Chihuahua Shedding: The Definitive Guide

Long-coat Chihuahua shedding

Is your Chihuahua a heavy shedder? Shedding can create a mess while potentially triggering allergy attacks in people who suffer from pet allergies. As your Chihuahua sheds, he will leave behind loose hair that will blanket your floors and furniture.

You can’t stop your Chihuahua from shedding. With the exception of certain hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli or Chinese Crested, all dogs shed. It’s a natural process that’s actually beneficial for our canine companions. There are ways to deal with a shedding Chihuahua, however, to maintain a clean home and protect against allergy attacks.

Single-Coat vs Double-Coat Chihuahuas: What’s the Difference?

The amount of hair your Chihuahua sheds will depend heavily on the number of coats he has. There are single-coat and double-coat Chihuahuas. Double-coat Chihuahuas have two coats of hair, so they shed more hair than their single-coat counterparts.

  • Single-coat Chihuahuas have a single, outer coat consisting of thick guard hairs. Also known as a top coat, the outer coat offers protection from minor injuries, bugs and the sun.
  • Double-coat Chihuahuas have a top coat of guard hairs and an undercoat of softer, thinner hairs. The undercoat helps to regulate the Chihuahua’s temperature. During warmer months of the year, it increases circulation by allowing air to reach the Chihuahua’s skin. During the cooler months of the year, the undercoat insulates the Chihuahua’s body to minimize the loss of body heat.

Chihuahuas can further be classified as smooth coat or long coat depending on the length of their hair. Smooth-coat Chihuahuas have short hair that sits close to their body. Long-coat Chihuahuas have long hair that extends farther out from their body.

Some smooth-coat Chihuahuas only have a top coat, whereas others have a top coat and an undercoat. The same is true for long-coat Chihuahuas. While a double coat is more common with long-coat Chihuahuas, some of them only have a top coat.

AKC Standards for Single-Coat and Double-Coat Chihuahuas

The Americal Kennel Club’s (AKC’s) breed standards accept Chihuahuas with or without an undercoat. Only a sparse coat resembling bareness is grounds for disqualification, and this rule only applied to long-coat Chihuahuas. If you own a smooth-coat Chihuahua, you can register him even if he has a sparse coat.

An undercoat, though, is preferred for long-coat Chihuahuas in the AKC’s breed standards. Only double-coat Chihuahuas have an undercoat. For smooth-coat Chihuahuas, the AKC’s breed standards permit but do not prefer an undercoat.

When Do Single-Coat Chihuahuas Shed?

Single-coat Chihuahua next to illustration showing that he will shed year-roundSingle-coat Chihuahuas typically shed small amounts of hair throughout the entire year. Some of them may shed more heavily in spring and fall, but they will almost always shed year-round.

If you own a single-coat Chihuahua — regardless of whether he has a smooth coat or long coat — you can expect to find small amounts of hair in your home throughout the year. Single-coat Chihuahuas only have a top coat. They will shed their top coat gradually year-round, leaving behind thick guard hairs on floors, furniture and other surfaces.

When Do Double-Coat Chihuahuas Shed?

Double-coat Chihuahua next to illustration showing the seasons of spring and fall in which he will shed

Double-coat Chihuahuas typically shed their undercoat once in spring and again in late fall, and they shed their top coat gradually throughout the year

The process of shedding an undercoat in a short period is known as “blowing a coat.” Most double-coat Chihuahuas will blow their coat twice a year. It lasts for about two to three weeks, during which you can expect to find large clumps of hair in your home. These large clumps of hair are known as “tufts.

Why Chihuahuas Shed

Chihuahuas shed so that they can regrow new, healthier hair. They don’t keep their hair indefinitely. After their hair has reached a certain length, it will fall out so that new hair can grow in its place. This is all part of the hair growth cycle (see below).

Shedding isn’t limited to Chihuahuas. All dogs and even most mammals experience some degree of shedding — assuming they have hair. Over time, the hair on most mammals will become weaker and brittler. The hair growth cycle tells their bodies when to shed hair old and when to regrow new hair.

Double-coat Chihuahuas shed their undercoat to help regulate their body temperature. Shedding in spring allows for the development of a lighter and thinner undercoat. When the summer months arrive, double-coat Chihuahuas will be ready. Their newly developed undercoat will allow air to flow around their skin, thus keeping them cool.

Shedding in fall allows for the development of a heavier and thicker undercoat. They will shed their lightweight and thin undercoat in preparation for the upcoming cold weather. Chihuahuas will develop a heavier and more insulative undercoat in its place.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Chihuahuas have a three-stage hair growth cycle. The hair growth cycle is hardwired into their DNA. It affects their top coat, and if present, their undercoat. Undercoats, though, have a shorter growth cycle than top coats. Chihuahuas will shed and regrow their undercoat hairs faster than their top coat hairs.

