You see them in the park sometimes. That tiny, flickering shadow of black and gold darting through the grass like a caffeinated bumblebee. It’s the black and tan long haired chihuahua, and honestly, people usually get two things wrong about them immediately. First, they assume these dogs are fragile little accessories that belong in a purse. Second, they think that "black and tan" is just a color, when it’s actually more of an attitude.
The color pattern is striking. You’ve got that deep, midnight black base, and then those iconic "pips"—the little tan dots over the eyes that make them look like they’re perpetually raising an eyebrow at your life choices. When you add the long, silky coat into the mix, you aren’t just looking at a dog; you’re looking at a 5-pound Victorian aristocrat who is secretly prepared to fight a badger.
I’ve spent years around small breeds, and there is something uniquely spicy about this specific color and coat combination. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight hits the "fringing" on their ears (those long, wispy hairs are technically called "leathers" in the show world) or the way they carry themselves with the confidence of a Doberman Pinscher. They are small, sure. But they are never "little."
The Genetics of Those "Eyebrow" Marks
Why do they look like mini-Rotties? It’s all down to the Agouti gene locus. Specifically, the $a^t$ allele is what triggers that classic tan-point pattern. This isn't some rare mutation; it's a deeply rooted genetic trait found across dozens of breeds. In the black and tan long haired chihuahua, the tan usually appears on the muzzle, the throat, the chest, the legs, and—most importantly—those distinctive spots above the eyes.
But here’s the kicker. The "tan" isn't always tan. It can range from a creamy, pale champagne to a deep, burnt mahogany. Breeders often argue about which is "correct," but if you’re just looking for a companion, it’s all about the contrast. The sharper the line between the black and the tan, the more "typey" the dog looks.
Sometimes, as these dogs age, you’ll see "silvering" or "grizzling" in the black areas. It’s not a flaw. It’s just life. My friend’s Chi, a ten-year-old named Bear, started getting grey hairs on his chin, and now he looks like a tiny, grumpy wizard. The long hair makes it even more dramatic because the fur flows and catches the light differently than it does on a smooth-coated variety.
Grooming the Floof (It’s Not as Bad as You Think)
A lot of people avoid the long-haired variety because they think they’ll be vacuuming every twenty minutes. Total myth. Honestly, long-haired Chihuahuas often shed less than the short-haired ones. Or, more accurately, the hair they do shed gets trapped in the coat rather than weaving itself into your couch fabric like tiny needles.
You need a metal comb. That’s the secret.
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Don't bother with those cheap plastic brushes. You want a high-quality "greyhound comb" to get behind the ears and under the "pants" (the long fur on their back legs). Those are the spots where mats happen. If you ignore the behind-the-ear area for a week, you'll end up with a knot that feels like felt.
- The Ears: These should be fringed. Don't trim them unless they're getting into the food bowl.
- The Feet: Trim the "grinch feet." That’s the long hair growing between the paw pads. If you don't, they'll slide around on hardwood floors like they're on ice skates.
- The Tail: This is the crowning glory. A black and tan long haired chihuahua should have a "plume" tail that arches over the back. It should look like a Victorian fan.
Bath time? Once a month is usually plenty. Over-washing strips the oils and makes that black coat look dull and dusty. You want that "patent leather" shine.
Temperament: The Napoleon Complex is Real (and Great)
Let’s talk about the "Big Dog" energy. Chihuahuas are famously protective. This isn't because they're mean; it's because they are genetically programmed to be loyal to a fault. They are "one-person" dogs usually. They’ll tolerate your spouse or your kids, but they have one True North.
The black and tan long haired chihuahua tends to be a bit mellower than the smooth-coated version. There’s an old wives' tale in the breeding community that the long-haired gene carries a calmer temperament. While there isn't a peer-reviewed Harvard study to prove this yet, ask any veteran breeder and they’ll swear by it. They’re less "shiver-and-shake" and more "snuggle-and-nap."
But don't let the snuggles fool you. If a delivery driver knocks on the door, your 4-pound friend will transform into a ferocious guardian. This is where socialization is non-negotiable. If you don't introduce your black and tan Chi to different sounds, smells, and people before they hit the 16-week mark, you're going to have a dog that thinks the entire world is an invading army.
Health Realities and the "Teacup" Scam
If you see someone selling an "Imperial Teacup Black and Tan Chihuahua," run. Seriously. "Teacup" is not a real breed designation; it’s a marketing term used to sell undersized dogs that often have massive health problems.
