How Long Do Chihuahuas Live? Know Their Life Expectancy!

Chihuahuas are a small breed of dog that is known for their loyalty and affection.

But do you know how long they live?

Chihuahuas typically live between 12 to 18 years, with some living as long as 20 years! This is about twice as long as other small breeds like pugs and Yorkies. The life expectancy of chihuahuas is influenced by a number of factors.

Why do you think that may be? Let’s find out together!

Chihuahuas: The Basics

Chihuahuas are named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico.

They tend to range between 6-10 inches tall at their shoulders and can weigh anywhere from 4-6 pounds.

Some even say that they resemble mini lions because of their big apple heads, pointy ears, and large paws.

However, they are perhaps most well-known for their long, pointy noses.

Some people nickname them “Mexican hotdog dogs” because of this!

What About their Personality?

Because Chihuahuas are so small, they have a lot to prove. They definitely aren’t pushovers and can be quite feisty or even intimidating!

But because of their size, they are typically fiercely protective of their owners and make for very loyal pets.

They can be a bit suspicious towards strangers, but once you win them over from the get-go, they will love you forever.

Life Expectancy of Chihuahua

Purebred Chihuahuas typically live between 12-18 years, with some living as long as 20. This is about twice as long as other small breeds like pugs and Yorkies, which only live around 7-15 years.

So why do chihuahuas live the longest? Well, the breed doesn’t just live longer, they also experience fewer health problems than other breeds.

One study shows that over 50 percent of all Chihuahuas are healthy throughout their entire lives! This is likely because these dogs make excellent genetic choices for breeding.

They are very easy to breed with, but hard to hurt since most diseases target larger breeds more often.

However, there are still several factors that will affect their life expectancy.

Factors That Affect Longevity of a Chihuahua

The life expectancy of a chihuahua is different depending on the dog’s weight, genetics, environment, diet, and health care. Smaller dogs live longer than larger breeds because they have less stress on their organs.

Dog’s Weight

So do larger dogs live shorter lives because they are overweight? Not necessarily.

The difference in life expectancy has more to do with living conditions than weight alone.

Smaller breeds are more likely to be kept indoors, where they will receive consistent care and attention from their owners.

While outdoor exercise is definitely great for your dog’s health, it can be hazardous for dogs that live in areas where they are exposed to cold temperatures.

Genetics

As with most pets, certain genes have a powerful effect on their life expectancy.

Purebred dogs like Chihuahuas tend to live longer than mixed breeds. This is because they usually possess a stronger immune system and can adapt better to their environments.

Their genetics make it easier for them to fight diseases and other conditions their bodies may encounter over the years, which is why purebreds typically have fewer health problems.

Moreover, dogs with long-lived parents will also be more likely to live longer lives themselves, which means the breed has quite a bit of influence on how long they can expect to stay alive!

Environment

Living conditions can also affect a dog’s life expectancy. Chihuahuas that live in more comfortable homes with their owners are known to have healthier lifestyles and will be more likely to see old age.

In contrast, a chihuahua who spends most of its time alone on the streets will probably not make it past 7 years because they don’t have a consistent caretaker or access to proper shelter.

Diet

Since their bodies are so small, feeding a chihuahua too many calories can definitely cause problems down the line.

Their caloric intake should match up with their recommended weight per day (usually around 100), which means you should adjust your dog’s food intake if they become overweight at any point in their lives.

Chihuahuas that eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly will be less likely to have health problems throughout their lives, which is why it’s so important to keep them active!

Health Care

Even if your dog doesn’t have genetic issues or an unhealthy environment, taking proper care of their health will also affect how long they live.

This means keeping your chihuahua on a schedule of regular veterinarian checkups and giving them all the vaccinations they need so that you can prevent diseases from occurring in the first place!

Healthy Chihuahuas can expect to see ages between 12-18 years, with some reaching up to 20. However, unhealthy Chihuahuas can see as little as 3!

So keeping a chihuahua healthy through proper care is critical for increasing their life expectancy and enjoying time with them for years to come!

Final Words

Chihuahuas are by no means low-maintenance dogs.

They require just as much care and attention as any other breed, but they can live significantly longer than other small dog breeds due to several unique factors.

Their small size allows them to live comfortably in smaller homes or apartments where they will receive more attention from their owner.

Their long life expectancy is partially due to the fact that Chihuahuas are often purebreds, which means their immune system tends to be much stronger than mixed breeds.

They also have a tendency to live longer if they are kept indoors with their owners or taken care of by an elderly family member who can provide them with lots of love and attention.

However, it is especially important to keep them healthy and in good shape because this will make a huge difference throughout their lives!

If you take care of your chihuahua as best as you can, they should live between 12-18 years on average.

This means that owning a Chihuahua will be a commitment for the next decade or so, but it’s well worth the love and affection your pup will give you as a reward!