  1. Anagen (growth phase): Nutrient-rich blood from the papilla feeds the hair follicle and stimulates growth.
  2. Catagen (transition phase): The hair has reached its predetermined length and has stopped growing. The hair separates from the papilla but remains in the follicle.
  3. Telogen (resting phase): The hair remains dormant before falling out of the follicle. 

After the telogen stage, the hair falls out and a new hair grows in its place, thus repeating the three-stage hair growth cycle.

Illustration showing the three stages of hair growth in Chihuahuas
Illustration showing the three stages of hair growth in Chihuahuas (click to enlarge).

Do Long-Coat Chihuahuas Shed More Than Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas?

It’s a common myth that long-coat Chihuahuas shed more than smooth-coat Chihuahuas. Some long-coat Chihuahuas do, in fact, shed more, but this isn’t always the case.

The amount of hair a Chihuahua sheds has nothing to do with the length of his coat. Rather, it’s determined by whether the Chihuahua has an undercoat. Double-coat Chihuahuas have an undercoat, which they typically shed in spring and fall. They also have a top coat, which they shed more gradually year-round.

Single-coat Chihuahuas only have a top coat. They don’t have as much hair as double-coat Chihuahuas, so they shed less. If a smooth-coat Chihuahua has an undercoat, he will shed more than a long-coat Chihuahua without an undercoat. Long-coat Chihuahuas simply shed longer strands of hair, which are more visible than the shorter strands of hair shed by smooth-coat Chihuahuas.

How Daylight Affects Shedding

Illustration showing a sun and a Chihuahua

Shedding is governed by changes in daylight. In the Northern Hemisphere, there are approximately 1 fewer minutes of daylight per day beginning with the arrival of fall. The days essentially become shorter and the nights longer. These photoperiod changes will trigger hormonal changes in Chihuahuas that, among other things, affect when they shed.

The shorter days associated with the fall season may cause Chihuahuas to shed. Single-coat Chihuahuas may shed more of their top coat than usual in fall, whereas double-coat Chihuahuas may blow their entire undercoat. This is the result of hormones telling their bodies to produce a new thicker coat in preparation for winter.

The days will become longer in spring, conversely. As they are exposed to more daylight, Chihuahuas will experience hormonal changes that can affect their shedding. They no longer need a thick undercoat or top coat in spring, so they may shed it. Shedding in spring allows Chihuahuas to develop a thinner and more breathable coat in preparation for summer.

Common Causes of Excessive Shedding

Unless your Chihuahua is hairless, he’s going to shed. Some shedding is normal. It allows Chihuahuas to maintain a strong and healthy coat by replacing their old hair with new hair. What’s not normal, however, is excessive shedding. If you notice bald spots on your Chihuahua, an underlying problem could be to blame. Here are some of the most common causes of excessive shedding in Chihuahuas.

#1) Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can cause excessive shedding. This thyroid disorder is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland. Chihuahuas with hypothyroidism don’t produce enough thyroid hormone. With low levels of thyroid hormone, Chihuahuas may experience lethargy, weight gain, anemia and excessive shedding.

#2) Cushing’s Disease

Medical notepad with diagnosis for cushing's disease

Cushing’s disease has been linked to excessive shedding. Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, it involves the overproduction of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that regulates stress and facilitates metabolic functions. As levels of cortisol increase, Chihuahuas may begin to shed excessively.

Excessive shedding due to Cushing’s disease is typically limited to the body. Chihuahuas with Cushing’s disease may lose hair on their body, but the hair on their head and legs will remain intact.

#3) Heat Cycle

Female Chihuahuas may shed excessively during, as well as shortly after, their heat cycle.They’ll experience hormonal changes during their heat cycle. Depending on the particular stage of their heat cycle, female Chihuahuas may produce more estrogen or more progesterone. These hormonal changes can cause them to shed excessively. Dams who’ve recently given birth may experience similar hormonal changes.

#4) Stress

Chihuahua standing next to a stress meterJust like our hair can fall out when we are stressed, so can a Chihuahua’s hair. When they encounter a perceived threat, Chihuahuas produce stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. Stress hormones are responsible for their fight-or-flight response, which plays a key role in their survival, but they can contribute to excessive shedding as well.

Common stressors in Chihuahuas include separation anxiety, boredom, relocation, death in the family and the addition of a new family pet. Stressors such as these may not pose a direct threat to Chihuahuas, but they can trigger their fight-or-flight response, resulting in elevated levels of stress hormones.