A healthy black and tan long haired chihuahua should weigh between 3 and 6 pounds. Any smaller, and you’re looking at increased risks for:
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- Hypoglycemia: Their blood sugar can drop so fast they have seizures.
- Hydrocephalus: "Water on the brain," which is common in those overly domed "apple heads."
- Luxating Patella: Basically, their kneecaps pop out of place. It’s super common in the breed.
You want a dog with a "molera"—that soft spot on the head—that is either closed or very small. In the past, the AKC actually preferred a molera, but we now know that a solid skull is generally safer for a dog that likes to jump off the sofa.
Also, keep an eye on their teeth. Small mouths mean crowded teeth. Crowded teeth mean tartar. Tartar means a $1,000 dental bill when they’re five years old. Brush their teeth. I know, it sounds ridiculous to brush a dog's teeth, but it's the difference between a healthy senior dog and one that loses its jawbone density later in life.
Why This Color Pattern Matters for Visibility
Interestingly, the black and tan colorway is one of the most visible in natural light but can make them "disappear" at night. If you’re walking your black and tan long haired chihuahua after the sun goes down, get a reflective harness. They are low to the ground and dark-colored; a car or even a fast-moving cyclist isn't going to see them until it's too late.
In the show ring, the black and tan is a classic. It doesn't go out of style like some of the "trendy" colors (looking at you, lilac and merle). Merle, specifically, is something to be cautious of. While it looks cool, breeding two merles together can lead to deafness and blindness. The classic black and tan doesn't carry those specific risks, making it a "safer" bet for people who want a healthy, long-lived companion.
Living With a Tiny Shadow
Expect to never go to the bathroom alone again.
The black and tan Chi is a "velcro dog." They will follow you from room to room. They will burrow under your blankets. They will find the one square inch of sunlight on the rug and claim it as their kingdom.
They are also surprisingly smart. People underestimate them because they're small, but they excel at nose work and even agility. Because they are so food-motivated (seriously, they act like they haven't eaten since the Great Depression), you can train them to do just about anything. Just keep the sessions short. Their attention spans are about as long as a TikTok video.
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Common Misconceptions About the Long Coat
Some people think the long hair makes them heat-sensitive. It’s actually the opposite. The coat acts as insulation. It keeps them warm in the winter and provides a bit of a buffer against the sun in the summer. That said, they are still Chihuahuas. If it’s below 60 degrees, they need a sweater. If it's 90 degrees, they need to be in the AC.
The black part of their coat absorbs heat rapidly. If you're out in the midday sun, feel their back. If it feels like a hot sidewalk, get them into the shade immediately.
Another weird myth? That they’re "yappy."
Okay, this one has a grain of truth. They are vocal. But they aren't barking at nothing. They are barking because the neighbor closed their car door three houses down and your Chihuahua is the only one brave enough to alert the household to this clear and present danger. You can train the "quiet" command, but you'll never train away the instinct to watch the perimeter.
Practical Steps for Future Owners
If you’re serious about bringing one of these tiny titans into your life, don't just click "buy" on a random website.
- Check the Parentage: Ask if the parents have had their knees (patellas) and hearts cleared by a vet.
- Meet the Mom: Temperament is highly heritable. If the mom is a nervous wreck, the puppy probably will be too.
- Invest in Stairs: Get those little foam steps for your bed and sofa. Jumping down from high surfaces is the leading cause of broken legs and back issues in small breeds.
- Socialize Early: Take them to "puppy kindergarten." Make sure they meet big dogs that are gentle, so they don't develop a fear-based aggression toward anything larger than a cat.
The black and tan long haired chihuahua is a 15-to-20-year commitment. They aren't a phase. They are a tiny, furry shadow that will become the center of your universe if you let them. Treat them like a dog, not a toy, and they will give you two decades of the most intense loyalty you’ve ever experienced.
Keep their weight down, their teeth clean, and their ears combed. Do that, and you’ll have a tiny, mahogany-trimmed best friend who thinks he’s a King—and honestly, he’s probably right.
Next Steps for Potential Owners
To ensure your Chihuahua lives a long, healthy life, start by finding a veterinarian who specializes in or has extensive experience with "toy" breeds, as their anesthesia and medication needs are vastly different from larger dogs. Next, purchase a high-quality harness rather than a collar; Chihuahuas are prone to collapsed tracheas, and pulling on a neck collar can cause permanent damage. Finally, begin a daily dental routine immediately—even if it's just using dental wipes—to combat the breed's inherent risk of periodontal disease.