Whether you spell it "chihuahua" or "chiwawa", this is the smallest breed of dog in the world! Cathy, thank you so much for this article! But if a Chihuahua has an unusually large molera, he may suffer from hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by a build-up of fluid around the brain which may result in eventual death. If your veterinarian decides that there’s a reason to examine further, then they’ll do an EKG and take X-rays. This matters because it is not recognized by the authority of all dog breeds. @Kathy, I also had 2 chi's and my 14 yr old passed 2 yrs ago and just this past March I had lost my other at only 11. The great news is that owners do have the ability to impact the lifespan of their Chihuahuas. However, like all dog breeds, Chihuahuas do have some common health issues. This results in Chihuahuas being bred who have a poor quality of life because of unethical breeding practices and poor genetics. So many people stupidly breed two Chihuahuas whose temperaments are not good. These include eye, heart, and neurological disorders. These may manifest as heart murmurs early in life, and generally worsen with age. My Lucy has this. The maltese isn't far behind, also generally living a longer lifespan, about 13-16 years of age. I really enjoy reading you email letters, we have 2 chi's, Riley will be 14 in Sept. last march we found out that he has diabetes and is going blind, he is such a joy, and Jazzy, she will be 12 in November, she has hip issues but she definitely runs the house, I cry every time I even think about one of them passing away, but I know that one day they will go over the rainbow bridge. Generally speaking, small dogs often live longer than large breeds of dogs. If a Chihuahua has their Molera into adulthood, their risk of brain injury increases. They don’t care that they are risking the mother’s life and many die in childbirth. Teacup Chihuahuas: Unlike their stand cousins, the majority of teacup Chihuahuas will live to a maximum of twelve years.By far, this is the possibly the shortest lifespan for any Chihuahua dog breed type. Long Haired Chihuahua Lifespan: 12 -14 years is how long the long haired Chihuahuas live. I'm an avid dog lover and I've had many dogs throughout my life. That’s already really tiny! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Dogs are carnivores, and sometimes they do bite. They are generally healthy with relatively few health problems. In response, since the 1980s, more than 900 cities have enacted breed specific legislation (BSL). This supplement contains glucosamine, which can strengthen the joints, and Astaxanthin, a super-antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Spray into your dog's mouth once or twice a day and your dog's breath will be much fresher and the teeth much whiter! Chihuahuas that are 2 years old and younger are highly likely to die as a result of congenital diseases. However their fur, or more importantly the hair follicles that make up their fur have a life cycle, and shedding is just a natural part of this cycle. Even tho my 11 yr old had him it really wasn't the same without her buddy. Chihuahuas can eat many human foods without any problems. Ask a few people, "Do you think Chihuahuas are nice dogs?" She was a bit overweight and had shortness of breath while walking. If a Chihuahua is mistreated or injured as a puppy, they may sustain a brain injury. Because Chihuahua has a small mouth, teeth overcrowding results. Sadly, this means that there are many Chihuahua rescues packed with Chihuahuas who are in need of homes. Signs include weakness, confusion, disorientation, shaking, seizures. The first thing to do if your Chihuahua is showing signs of hypoglycemia is to give him some sugar, such as syrup, honey, or jam by mouth. #73: Chihuahuas are celebrated on Cinco De Mayo. Her family was heart broken and shares their story so that they can offer other Chihuahua parents this piece of advice: “Have your Chihuahua wear a cat collar with a bell around the house. This is most common in senior dogs over the age of 14. All Content Copyright © 2008-2020   |   Natural Dog Health Remedies   |   All rights reserved. Normally the bigger the dog, the shorter the life expectancy. However, puppies tend to have a harder time calming down when playing and do not seem to have life experience. One of the most important items of research is the life span of your potential pet; you must be sure that you are prepared to care for him or her for the maximum lifespan of the breed. The Chihuahua will have many years of happiness with a family who loves them and cherishes them very much. I feel blessed to have her... Arctic is her name. 21-A legend of an Aztec princess during the time the Aztecs ruled the Mexican states that she kept over a thousand tiny dogs (believed to be the ancestors of today’s Chihuahuas) and each dog had its own servant.After the dog died, the servant was killed so she could continue to serve the dog in death. The AKC’s breed standard for Chihuahuas describes them as compact dogs and says they are not to exceed approximately 6 pounds. A reputable breeder will carefully breed their dogs to ensure that they produce the healthiest litters possible for 2 reasons; 1, to make healthy dogs who will have a good quality of life, and 2, to help families have dogs who will be healthy enough to be members of their family for years. And the carvings on the stones at Huejotzingo give a full head view and a pict… Since my little gal was a rescue dog at two years old, I do not know much about her background. While these chews are great because they are 100% natural and only have one ingredient, you should know that you might not want any Chihuahua kisses after they chew them because the ingredient is “beef pizzle” (penis). This lifespan is a result of the breed being generally healthy and being a small dog. Deciding to add a Chihuahua to your family is a very exciting time! Chihuahuas are prone to dental diseases, which have the potential to be life threatening because infection from a tooth can travel up to their brain or in their blood stream. Little is known of the Toltecs, but we do know that they existed as early as the 9th century A.D. in what is now Mexico. Actually, the Chihuahua is a long-lived breed, often living up to 16 years and beyond! They are good little dogs for apartment life. ... you need to take the dog to your vet asap. Do not be deterred by Chihuahuas available for adoption; no matter how they came to be on this earth, they are all in need of loving homes. This spray is specially formulated to prevent plaque and tartar build-up on your dog's teeth. Sadly, this reputation has some basis in truth. Since chihuahuas are small, it is important to remember that they don't require so much food to fulfill their energy need! If Riley goes first, I'm not sure I want another dog, but I do worry about Jazzy as she has never been alone ever, so am