#5) Food Allergies

Food allergies can cause excessive shedding. Food allergies involve an overactive immune system response to a particular food or an ingredient. With food allergies, the Chihuahua’s immune system wrongfully identifies the food or ingredient as a foreign invader. It will attack the food or ingredient with antibodies, which can lead to symptoms like itching and hair loss.

Common food allergies in Chihuahuas and other dogs include:

  • Dairy
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Fish

#6) Contact Allergies

Even if your Chihuahua doesn’t suffer from any food allergies, he may suffer from contact allergies. Like all types of allergies, contact allergies involve an overactive immune system response to an allergen. But Chihuahuas only need to come into contact with the allergen to trigger a contact allergy attack. Chihuahuas suffering from food allergies, in comparison, must ingest the allergen.

Allergens for contact allergies may include shampoo, flea medicine, antibiotics, metals such as nickel, rubber, wool, plastic and household cleaning products. If your Chihuahua is allergic to any of these allergens and they get on his skin, your Chihuahua may develop an itchy and red rash. If left untreated, he may scratch this rash to the point where it becomes bald.

#7) Infections

Chihuahuas can develop infections that cause them to shed excessively. Ringworm, yeast and pyoderma are common types of skin infections linked to excessive shedding. As the invading germ begins to spread on the Chihuahua’s skin, he will itch profusely. Fortunately, most infections are treatable.

If your Chihuahua is suffering from a bacterial infection like pyoderma, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic medication. If your Chihuahua is suffering from a fungal infection like ringworm or yeast, your veterinarian may prescribe an antifungal medication.

#8) Fleas

Chihuahua itching from fleas

Fleas can cause Chihuahuas to shed excessively. Measuring just 1.5 to 4 millimeters long on average, fleas are small parasitic insects that feast on the blood of mammals and birds. They can burrow themselves in your Chihuahua’s coat, at which point they will bite your Chihuahua. Your Chihuahua may be bitten hundreds of times per day if he’s suffering from a flea infestation.

Fleabites are naturally itchy, but some Chihuahuas are particularly sensitive to them. Flea saliva is a common allergen. Many Chihuahuas and other dogs are allergic to flea saliva. A condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), it causes intense itching in response to fleabites.

#9) Mange

Mange can cause excessive shedding. There are certain types of parasitic mites that can infest your Chihuahua’s skin. Mange is a group of skin diseases that involve these parasitic mites.

Two of the most common types of mange include Demodectic and Sarcoptic. The former is caused by Demodex mites, whereas the latter is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Parasitic mites such as these can quickly reproduce while causing intense itching and hair loss.

How to Control Your Chihuahua’s Shedding

Chihuahua shedding on sofa

You can’t prevent your Chihuahua from shedding, but there are ways to control it. If you’re tired of finding loose hair scattered throughout your home, consider the following tips.

Here are some tips to control your Chihuahua shedding:

  • Brush your Chihuahua’s coat at least once a day. Daily brushing will remove loose hair, strengthen tangled knots and evenly distribute your Chihuahua’s natural skin oils throughout his coat.
  • Use the right type of brush. Not all grooming brushes are the same. If your Chihuahua only has a top coat, a slicker brush or pin brush may suffice. If he has a top coat and an undercoat, you may want to begin with a slicker brush or pin brush, followed by an undercoat rake.
  • Bathe your Chihuahua regularly. You can control your Chihuahua’s shedding b bathing him at least once a week.
  • Consider a medicated shampoo for allergy-related shedding. If allergies are responsible for your Chihuahua’s excessive shedding, ask your veterinarian if a medicated shampoo is right for your tiny companion. There’s hydrocortisone shampoo, for instance, that suppresses the inflammation and itching associated with contact allergies.
  • Use a blow dryer. After bathing your Chihuahua, use a blow dryer on the cool-air setting to remove loose hair from his coat.
  • Use a deshedding spray. Try using a waterless deshedding spray to control your Chihuahua’s shedding. These sprays typically contain natural ingredients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, that moisturize and strengthen the Chihuahua’s coat.
  • Vacuum and sweep floors. Keeping your floors will minimize your Chihuahua’s loose hair.
  • Use a Lint roller on furniture. You’ll probably discover hair on furniture. A quick and easy way to remove it is to use a lint roller. Lint rollers feature strips of self-adhesive tape to which dirt, dust and loose pet hair will stick.
  • Invest in a premium kibble. What type of food do you feed your Chihuahua? Low-quality kibble with lots of corn, preservatives, artificial flavors and filler ingredients may contribute to excessive shedding.
  • Add olive oil to your Chihuahua’s diet. Drizzle a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil over your Chihuahua’s food once daily. The high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil will promote a healthy coat and skin that keeps excessive shedding in check.
  • Consider a supplement. There are supplements available to minimize shedding in dogs. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, vitamin A supplements and biotin supplements may improve your Chihuahua’s coat and minimize his shedding.
  • Get a veterinary checkup annually. Excessive shedding may be attributed to an underlying disease or condition. An annual checkup will allow you to treat these diseases and conditions early — potentially before they lead to excessive shedding.
  • Dress your Chihuahua. Chihuahua clothes are more than just a fashion statement; they can control loose hair. A shirt or sweater will catch your Chihuahua’s loose hair so that it doesn’t end up on the floor.

