How long do Chihuahuas live? Chihuahuas can live for an average of 12 to 20 years. Many factors determine the amount of time a dog can live, including Chihuahuas.
Chihuahuas are among the breeds with the most extended lives. The longest-lived dog recorded was a Chihuahua who lived for 20 years and 265 days.
Chihuahua Dog Breed
Chihuahuas are the most compact dog breed, typically measuring between 2 to 8 pounds and the average being between 6 and 9 inches. Chihuahuas have a “cobby” body — tall, stout, and bigger than tall, which is still robust, strong, and flexible. Their apple-shaped, rounded heads have dark, round eyes that are pointed and an oblique muzzle. They are available in any shade.
Chihuahuas can live for an average of 12 to 20 years. The Chihuahua breed Megabyte,” who reportedly lived twenty years and 265 days old.
The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state, which shares a border with Texas and New Mexico — is the oldest breed of dog on the American continent. Chihuahuas were first discovered in 1850 in Mexico in Mexico, where traders were selling them to tourists.
Factors That Impact a Chihuahua’s Lifespan
Here are some of the factors that affect a Chihuahua’s life span:
1. Diet-
the diet of a Chihuahua directly affects their life span. Pet owners should feed their four-legged pets a balanced, nutritious, premium dog food with no fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Don’t fall into the trap of feeding your Chihuahua leftover meal scraps since this can lead to toxicosis, obesity, and other health issues.
Weight is equally vital in the Chihuahua’s life span is the weight. If you’re overweight, Chihuahuas are susceptible to numerous diseases that can reduce their lifespans, such as cardiovascular and diabetes. Chis that are overweight can also have an accelerated aging process because of malnutrition and an impaired immune system.
2. Healthcare –
it comes by no means that health plays a vital role in the lifespan of Chihuahuas. It is essential to take them to the veterinarian to regularly check up on their health to ensure longevity and health by identifying illnesses early before they become life-threatening illnesses. Many veterinarians suggest that adults take Chihuahuas between 7 and 10 to an annual wellness check-up.
Genetics The concept of “good genes” can lengthen Chihuahua’s life span, and that’s why it’s vital to keep an eye on the puppy’s parents when considering adopting. If a parent is healthy, active, and content, their puppies will live a long, healthy life..
3. The gender of the person –
statistically speaking, females live longer than their male counterparts. The precise reason behind this higher average life span is unclear. However, research suggests that female Chihuahuas have a lifespan of 1 to 2 years longer than males.
4. Activity Levels –
Keeping Your Chihuahua active is essential for ensuring a long, healthy, and happy life. Playing games like fetch, tug-of-war (with toys, obviously), or taking a stroll around the neighborhood, ensure that you give your Chi lots of exercise. By doing this, they will burn off extra fat, build muscles, strengthen their immune system, and prevent illnesses, extending their life span.
Summary
How long do Chihuahuas live? Chihuahuas breed lives between 12-and 20 years. It is the most compact breed of dog. The Chihuahua breed “Megabyte,” who reportedly lived to be 20 and 265 days old.
Various factors affect the Chihuahua’s life span, including health, weight, diet activities, vaccinations, gender, etc.
Common Chihuahua Health Problems
Chihuahuas are more likely to develop specific health problems than other breeds. We’ll look at a few of the most well-known examples below, but remember that these aren’t the sole issues that can affect the breed. They’re only one of the most frequent:
Dental Problems
Due to their longer lives than larger dogs, chihuahuas are more susceptible to dental problems and even more so as they age. Dental issues can ruin the quality of life; therefore, it is crucial to ensure the proper care for your dog’s teeth.
Obesity
Chihuahuas are significantly at risk of obesity and weight gain. Being overweight puts pressure on many body systems and could lead to other health issues.
One of these health issues is a swollen windpipe making it difficult for your pet to breathe. Also, dogs who are overweight are at greater risk of developing diabetes and a myriad of bone and joint issues.
Obesity does not just add stress to the joints of dogs and joints, but it could also lead to health issues related to the liver, the heart, kidneys, and other things.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs because the cartilage that is present in a dog’s joints wears away with time. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, which can be destructive and painful. Arthritis can develop for many reasons. However, weight gain and repetitive activity (particularly those with a high-impact nature) are among the main reasons.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia happens when the blood sugar levels are at a lower level than average. It can lead to a range of different signs that are very subtle.
Heart Problems
Chihuahuas are especially susceptible to heart ailments that may be aggravated due to weight gain. The most frequent heart ailments Chihuahuas have to contend with are heart valve issues.
The 4 Life Stages of a Chihuahua
These are the stages of a Chihuahua’s life:
Puppy
The stage of puppyhood begins with the puppy’s birth and can last for 6-12 months. Because Chihuahuas are a smaller breed, they grow older slowly than larger breeds, with a shorter time to reach the stage of puppyhood.
