Unlike their smooth-coated relatives, these dogs possess a genetic variant that promotes continuous hair growth, resulting in locks that can sweep the floor. In long haired chihuahuas, the hair you see is predominantly the top layer of guard hair, which is silky and flowing rather than wiry.
Understanding the Distinction Between Long Hair and Double Coating
Undercoat: The Key Difference To determine if a dog is double coated, you must examine the individual hairs. A true double coat features two distinct layers: coarse, water-repellent guard hairs that protect against the elements, and a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation.
Understanding the Long Haired Chihuahua Coat The defining feature of the long haired chihuahua is, of course, the hair. This genetic pathway primarily affects the growth phase of the hair follicles, allowing the fur to grow significantly longer than the standard chihuahua.
Understanding the Undercoat and Double Coat Truth in Long Haired Chihuahuas
While the hair appears thick, it is generally a single layer that grows uniformly, without the distinct guard hairs and insulating undercoat found in breeds bred for extreme weather. However, length is not the same as density, and the coat often lacks the dense underwool that characterizes a true double-coated breed like a Husky or Malamute.
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