What You Shouldn’t Do

Chihuahua getting shaved with a red X

While excessive shedding can be a nuisance, you shouldn’t shave your Chihuahua. Chihuahuas need their hair for protection. The guard hairs protects them from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you shave your Chihuahua, you’ll remove these guard hairs while placing your Chihuahua at risk for sunburn.

If your Chihuahua has an undercoat, shaving him will remove both the guard hairs and the thinner undercoat hairs. Undercoats help regulate the temperature of dogs. They keep dogs warmer in winter by insulating their bodies, and undercoats keep dogs cooler in the summer by increasing air circulation around their skin. Your Chihuahua won’t have an undercoat if you shave him.

Shaving is never the answer to excessive shedding. It won’t make your Chihuahua shed any less. Your Chihuahua will still shave the same amount of hair if you shave him; your Chihuahua’s hair will simply be shorter. You can trim your Chihuahua’s coat, but you should never shave it.

In Conclusion

Shedding is a natural and expected part of owning a Chihuahua. While their small size may lead some to believe they shed less than other dogs, Chihuahuas actually have a moderate shedding level. And there are ways to control your Chihuahua’s shedding.

References:

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/reduce-dog-shedding/

How do you manage your Chihuahua’s shedding? Let us know in the comments section below!

Comments

    • Deb
    • August 17, 2022
    Reply

    They either need weekly brushing or you can pay a groomer for a non shedding dog. My Shih Tzu costs with tip is $75 every 5 weeks. The chug a bath every month and I use the shedding tool Sleek EZ. Work great when he starts shedding I spend a few days going through his coat. A little time and zero cost.

    • JUDITH ROBIDOUX
    • August 29, 2021
    Reply

    I have a long hair chihuahua , first dog that i had that shed and boy I could vacuum and he follows me while Im doing it so basically leaving his hair behind while I vacuum. I made a mistake getting dark hard wood floors so its constant and I cant get him groomed because he gets nervous and bites . It makes for a lot of work, but he is so sweet to me so he’s a keeper. His name is Louiel

    • Andrea De Aizpurua
    • June 22, 2021
    Reply

    Hi guys, I have the opposite problem. I have had chis before but I always got retired show dogs so never had a puppy. I now have a 5 month old long haired and she seems to be going through an ugly phase, with her hair. That is, as a long haired chi, she is not at fluffy as I would like, just on ears and tail. At 4 months she lost her cute puppy coat and was shedding terribly. Now she is not shedding. Her hair is growing slowly and darkening in colour. I do not know what I’ll end up with. I love her anyway.

    • Brigette Palmer
    • July 27, 2020
    Reply

    And I thought it was only me,I had long haired chi’s and they didn’t seem to moult much I now have Dexter 4yrs and Hunter 2yrs both cream and both semi coated mum was long hair dad was smooth and omg Dexter especially seems to shed all year round,when I bath him I have to unblock the plug hole at least 7 times then for about a day there seems less hair,my husband won’t let me blow dry him in the house because of the amount of hair that comes off,I had thought about trying a furminater but was told it breaks the coat off so not to sure now,I hoover every day and hoover there sleeping areas too,I think it’s just a way of life and a small price to pay for a chi’s love 🐾

      • Erma
      • August 5, 2022
      Reply

      I really needed to know all this tried everything to stop or control the shedding but all you suggested I will try . You are awesome thanks

    • Darla
    • May 23, 2020
    Reply

    I tried everything for my 2 1/2 year old chihuahua…brushing constantly, then bought the smallest Furminator with the Chi on the package, bathed with de-shedding shampoo, blow dried on cool, de-shedding foam. Hair still everywhere!! I shaved her with the 2nd shortest blade guard so she wasn’t shaved bald. Her top coat barely shed, it was her under coat that was the issue. It was like I had 20 shedding dogs in my house instead of just one. Problem solved after shaving. She’s only outside for potty time, so no long sun exposure. If she’s hot, she has her own fan and if she’s cold she wears her shirts. I still brush her because she loves it and I make sure her skin stays hydrated. I think she’s as happy as I am, because she’s not trying to get loose hairs off herself or cough/gagging from hairballs.

