Last Updated on May 3, 2022 by Fabiola L.
We all know that the Chihuahua is one of the most popular dogs around the world. We also know that on the internet, they are known to have a short lifespan, so how long do toy Chihuahuas live? What’s the real-life expectancy of toy chihuahuas, and how to determine how long they will live? For answers like this, keep reading and find out.
In 2009, the life expectancy for toy chihuahuas rose to 10 years old. This was due to improved nutrition and a general increase in medical care, which allowed the dogs to live longer. However, there were some cases of puppy mills and breeding that were not as careful with the health of the chihuahua dogs, and they were often taken from their mothers much too early.
In the next 10 years, the life expectancy of a toy chihuahua was expected to be 15 years. For the real answer to the question of how long do toy chihuahuas live, we must think deeper and understand all the key factors that affect the life expectancy of a chihuahua. In other words, we can’t generally be speaking about a life expectancy of a precise breed when every single dog is different from another.
So, in this article, we are going to talk about the core things that affect the life expectancy of a toy chihuahua and to help you get some understanding of how long toy chihuahuas live. Let’s start and dive into this concise article.
What Is Chihuahua Life Expectancy
The lifespan of Chihuahuas is usually between 5 to 8 years of age. Most Chihuahuas live until about 4 years old. There are many different kinds of Chihuahuas. Some of them are short-haired, others are long-haired, and some are mixed.
The breed of a dog has nothing to do with how long they live. They can be mixed breeds as well. They can even be purebred. What matters is the quality of their food and the amount of exercise they get. All these things will influence how long they live.
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Toy Chihuahua Life Expectancy Vs. Chihuahua Life Expectancy
Most dogs live between 12 and 14 years of age, but the life expectancy of toy breeds is less than half of that. So what makes a toy breed of dog live such a short life? First off, a toy dog’s short life span is a direct result of its small size. Puppies who have been hand-raised since birth tend to live longer than those that haven’t.
There is also the fact that toy breeds tend to be bred for showmanship rather than as pets. Breeders are less concerned with breeding puppies with traits that extend their lives than with those that will bring them more fame and glory. Another factor that comes into play is the fact that toy dogs are often exposed to extreme amounts of heat and cold.
They are put outside on cold nights and kept inside on hot days. Their bodies aren’t accustomed to such extremes, which can lead to illnesses and problems such as heart attacks and even death.
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Factors Affecting Toy Chihuahua Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of dogs can vary widely based on many factors, including lifestyle. While the life expectancy of dogs is shorter than that of humans, it is also highly dependent upon how the dog is cared for. To get a sense of how long you can expect your dog to live, you can look at the following numbers.
A chihuahua that lives in an apartment and receives regular veterinary care can expect to live seven to eight years. However, if the dog is not taken to the veterinarian regularly and is not kept in a clean, warm environment, its life expectancy will likely be lower than the average lifespan of that particular breed.
So, the main factors that affect life longevity in toy chihuahuas are: veterinarian checkups, a healthy diet, and regular exercise and walking.
Health Problems Of Toy Chihuahuas
There are many different health problems that can affect toy chihuahuas. Some of the most common include arthritis, heart disease, and intestinal problems. To avoid these health issues, owners need to be aware of certain behaviors.
Toy Chihuahuas often have a lot of energy, but they are prone to accidents due to their short legs. Owners should always provide plenty of exercise for the dogs, as well as proper nutrition.
How Long Do Toy Chihuahuas Live
Researchers from Colorado State University (CSU) studied chihuahuas living in a zoo. The average life span of these dogs was 9.4 years. These chihuahuas lived longer than other breeds, such as poodles and dachshunds.
They lived longer than the chihuahua mixes, which have a lifespan of around 7 years. The study also found that chihuahuas had a lower body temperature and did not drink as much water as other dogs. The researchers concluded that a chihuahua’s short legs and small size contributed to its longevity.
Caring For You Toy Chihuahua
So if you’re going to put a lot of time into your pet, it pays to pick up a few tricks along the way. For starters, make sure that your pet’s bedding is comfortable. Choose a dog bed that feels soft and plush. You can also make your pet’s bedding more comfortable by giving it a good brushing and cleaning.
And make sure your pet gets plenty of exercises. Your pet needs to move its limbs and joints to keep itself healthy and happy. To accomplish this, you need to give your regular pet walks.
Conclusion On How Long Do Toy Chihuahuas Live
In conclusion, the average lifespan of a toy Chihuahua is 7 years. They are generally healthy and active. They may get sick like all dogs, and older Chihuahuas may have trouble climbing stairs.
The average lifespan of a toy Chihuahua is typically between 7 and 8 years. A toy Chihuahua is generally an active dog who loves to play and gets along with other dogs. They enjoy a good walk and are happy to meet new friends. They do have a short life span, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth it. They are loyal companions and very loving dogs.
For other chihuahua-related topics, check our other articles. Thank you for reading; I hope you got the answer to the question, “how long do toy chihuahuas live.” Until next time, take care of your beloved chihuahua.
FAQ
Are Chihuahuas very fragile?
Chihuahuas are small dogs, but it’s a myth that they are extremely delicate. In fact, they are actually quite tough. Their tiny stature, however, makes them more prone to injury, especially if they fall down or if they get hit by a car. Because of their small size, these animals often receive less attention from humans. This means that they may be less likely to have their needs met, and they are also more likely to experience neglect or abuse. Many pet owners don’t understand the care required for chihuahuas. This means that many owners don’t take the time to provide adequate care for their dogs.
What health problems do Chihuahuas usually have?
One of the most common health problems a Chihuahua owner faces is hip dysplasia. While it's hard to tell if a puppy is truly healthy or not, it's best to err on the side of caution and take preventative measures before any health issue comes up. Hip dysplasia can become extremely painful and cause pain when a dog walks, runs, jumps, or even sits. While it’s rare, there is an associated risk of developing arthritis and bone breaks.
How can I make my Chihuahua live longer?
There are several ways you can help your dog live longer. One way is to keep him or her active and healthy. You can do this by feeding your pet a nutritious diet of food and treats that provides the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong. Dogs who exercise regularly tend to have better metabolisms and have a lower risk of diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Your pet can eat raw bones and raw meat, which give him or her important nutrients. In addition, you can use a water bowl that contains a source of calcium, such as oyster shell, and a water-soluble vitamin supplement, such as salmon oil.
Are toy Chihuahuas healthy?
They're a lot of things, but healthy isn't one of them. Chihuahuas are not a healthy breed of dog, especially for those who love to give them treats and attention. "If you have a chihuahua, you should take a look at what it eats, and what it gets treated to," says Elizabeth Witter, director of nutrition for Veterinary Nutrition Solutions. She suggests that owners feed them a diet that includes natural, homemade food such as chicken or turkey baby food and avoid foods like potato chips, chocolate, and other snack foods that are high in fat and sugar.
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