Clinical & Salon Overview
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with enormous personalities and refreshingly simple grooming — with two exceptions that matter more for this breed than almost any other: teeth and nails. The coat is the easy part. Here's the small-dog routine our Memphis groomers recommend at All About Pawz, including how to handle a dog that considers the nail trim a personal insult.
Chihuahuas come in two varieties.
Chihuahuas come in two varieties. Smooth coats are short, sleek, and nearly wash-and-wear — weekly brushing with a soft brush or mitt, done. Longcoats carry a soft, flat-to-slightly-wavy medium coat with feathering on the ears, legs, and tail that needs brushing two to three times a week with a slicker and comb to prevent tangles. Neither variety mats badly, neither needs haircuts, and both shed lightly to moderately. Know which you have; the longcoat needs triple the brushing of the smooth.
Smooth: weekly once-over, plus a wipe-down between baths.
Smooth: weekly once-over, plus a wipe-down between baths. Longcoat: two to three brushings a week, focusing on the feathering behind the ears and on the legs where tangles start. Bathe monthly — small indoor dogs pick up household oils and dust, and Chihuahuas can develop a slightly oily coat if bathed too rarely. Use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo, rinse well, and dry warm: Chihuahuas chill fast, and a shivering wet Chihuahua is miserable. Towel thoroughly, then a warm (not hot) dryer at a distance, or a warm room and a blanket. Never leave a damp Chihuahua in a draft.
Every two to three weeks, without fail.
Every two to three weeks, without fail. Chihuahua nails grow fast, the dogs are too light to wear them down, and overgrown nails on tiny feet affect the gait quickly — curled nails can even grow into the pads. Many Chihuahuas are famously dramatic about nail trims; the breed's feistiness is real. Keep sessions short, reward bravely, and handle feet gently but confidently — tentative handling actually makes nervous dogs more anxious. If home trims are a rodeo, a pro does it in two minutes. This is the grooming task most Chihuahua owners should simply outsource.
Chihuahuas have the same number of teeth as a Labrador in a fraction of the jaw
Chihuahuas have the same number of teeth as a Labrador in a fraction of the jaw — crowding, tartar, and dental disease are the breed's signature health issue. Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard and genuinely matters here more than for most breeds. Dental chews help. Ask your vet about professional cleanings early — don't wait for bad breath or loose teeth, because by then the disease is advanced. Of everything in this guide, the toothbrush is the highest-impact tool you own.
Ears: those enormous upright ears get excellent airflow — just check for debris and clean as needed.
Ears: those enormous upright ears get excellent airflow — just check for debris and clean as needed. Eyes: Chihuahuas' prominent eyes water easily; wipe the corners daily and keep the area dry to minimize tear staining. Handling note: everything about grooming a Chihuahua should be gentle but assured. They're fragile — a fall from a table can break bones — so always groom on a low, secure surface or in your lap, and never leave a Chihuahua unattended on an elevated table. Slow, treat-heavy introductions to every tool beat wrestling every time.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Brush (smooth); wipe eye corners |
| 2–3x per week | Brush (longcoat) |
| Every 2–3 weeks | Nail trim |
| Monthly | Bath; dry warm |
| Daily | Teeth brushing |
Book nail trims every two to three weeks if your Chihuahua stages a protest at home
Book nail trims every two to three weeks if your Chihuahua stages a protest at home — it's the most-outsourced small-dog service for a reason. Book a bath and tidy when the longcoat's feathering needs neatening. And see your vet promptly for dental concerns: Chihuahuas hide mouth pain well, so pawing at the face, dropping food, or sudden fussiness about the mouth deserve a professional look, not just a brushing.
Serving Pets Across Greater Memphis & Shelby County
Whether you live near Midtown, Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, or Arlington, All About Pawz offers full salon appointments and concierge pet care.