      • judith Robidoux
      • August 29, 2021
      Reply

      Hi Darla, was it hard to shave your chi? I can’t take mine anywhere because he gets nervous and bites so no one will just try to get to know him to groom him, If they did he would be fine. But anyway the shedding is too much. What shaver did you use? Thanks

    • Joyjoy
    • October 9, 2019
    Reply

    I have a fur baby I call a “Peke-a-Chi” that sheds like a shedding machine! I’ve had a Collie, a Goldie, even a Malamute. But none, and I mean none, shed as bad as this itty bitty bit of a thing. It’s insane she sheds soooo bad! I’ve never seen the likes of it before.
    I do “de-shed” her with a furminator. I brush, & brush, & brush. I can spend 20 minutes working with what I think is the greatest creation in dog brushes since the invention of chocolate ice cream. Just 10 minutes later, her purple satin pillow has so much cream colored hair on it you can’t even see the purple through it. Really!
    What’s a woman to do? I’m at my wits end. I don’t mind a little shedding (being funny here, can I say Collie & Goldie again?). Have I mentioned I have OCD? It wasn’t so bad before, but now I’m disabled. I can’t vacuum every day, or in Nyxie’s case, every 10 minutes.
    She is healthy & not stressed. Mommy is home every day, all day. So, no separation anxiety here. I wish I could afford the best of the best dog food, but that’s never going to happen. She’s not my “only pet”. I have a Standard Poodle, Gaia, & a Toy Poodle, Mr. Merlin. The best of the best is waaayyyy out of my league.
    I will however try adding some EVOO to her, I mean “their” diets (no jealousy happening here). I’ll try vitamins & baths too.
    Are there ANY more suggestions? I’ll try just about ANYTHING at this point??????
    Nyxie is a street girl. I saved her from the streets on her way to the pound.
    Again, if anyone has any further suggestions, please don’t hesitate, please🙏
    Thank you

    Joyjoy

    P.s. I have allergies too 🤧

    • Robin
    • September 29, 2019
    Reply

    I have a 14 yo papichi. She has been a great dog never chewed and very sweet. She has an enormous, beautiful heavy coat. It is not like a usual long coat chi. I have to clip her as it is so heavy. I do it myself and then a bath. After that she runs around like a puppy she’s so happy because she can move!

    • Judi
    • September 14, 2019
    Reply

    My 8 yr old female just filled the bottom of my tub with shredded fur..she never shredded like this. Before ..tub had to be severely sanitized

    • Paul
    • February 4, 2019
    Reply

    I got 2 chis, both are 3 years old. One has short hair (double coat), another one has long hair. Short haired one sheds year round, and sheds even more seasonally i.e. winter. The furminator shocks me by the amount of hair that just came off. Almost like I just combed half his body out. He enjoys when I use the furminator on him. I think it reliefs the itch as I saw him often lied on his back and rubbed his back against the floor.

    • Amy
    • January 5, 2019
    Reply

    Yes of course I can’t just have one…I do have 3 lil cuties and all she’d differently. Allergies, stress illness and yes even sun Down syndrome can affect a shedding in your cuties…One-off my greatest achievements was finding the furminator… Best dog hair gadget to brush out hair…I use this daily on one lil fella…First make sure it’s not health related issue….But in all fairness there is always some shedding with dogs…however The FURMINATOR shocked me in the amount of hair it took away…amy

    • Tiptoe
    • October 28, 2018
    Reply

    I have 3 chihuahuas too. My 2 long hairs shed less than my short hair- her fur gets everywhere!! (But I love her all the same)💜💙 Best little breed of dogs ever!!

      • Bobbi
      • January 18, 2022
      Reply

      Hi, I make my 13yr old chi’s dog food. He needs high fiber to stop anal gland issues and to keep him from throwing up his dog food. It’s all fresh, high quality ingredients, and he loves it. Also, it doesn’t have carrageenan in it, which is one of the worse things you can give your dogs as it slowly eats the lining of the stomach and it’s in any canned or formed food, and as I just found out the “farm fresh” I think it’s called that’s in the Refrigerator! But ever since I began making his food I have noticed that his shedding is relentless! Hair everywhere!!

