and they have no trouble standing up. The ear that is not upright at a 45 degree angle is a disqualification in the show ring only.