The first Chihuahuas registered with the AKC around 1904 were all long coated Chihuahuas, a coat variety already well known by the late 19th century: James Watson, an author and judge, had one named “Manzanita” in 1888. Surprisingly, most of the imports at this time were long coats, not the popular smooth coat. It took over 50 years before the long coats were also exhibited at dog shows, (according to once source, that first long haired Chihuahua that was exhibited was German owned).  In 1952, the breed was separated into two varieties, the smooth coat the more popular variety as a pet at the time.

It’s surprising how many sites still say that the long coats came out of Chihuahuas bred with Pomeranians or Papillons, but according to the AKC, this simply isn’t true. The long-hair is a true variety of the breed.

Both coat varieties adhere to the same standard (with the exception for wording regarding coat), but genetically speaking, the smooth coat is dominant. If a pup inherits a smooth coat allele from either parent, it will be a smooth. The dominant smooth coat gene, if present, will hide the recessive long coat gene. A dog can be a smooth coat (where the dominant gene is expressed, or seen), and have a hidden long coat gene which can pass on to its puppies. Genetics is “tall weeds” for us, and we welcome input on Chihuahua coat genetics.

“Happy Earth Day” one of the wonderful caricatures by John LaFree of Canine Caricatures • johnlafree.com