      I hadn’t put two and two together (that the shedding is probably due to diet) until I came across these comments, so thank you!!! Can anyone tell me what I need to add to the food to help stop his shedding? His food includes just about every kind of meat and every kind of vegetable, including greens all fresh, along with blueberries and black beans and brown rice. I try to get a good and balanced meal. I did read that drizzling evoo on his food every meal should help. I will try that? I found out about the carrageenan being in the dog food in the refrigerator because making his dog food is a bit hard for me. I make like 3 months at a time it used to cost me about $70 to $75 each batch, but man it’s a huge restaurant stock pot – huge and I’m old and weak lol!!!

      Now it’s gonna cost probably twice as much, but anyway I was trying to cheat for a while to take a break from making it. I bought 2 big 6lb rolls and forgot to check ingredients, not only is carrageenan right up there in beginning of ingredients, the crude fiber content is only 2%. My chi requires at least 7%+ and that is hard to find, aside from the store bought is extremely high priced. Any way, again any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Sorry for the book…I always get complaints from friends and family because I’m so windy! 😉

    • Patricia Lopez-Pompa
    • October 28, 2018
    Reply

    I have 4 Chihuahuas. One 4 yr old, long hair, deer head (about 6 lbs black tri color). A. 2 yr old male, short hair, deer head (about 8lbs, white with fawn markings) a 2 yr old, short hair, apple head (about 5 lbs Cinnamon color) and an 8 w/o old, long hair. Blue tri color. The white with fawn sheds the most and Cinnamon the least. Just depends on the dog.

    • Libby
    • May 17, 2018
    Reply

    My 7 year old boy, Jesse, sheds like crazy, especially when I wear black, so I can really see it. I don’t care. I take good care of him and he is healthy and happy. I brush him with the Furminator, and he get a weekly bath. Just get a Roombe or any robotic vacuum and be done with it. if you get a dog, any dog, they are going to shed. Very few breeds do not shed, but I am hooked on Chihuahuas for life. Nothing is quite like the smart and sassy Chi, who is a great companion and a faithful friend I keep lint roller in my bag, in my car, and all over the house.

      • Jodie Mcglynn
      • November 10, 2018
      Reply

      Hi what furminater do u use please?

    • Brenda E.Frederick
    • November 27, 2017
    Reply

    His name is Cloud -&- that’s how he sheds hair Big-Ole- Clouds!LOL!

    • Melissa
    • May 27, 2017
    Reply

    I have a 3 year old Apple Head she has the mini Pin colors, I lost my husband last year and this year we have moved right now shes not as free to roam as she would like but it’s only until I find a place I’m staying with my Brother, She has started shedding really bad On her head and neck area mostly, Is there anyone with a answer on a remedy? Is it stress??

      • Paula
      • September 17, 2018
      Reply

      I’m not a chihuahua expert but I lost my late husband 17 years ago, so I understand. If you are stressed then so is your chihuahua, if you loved your husband and I’m sure you did then you both were stressed. Chihuahua’s are very sensitive dogs and they sense that one of their masters are gone. They are also in a new place so I’m sure both of you are nervous over the changes. All I can say is try to do as much as you did with your dog as before your husband passed away. Your chihuahua is missing him too and you need each other. God will see you through this time in your life. I pray that He will comfort your broken heart.

      • Lory Ann
      • March 19, 2020
      Reply

      Hey, Melissa! It sounds like you’ve been through it lately. Unfortunately, our little guys pick up on our moods both happy and sad.

      You’ve experienced great sadness and loss, and your fur baby is feeling it. Not only that, but they grieve as well as we do over a great loss that shared life and a bond with them.

      My mom lived with me 4 months before she passed away. Right before she passed, her chihuahua, Lola l, laid under her bed for 2 days. She was protective and vigilant. She knew her human was leaving. She didn’t even want me around my mom. We let her have her moments. She felt the changes in people and in the home. It broke my heart for her too.

      After her grieving period she started to shed extra. My boyfriend and I took extra time for her. We have 3, and to give one extra gets you stink eyed by the others really bad.

      After her time saying goodbye to my mom, she retreated to our extra room where my brother was posted up. She laid on his bed for 2 days and wasn’t herself at all. She didn’t want to eat, play or interact with the family. We respected her space and feelings.

      After she had her time, she was back to running around and terrorizing the other 2 like nothing ever happened.

      They just don’t understand, or maybe they perfectly understand. They bond with us, and therefore “hurt” too. So many don’t think this is possible. Anything with a heartbeat can bond and is capable of feeling whether human or animal.

      Just take some extra alone time with your little one and reassure them it’s all going to be ok and that you’re going to be ok. It may sound silly, but it is what they need to hear. A reassuring voice. A familiar voice they once knew before things in yours and their world was dumped upside down.

