How Long do Chihuahuas Live?

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Chihuahuas are one of the most popular small companion dog breeds in the world. It is pretty easy to see why - these dogs are adorable and very devoted to their owners and families. Unfortunately, there is one thing dog owners hate, and that is saying goodbye to their loved companions. That is undoubtedly the worst part of dog ownership, so it is natural to assume most of us want to know how long we have with our dogs.

Luckily, Chihuahuas are one of the breeds with the longest lifespans. The average Chihuahua lifespan is 14 - 16 years.

Chihuahua lifespan

Unlike other animals in the animal kingdom, dogs seem to have things in reverse. In the wild, larger animals have longer lifespans. An elephant lives a lot longer than a mouse. When it comes to dogs, the smaller the dog, the longer the lifespan. Compared to breeds like the Great Dane (lives 6 - 8 years) or Bernese Mountain Dogs (lives 7 - 8 years), the Chihuahua lives to be ancient.

FUN FACT: The oldest ever dog on record was an Australian Cattle Dog. His name was Bluey, and he lived to be 29 years old.

Making sure your Chihuahua has a long life

There is no reason why your Chihuahua couldn’t live a long, happy, and healthy life. If you do some online searches, there are plenty of references about 20-year-old Chihuahuas. Unfortunately, there are no official documents that can back these stories. However, we firmly believe that Chihuahuas can reach this impressive age. Giving the correct answer to the question, “How long do Chihuahuas live?” can be tricky. There are different things you can do to help prolong your dog’s life, and the most important things are;

Balanced diet

A balanced diet is the key to a long and healthy life. This rule doesn’t apply to dogs only; it is true for humans and other animals. As a dog owner, it is your duty to provide a balanced diet for your dog. If your Chihuahua eats healthy food that provides them with all the necessary nutrients they need, they are less likely to get sick and have a shorter lifespan. A great diet will have a direct impact on a Chihuahua’s lifespan.

Physical activity

Another thing that can influence a Chihuahua lifespan is physical activity. If your dog exercises regularly, they are less likely to develop cardiac or muscle conditions that can shorten their lifespan. Make sure your dog is active and gets plenty of exercises every day.

Controlled breeding

One of the most important things that will determine how long a Chihuahua will live is breeding quality. Dog breeders that take good care of their breeding dogs are more likely to produce healthy dogs with no health issues. Unfortunately, Chihuahuas are prone to a long list of health problems - the best way to battle that is by getting a dog with a controlled pedigree. If your dog comes from a long line of healthy, long-living Chihuahuas, there is no reason your dog shouldn’t live long as well.

Vaccinations

The number 1 dog killer in the world is diseases. Luckily, some of them are preventable. Diseases like parvovirus, canine hepatitis, canine distemper, and other potentially deadly diseases can easily seriously shorten the Chihuahua lifespan. That is why you should make sure your dog is fully vaccinated and protected from easily preventable but deadly diseases. Making sure your dog is vaccinated is a part of being a responsible dog owner. Not only should your dog be regularly vaccinated, but you should never skip vet appointments. You should ask for the vet’s help as soon as you notice something is wrong with your dog.

Socialization and training

This might not sound important, but dogs that are trained and socialized have more developed brains. They are less likely to be stressed, and less stress means fewer potential health problems. You must train your dog regularly, and this is something Chihuahua owners often forget. They think that Chihuahuas don’t need training because of their small size. Keep in mind that these dogs can be very possessive. If they are not trained and socialized, that behavior can grow into aggression.

In conclusion

We, as owners, can do many things to make sure our Chihuahuas live as long as possible. We should make sure we do everything in our power to keep our dogs healthy, safe, and happy. Never skip vet appointments and give your dog only healthy dog food. Unhealthy food can lead to all sorts of health issues that will significantly shorten Chihuahua’s lifespan.

Want to know more about Chihuahuas? Check out the complete Chihuahua dog breed profile.

World Dog Finder team