Chihuahua dog lifespan

Any living organism sooner or later ceases its earthly existence.

And the time interval between the date of birth and death is commonly called life expectancy. The size is not constant, depends on several factors.

Longevity rating among dogs is occupied by ornamental breeds such as Yorkshire Terrier, German and Pomeranian Spitz, Pug, Chihuahua. For comparison, the average lifespan of a Labrador is 10-13 years. “Then how many years do Chihuahua live?” – you ask.

To find the answer, you can look at the official standard of the Chihuahua breed. It is written in black and white that the average life expectancy of the Chihuahua is 12-16 years. Figures are the result of social surveys and statistics, and in reality, can vary greatly. Some authoritative publications stick to the values: 15-18 years. As you see, there is no single answer to the question asked.

Factors affecting the Chihuahua lifespan

Diet. The diet should be balanced, rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, have a high energy value, fully meet the nutritional needs of the dog.
Mass of the body. The normal weight of the chihuahua varies between 1.5-3 kg. Deviation from normal, obesity, or dystrophy increases the risk of developing severe ailments that reduce the life span of the chihuahua.
Health care. Regular preventive examinations of the animal at the veterinarian contribute to timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases at the initial stage. Dogs under the age of 8 years are enough to be observed in the veterinary clinic annually, in older age – 2 times a year.
Genetics. Progeny obtained by crossing genetically healthy parents is most likely to inherit the positive genetic qualities of ancestors.
Care and maintenance conditions. The breed is only for home maintenance, afraid of sudden changes in temperature and cold, requires careful care and a caring attitude towards itself. It is prone to dental problems: tooth decay, loss of teeth, gingivitis.
Sex. According to statistics, females of Chihuahua live 1-2 years longer than males. The reason for the universal injustice is not clear. However, the active participation of the bitch in tribal work reduces her life expectancy by a couple of years.
Level of activity. Movement is life. Wise words said by Aristotle. Indeed, any living creature that is subject to moderate physical activity every day, lives a long and healthy life. Chihuahua is no exception. Physical activity contributes to the burning of excess fat, building muscles, strengthening ligaments and joints, maintaining immunity.

We, humans, longevity compared to our pets, but the caring and attentive attitude of the owner forms a strong foundation for a long and quality life of the dog.

Implicit causes of premature death

Chihuahua lived for almost 15 years. The high level of early mortality is more often due to lack of competence and proper care of the ward by the host. An animal can get physical injuries that are not compatible with life due to the negligence and inattention of the owner.

Lack of competence in tribal work often leads to the birth of sick offspring. Treatment of unhealthy litter is expensive, so sick puppies are often thrown out on the street. In the best case, they get to dog shelters. Stray dogs are caught and put to sleep by specialized services.

A non-socialized animal is a threat to society. A dog can throw itself at people passing cars, which can lead to tragedy. A trained and socialized dog is friendly to others and behaves adequately and predictably. Understanding and execution of basic commands can help to avoid accidents, unauthorized escape from the owner.

Infectious diseases are rightly one of the main causes of the early death of an animal. Threats to the health and life of the chihuahua are the following diseases: sepsis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, the plague of carnivores, and rabies. Timely vaccination reduces the risk of these infections to a minimum.

Sterilized/castrated dogs of the Chihuahua breed are not prone to nervous disorders, cancer of the uterus and ovaries (in females), testicles, and prostate (in males), so they live longer.

The oldest chihuahua in the world

The oldest officially registered chihuahua called Megabyte lived to be 20 years and 265 days, he died in January 2014. However, there were a lot of reports about Chihuahua around the world, who lived to 21 and even 22 years.