      Once you are ok again, your fur baby will also be ok.

      Provided there are no health problems or allergies, your baby will go back to its regular shedding schedule.

      If it continues, consult a pet grief counselor. There are things they can suggest for you to try to put your baby back on track , and getting back to normal.

      I wish you all the luck and love in the world with your baby and your life as well. Sending healing vibes and lots of light your way. 🙏

      Namaste 🙏

    • Julia Cleave
    • May 17, 2017
    Reply

    I have a chi cross I have never known a dog shed as much as she does -i ‘ve tried everything. Every day we have to vacuum the furniture and the carpet (and her) I have a furminator that just seems to loosen them off to allow them to shed everywhere, I walk around looking like i slept in her bed due to the amount of hairs on me!

    • Heidi
    • April 28, 2017
    Reply

    I have 3 chihuahuas and love them all.
    Id always wanted chihuahuas growing up from the day i met my first chi.
    He was tiny.
    Sooo 3 later all from 2kilo female a 1.2 kilo boy and a tiny 900 gram girl who is my inside dog.
    I know that sounds unfair but the other 2 pick on her i think maybe because she is the only one desexed.
    The other 2 NEVER have been stuck together but my inside dog once let outside gets stuck with the male like all the time.
    A vet told me she was desexed as i got my indoor one as an adult that was terrified by humans. Who know loves me and only me god love her.no pregnancy yet tho but im starting to think maybe she is not desexed.
    There is no scar and leaks a milky blood maybe 3 4 times a year.
    Please help would she let the male touch her if she was desexed and would she go on heat??

      • B C Billow
      • July 13, 2019
      Reply

      A desexed dog (spayed) should not have red milky leaking. They also, typically, won’t let a male dog engage. I do not believe that she is spayed. It is very important to have all of your pets spayed/neutered. It is healthier for the dog and greatly reduces chances of cancer of the sex organs. It also improves temperament & behavioral problems. Also, there are way too many dogs in shelters that need homes. We dont want to contribute to that epidemic.

    • Mia
    • March 12, 2017
    Reply

    The hair just never stops 😭😭😭😭😭😭

    • PJ
    • November 26, 2016
    Reply

    I have a standard female chi. 3 yrs She just finished shedding., what i thought was end of summer coat, only for her to start another shedding period. We lost 2 rotties in may. Zoey (chi) went thru depression period and I thought that may have delayed her shedding cycle, as most my dogs in the past would shed spring/fall she has hit me back to back with EXCESSIVE SHEDDING!! I have changed her food, and she seems happy with the change, but does anyone have a solution that can help me to get the EXCESSIVE SHEDDING under control? She’s a happy little girl in all other aspects. True companion til the end but the EXCESSIVE SHEDDING is driving me crazy! Would giving fish oil in her food (omega 3), help reduce shedding? Any tried true “home remedies”, advice, greatly appreciated.

    • Dee
    • July 2, 2016
    Reply

    I have two chihuahuas. one short coat and one had medium length hair and the short coat sheds a little but not much. the one with medium length hair sheds a lot. its always all over even right after she takes a bath. I have really bad allergies but I love them to death so I just sweep my floors every two days and give them a bath every two weeks to help.

    • Cliff
    • June 29, 2016
    Reply

    I have 3 of the little guys. Two black and one white. The white one sheds a lot but not the other two. They are all boys. The two blacks fight all the time but not the white one. They are great watch dogs

    • marilyn may
    • May 21, 2016
    Reply

    I have a 4 year old applehead who sheds year round. Unfortunately, she’s light haired and we have dark wood floors through out our home and I detect the hair constantly and I’m forever vacuuming and brushing. I love her still but threaten to shave her bald!

    • Patty
    • April 30, 2016
    Reply

    The only thing I have found to help with the shedding is a vitamin you can get at the pet store and using conditioner after the bath and or argon oil.

      • Mary Ann Benefield
      • September 24, 2018
      Reply

      May I ask the name of the vitamin u use for ur fur baby plz? I’ve tried EVERYTHING I can think of or heard about. I’m desperate! Thx

    • Alan
    • April 3, 2016
    Reply

    Just spent two hours brushing my long haired and it’s still falling out
    One tip is to brush them outdoors and let the wind take it away

      • Ally Boyd
      • September 8, 2019
      Reply

      Outside fulminating worked with my brother’s big dogs, so am sure would be a cinch with your Chi. Am glad to find this “post.” Just adopted my first chi and he is shedding like crazy. Will be getting a terminator and Clint brush. I like to wear white and he is mostly black.

