The Chihuahua is an ancient breed, which is believed to have its origins in the late Paleozoic period, (cannis raptor rodentis) with a number of variations to the story. Perhaps the most popular belief is that they were so named, having been found along the borders of Mexico & Arizona, particularly the City of Chihuahua, which was once the Capitol of Mexico (1864) surrounded on three sides by mountains, with mining & textiles industries. With this rich history, small size and outgoing temperament they have a strong presence in the show world.
A breed that has two coat varieties. The smooth with its soft texture, close and glossy coat. They can have a heavier coat with undercoat. Coat placed well over body and more scanty on head and ears. The Rough is long, soft texture (never coarse or harsh to touch) either flat or slightly wavy. Never tight and curly. Feathering on ears, feet and legs, pants on hindquarters, large ruff on neck desirable. Tail long and full as a plume. Both coat varieties come in any colours except merle.
Grooming the smooth-coated use as your base shampoo Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo at a ratio of 1-part shampoo to 5 parts water. Lather well and rinse. This shampoo is excellent for shine due to the natural henna extract, giving that desired gloss required. For coats that are either dark (i.e. black) or containing white. On those areas use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo. This special formulation reduces any warm/red/yellow tones hence making dark coats darker and white areas whiter. Using at 1-part shampoo to 5 parts water. Lather in and allow a few minutes to work before rinsing.
To help achieve that soft, close glossy coat use Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner. 1 Part to 10 parts warm water. Cover the dog and again sit for a few minutes before rinsing. The formulation with help produces the desired look and feel you wish to achieve.
The long-coated variety the coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly wavy, with undercoat preferred. Ears – Fringed. Tail – Full and long (as a plume). Feathering on feet and legs, pants on hind legs and large ruff on the neck desired and preferred. The Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo will give the soft texture required. The same with using Plush Puppy Herbal whitening on dark or white, again both at 1:5 breakdown. For those that may wish to make the coat softer try Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning Shampoo at 1:5. This will help reduce any added texture. As of a conditioner again use the Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner. 1 Part to 10 parts warm water. Cover the dog and again sit for a few minutes before rinsing. For those that may need to add some “more” look to the longer parts try Plush Puppy Volumising Spray on these areas and then dry.
On both if they have white and extra attention is needed to brighten further use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok – this product is one of our proudest achievements in helping to maintain a white stain free coat. It’s not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but with the use of modern technology and high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin. This product is designed to gently remove unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp/wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes
The head and their distinctive ears must be washed thoroughly on both coat types. Plush Puppy Let’s Face It – what the dog showing world has needed for way too long. Another one of the famous Plush Puppy products with the latest technology and the highest amounts of naturally sourced ingredients has developed a product that is a must! This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean sooth, adds moisture, aids healing and anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy of rinsing yet complete cleaning.
In both coats keeping the coat hydrated is very important. Try using between shows Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil at a breakdown of 1 teaspoon to 2 L (1/2 gallon) of water. Apply and don’t rinse. Blended from essential plant oils for calming and healing qualities. An innovative organic formula where old meets new with wheat germ oil, calendula oil, and evening primrose oil, etc. Ideal for keeping the skin healthy and hydrated. You can dilute further or less but this is a good starting point for the average coat. Variations will occur with coats so you will need to adjust this dilution rate to suit.
Should the coat need to be flatter for example on the top line in the long-coated variety then use Plush Puppy Blow Dry Cream – 1 tablespoon to 1 cup/250 ml water – will instantly soften and flatten the area once dried. For any coat that needs that bit more to the coat use Plush Puppy Volumising Spray is a ‘Ready to Use’ for quicker, easier and fuller coat results. Perfect either before blow-drying or used to ‘fluff’ up the coat at the show. A light even spray, brush in until dry or use a dryer. Produced for easy use and scientifically balanced for this coat type. This is a hair thickener to add volume – not a hair stiffener and not easily detectable as it leaves the coat with a natural fuller look and feel, so perfect for ears and anywhere requiring that bit more
The show day grooming spray I recommend is Plush Puppy OMG. This latest & greatest in grooming sprays are best in a concentrated form to dilute to suit your dog. Normal show spray mix is 1-part OMG to 30 parts water. If you need a lighter or heavier mix, simply adjust according to your dog. It won’t build up and makes that last-minute show grooming a pleasure.
Best brush for the smooth is the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pure Black Boar Bristle Brush. This brush is made from 100% pure black boar bristle and is of the highest quality (from the chest of the boar) and is set into the finest quality aero elastic rubber base. This brush should last a lifetime. This can be used also for the long-coated variety or with the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush. This regular length pin is ideal for all breed grooming. Polished pins with specially rounded tops make this the ‘must-have’ brush in every groomer’s kit. Ideal for blow-drying and particularly necessary on short-coated breeds.
This is a spunky show dog with attitude to burn. Show days a light spray of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb and they are ready for action.