Tips for life extension

To a greater extent, the life expectancy of the Chihuahua depends not only on general health but also on emergency (unforeseen) circumstances, care, and attention. Here are some tips that will help to avoid tragic cases, to keep your pet healthy for many years:

Walking your dog on the street strictly on a leash. Use a harness instead of a collar;
Optimum duration of walks in the fresh air is 1-2 hours daily, provide the animal with moderate physical activity;
Teach the pet basic commands: “Come to me!”, “Sit!” and others. The dog must be obedient and socialized;
Educate children about the treatment of the animal. Contact with children under the age of 4-5 years should be carried out under close supervision of the owner;
Cleanliness is a guarantee of health. You should more often do wet cleaning in the apartment;
Organize a private space, where the dog can be alone, away from the noise and domestic fuss;
Give the necessary vaccinations, timely revaccination;
Do not allow the body to overheat, avoid drafts and prolonged stay in the sun;
During cold periods of the year, before going out, put on special warm clothes for the dog;
Feed a balanced and wholesome nutritious meal;
Visit the veterinary clinic every year for preventative health checks;
Pay special attention to the oral cavity, check and clean it regularly;
Move around the apartment carefully, watch under your feet;
Eliminate possible contact with potentially dangerous household appliances and chemicals.

Tips may seem trivial, but for some reason many people neglect them, which often leads to tragedies. Pay attention to the health of your chihuahua, and cherish, then he will live a long and happy life.

The Average Lifespan of a Chihuahua

The Chihuahua has an average lifespan of about 12 years. This is one of the smallest dog breeds. They are native to the state of the same name, Mexico. However, the lifespan of the Chihuahua varies greatly depending on the breed. The state is home to the most population of the breed, so it’s important to understand the breed’s life expectancy.

The lifespan of a Chihuahua can range from fourteen to twenty years. With proper care, this can be increased considerably. The oldest chihuahua was 20 years old on New Year’s Day, 2014. The average chihuahua’s life span is shorter than the average-sized dog. A chihuahua can live for up to 20 years, but many owners do not want to give up their pet.

The Chihuahua lifespan is determined by its health. Its main cause of death is trauma or infection. Adult Chihuahuas die of heart disease and respiratory diseases. A lack of oxygen or blood circulation can lead to paralysis. Fortunately, the chihuahua lifespan is fifteen to twenty years. The average chihuahua can be easily carried around in a pocket.

As with other breeds of dogs, a Chihuahua can live for up to fifteen years. Despite their tiny size, these dogs are highly susceptible to developing dental problems. Although these conditions are not common, they can affect the quality of life of a Chihuahua. Additionally, they can alter the diet and lead to heart problems. A chihuahua lifespan of up to fifteen years is quite possible.

A Chihuahua’s lifespan is estimated to be between 10 and eighteen years. A chihuahua’s lifespan depends on the type of care he receives. Neglect, abuse, and a lack of proper knowledge of the breed can lead to premature death. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the average life expectancy of a Chihuahua may vary.

If your Chihuahua is overweight, it will likely suffer from a variety of health problems. Some of these include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and a shortened lifespan. The longer your Chihuahua is healthy, the better. If it’s obese, it will live for less than four months. A swollen head may indicate a heart condition, but it’s not life-threatening.

The Chihuahua lifespan varies based on many factors. Some of these are controlled by you, while others are out of your control. By taking good care of your Chi, you’ll be able to extend its life for many years. It’s a good idea to take care of him by keeping him healthy and happy. Having a healthy dog will make you feel good about yourself and your pet.

The Chihuahua lifespan varies by breed. The long-haired breed has the shortest lifespan of all dog breeds. The short-haired Chihuahua has the longest life span of all breeds. Whether you own a long-haired or teacup chihuahua, their life expectancy is similar to that of other breeds.

The proper diet of a Chihuahua is a key factor in extending its life span. The breed’s lifespan can be up to sixteen years. It is important to visit a veterinarian regularly to avoid a wide variety of medical problems. Besides being familiar with the breed, a vet can also detect any problems early and treat them accordingly. This is vital because your dog will need proper nutrition for optimal health.

The female Chihuahua lifespan is much longer than that of males. They’re naturally long-lived but are more susceptible to heart conditions than males. Their longevity is also dependent on the type of food they eat and the care they receive from their owners. The female Chihuahua’s diet is rich in protein, which is essential to a healthy life.

Your Chihuahua lifespan can be shortened or extended depending on their weight and health. Both dogs need regular feedings, and if they don’t get enough nutrition, they’ll develop hypoglycemia, a disease that causes low blood sugar. Fortunately, a healthy diet will prevent any serious health conditions that may arise from your dog’s diet. But a poor diet isn’t the only factor in Chihuahua’s life span.