    • Ashley
    • March 13, 2016
    Reply

    I have a homemade remedy it works for me . My chihuahua is 12 months and sheds like there no tomorro i brush my hands accross him and a whole hand full of hair comes out . My grandmother told me to squeeze fresh lime juice on his coat and lather him up in it leave it for a coulple hours then rinse . I do this every other day and its been helping . Hope it works for yall .

    • BILLIE
    • January 29, 2016
    Reply

    I have Chihuahua’s they are gonna shed no matter what you do… I have 3 of them just get used to it.. you get a dog you have to expect hair!!! If you don’t like it don’t get a dog…If you can live with it then you have found a best friend and a companion.. welcome to the puppy parent world

    • Joann
    • November 13, 2015
    Reply

    My dog shed continuously and is selsun blue could for him not to shed and dandruff I’ve tried everything

    • Marie
    • August 11, 2015
    Reply

    I’m on my 3rd Chihuahua, he’s 6 months old, and just started shedding, it seemed like a lot but I got most of it off just using my hands. I still bought the furminator on ebay, I know I will need it in the future. My previous Chihuahua shed like crazy, unbelievable how such a small animal can be holding so much hair hidden in their body. Chihuahuas are adorable to their owner, they love you and protect you like crazy, extremely loyal. I too had very expensive vet bills with my second Chi, with this last one I just changed vets, the new vet is a lot more affordable, no fancy lab work, my previous one got its liver function checked by a blood test, don’t ask me how much I paid for that, geez! My new vet gives you the first visit free, you only pay for deworming meds and shots which was like 25 bucks, with the old vet I paid close to 200 on the first visit, the office is not as fancy but I’m not rich enough to pay for fancy yet!

    • jenevie j
    • June 28, 2015
    Reply

    I have a one too but she is mixed with some other dog ..I rescued her from the street and it came out that she was having babies so after the babies she started to shed so much and u it’ll now she has been shedding so much …I’m getting tired of it ….it’s all over my bad a d my house and my clothes

      • Kay
      • May 8, 2018
      Reply

      Then you shouldn’t have a dog if you can’t handlr the shedding. Weather it a chihuahua or a pit bull it’s gunna shed no matter what some dogs can’t help it, even if there brushed everyday it’s not there fault it’s just there nature. So why have a dog if you can’t handle there hair sorry

        • Alf
        • May 22, 2019
        Reply

        Because sometimes you just don’t know/. We paid $500 for a Pomeranian that turned out to be a pomchi through DNA test. He is one year old now and we got him about two months old and as he got older he started shedding then more and more and more! It NEVER ends! We had no idea this was going to happen: we love our little boy but dang this shedding is horrible!

        • Tina
        • April 25, 2023
        Reply

        I think everyone knows a dog is going to shed. What you don’t seem to realize is that some chihuahuas shed EXCESSIVELY beyond normal. My sisters chi can lay still on my lap and literally leave a handful of hair on my clothes, any time of year. Every time she shakes you can see fur fly like a blizzard. This can be a pain if a person has any sense of cleanliness about them.

    • mr.alley w.l.
    • June 4, 2015
    Reply

    I have a Chihuahua who is about 10 lbs and sheds 12 lbs a week, or seems like it. Man, I have been around dogs all my life as a farm boy and cowboy, and even horses and bulls don’t shed this much (I have brushed both). It’s like a movie from hell with little man. He’s a smooth coat with all-white hair, so we call him casper! He is my buddy and guard dog. I will never have another one like him! He eats steak, burger, hot dogs, dog food, chew bones and chicken strips. He eats better than I do if you look at the cost, and he gets a raw egg every ones in a while, but at least he don’t smoke or drink. But he’s a serious shedder.

    I brush him with a 25 dollar brush made just for animals to remove hair and not hurt pets. My farm dogs did not get half of this and lived hard and lived 10 to 14 yrs old! Are little dogs just more work than big dogs or what? I will love my little boy to the end and I hope it’s a 20 friend. Maybe I’ll get to go first before him and he can break in one of my family too.

    • courtney m.
    • February 15, 2015
    Reply

    I have a 2 year old Applehead. I love him with all my heart, and I typically don’t mind the shedding. But recently he has been shedding A LOT. More than I have ever seen any small dog shed. I’ve been brushing him 2x daily in the tub (to reduce the amount of fur I get on me and the furniture) and I bathe him every week.
    I know dogs shed, but this is just..excessive.
    Could the shedding be a result of stress?

    • Mike
    • February 3, 2015
    Reply

    I never owned a chihuahua but I always wanted one. I never thought they have shedding problems … the more I research the more I hear about it.

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