While most puppies stay with their mom for 8-12 weeks old, and once they have been relocated to their new homes and can begin learning, the training that puppies receive from the beginning is crucial to having a balanced companion. It’s a fun and exciting stage, but it can also be destructive because of teething and gnashing, so keep that in your mind.
Adolescent
The adolescent phase will start between 6 and 12 years of age. It will continue until the age of two. They typically reach their adult size by this point. They’ll begin to attain sexual maturity between 6 to 9 months. This is usually when behavior changes begin to occur because of the hormones associated with it.
Consult your veterinarian regarding the ideal time to neuter or spay your Chihuahua to prevent unwanted behavior that comes with growing up.
Adult
Adulthood can be reached between 18 months to 2 years old, but it’s fully grown after one year. As they reach the age of adulthood, they start to settle down after adolescence and become their own.
Senior
A Chihuahua is known as senior with a lifespan of between 7 to 10 years, based on the declaration of your veterinarian. Chihuahuas live longer, and they may require up to 10 years before being considered a senior.
You’ll start to notice greying of the muzzle and a decrease in their level of activity and the need for sleep, as well as the emergence of health problems related to age.
Summary
How long do Chihuahuas live? Chihuahuas breed lives between 12-and 20 years. There are many health issues; however, I’ve already defined some of the most frequent problems, including heart issues, dental problems or obesity, and low blood sugar levels. The four stages of the Chihuahua’s breed are Puppy, Adolescent, and Senior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the article on how long do Chihuahuas live:
1. Why do Chihuahuas live so long?
Many people have said they could live for a long time, mainly because they aren’t at risk of serious illness. The Chihuahua is a spirited dog and is abrasive and intelligent. They are incredibly dedicated to their family members, particularly children. Chihuahua needs only a tiny amount of exercise because of their tiny body size.
2. Why do Chihuahuas shake?
Chihuahuas naturally have a high metabolism that can cause them to sweat when they are nervous or excited. They also have a difficult time regulating body temperatures. Suppose a pet is high-metabolized and is burning away body heat fast. Even if you’re not feeling cold, your Chihuahua could be.
3. Why do Chihuahuas burrow under blankets?
Chihuahuas are dogs that like being seen; however, sometimes, they are opposed to that and snuggle themselves in blankets. Most dogs are thought of as “denning” animals, which implies they have an instinct to seek shelter or sleep in tiny spaces that make them feel secure.
4. Why is my Chihuahua so clingy?
If you go back to the essentials, The Chihuahua is a clingy dog because of wanting to be left alone. Therefore, a toy that gives them a sense of being with a friend can be beneficial. Certain dogs are accustomed to any toy; they’ll be a mother to it and act like their best friends.
5. Why do Chihuahuas stare at you?
Like humans who stare into the eyes of a person they cherish, dogs gaze at their owners to show their love. In reality, the mutual gaze between dogs and humans releases the hormone oxytocin, also commonly referred to as the hormone of love. This chemical plays a significant part in bonding and increases feelings of trust and love.
6. How do I know if my Chihuahua is dying?
The most noticeable sign you’ll see is the complete relaxation of the body. Your dog will not appear stressed, but instead, they’ll “let go.” You will notice a reduction in the body as air escapes from your lungs one final time. You may also observe a lack of energy in their eyes if they’re wide.
7. Why do Chihuahuas sleep so much?
Their brains require something that will pique their interest to be stimulated to participate in a sport, so it’s not a surprise that your Chihuahua will sleep longer than usual without anything to do. Although Chihuahuas are extremely physical animals, They require interaction to get in the mood to have fun.
8. Should my Chihuahua sleep in bed with me?
Make sure that you and your pet are clean and free of parasites, and you should be all set. Do not be a danger to your dog: Given such tiny dogs, they could be frightened that you’ll roll over the dog or kick him out of your sleeping. If you’re an active sleeper, this is a genuine possibility.
9. Are Chihuahuas smart?
Chihuahuas aren’t intelligent dogs, according to the dog psychologist Stanley Coren. They’re the 125th most intelligent dog breed. But, to call their breed “dumb dogs” is unfair. While Chihuahuas aren’t as well behaved and working intelligent, They make up for the difference with their sharp ability to recognize human emotions.
10. Do Chihuahuas like cuddling?
Fun, thoughtful, and incredibly loving, Chihuahuas like little more than snuggling with their owners. They’re generally great residents of apartments as they enjoy the workout they require indoors and frequently favor the comforts and conveniences at their home over the outdoors.
Conclusion
How long do Chihuahuas live? Chihuahuas breed lives between 12-and 20 years. Megabyte Chihuahuas are the longest-lived out of all.
They live longer than other breeds, so they face the highest risk of developing health problems based on their food habits, environment, and many other aspects.
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