thinking about it, any ideas? I usually buy her clothes from Amazon … These may manifest as heart murmurs early in life, and generally worsen with age. The larger the dog, the shorter the life span. Cute girl playing with her chihuahua on living room sofa. What do Chihuahuas die from? Many U.S cities will host events that include costume contests, Chihuahuas races, and parades. As a result of the collapse, the membrane lining the trachea becomes inflamed. Consult with your veterinarian to make a heart health plan for your Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are usually very high energy level dogs, so they especially need the exercise portion of Cesar’s fulfillment formula. Before making the commitment to add these four tiny paws to your family, you should research the breed to ensure that you will be able to care properly for your new furry friend. If this is the case, contact your vet. Give rescue Chihuahuas a chance! According to the American Kennel Club, Chihuahuas often live approximately 14 to 16 years. Hi everybody. This results in the dogs not being handled and trained correctly, and they end up being fearful little bullies. With the unconditional love that dogs provide us, it is incredibly disappointing when humans do not return it to them. Small dog breeds tend to live longer than medium and large dogs.While the exact cause of this disparity is unknown, it’s thought to have something to do with their slower rate of growth delaying the onset of age-related diseases.You might also enjoy:Chihuahuas are no exception, 18.5% of Chi-Chi die from cardiovascular diseases. gingivitis) can develop, which can lead to premature tooth loss. Chihuahuas have a special characteristic - They are born with a soft spot (called a molera) on the top of the head. They quickly become a significant part of your family and your life, and losing them is incredibly painful. In addition to daily tooth brushing, consider getting your Chihuahua some dental chew toys. This usually begins with a thinning of hair underneath the dog’s neck, in her temple area, and on the chest, stomach, and back of the thighs. They are ideal watch dogs for those living in a small apartment! Chihuahuas do not have a particularly good reputation among the general public. Toy breeds like chihuahuas usually live 16+ years. You probably won’t experience low blood sugar (with your particular puppy) but, in the event that you do, it is an emergency. I was heart broken over her passing. While a puppy advertised as a “teacup Chihuahua” is no less deserving of a loving home, since they are often the result of unethical breeding, “teacup” Chihuahuas may have a shorter life span. Chihuahuas are generally hardy little dogs who can live from 14-17 years of age on average. This is another common health condition among Chihuahua dogs. For a responsible and committed Chihuahua parent, this long life is an immense blessing. Sometimes dogs are able to reset their knee cap themselves by stretching out their leg, or owners may learn to reset their knee cap with the assistance of a veterinarian. You may also see him constantly stretching the leg out behind him in an attempt to click the cartilage back into place. during the last week of her pregnancy,you will need to be with your female all of the time. Treatment involves controlling the cough, and using supplements such as glucosamine to strengthen cartilage. However, due to neglect, mistreatment and ignorance of a Chihuahua lifespan can cause the dog to die before its time. Click the link to  get a more in-depth list of Chihuahua health problems but for a general list they are prone to the following health conditions: The luxating patella condition occurs when a Chihuahua’s knee cap moves out of place. Please check with your veterinarian before taking medical advice, introducing a new food, treat or supplement, or to confirm  anything else I suggest here to be sure it is a good fit for your dog. Small as they are, Chihuahuas are big in personality and courage - they do not hesitate to challenge bigger dogs and they are also very protective of their families. There are so many different conditions that may cause seizures, if you suspect your Chihuahua has experienced a seizure, arrange for veterinary care promptly. The Monks used stones from the Tolteccivilization. Unfortunately, you will often see the term “teacup Chihuahua” associated with puppy mills and backyard breeders; reputable breeders would not advertise their litters as teacup Chihuahua puppies. Small dogs, especially Chihuahuas, have … Sadly, these dogs usually suffer health conditions associated with improper or unethical breeding practices used to achieve a size the breeder deems attractive to potential buyers. It is not a deadly problem. This is most common in senior dogs over the age of 14. Puppies with severe cases usually die before they're four months old, which is a good reason to delay purchasing a Chihuahua until that age. My husband and I took my mother in-laws poodle who is now 16 in 2014. Some of what I share are researched facts; some of it is what I have  learned from living and working with dogs all my life; and some is just my opinion or the opinion of other pet parents. This makes it easy for Chihuahuas to develop teeth and gum problems, such as plaque and tartar buildup. Dog training books can help you get your dog to bark less. Since Chihuahuas originated in Mexico, they are often celebrated at Cinco De Mayo. More than 300,000 Americans visit the ER for dog bites every year, and an average of 25 of these people die from the injuries. By regularly brushing your Chihuahua’s teeth and scheduling professional veterinary dental cleanings, you can help your Chihuahua maintain good oral health. Interestingly, deer head Chihuahua's do not tend to be prone to GME, only the apple-head type. For more information, be sure to check out are article on Chihuahua seizures. While many dogs may live with this condition for their entire life and the condition itself is not life threatening, your Chihuahua’s veterinarian might recommend surgery if the condition is severe. This is a personal decision for all Chihuahua owners to make. The thinning continues until these areas are completely void of all hair. Summary Besides having a naturally high energy level, Chihuahuas can become hyper due to boredom or frustration — just like any other dog. The trachea (windpipe) is formed and supported by rings of cartilage. It is just a characteristic of the breed. She was the sweetest creature I ever knew. Never hit your Chihuahua (even if the little monster deserves it), because the Chihuahua may die from the injuries. Your dog will likely eat the placentas; do not interfere with her ability to do so, as this is a normal biological process. If you don't do that, gum disease (e.g. There is no way to say for sure. Chihuahuas, like many other toy breeds, may be susceptible to a form of low blood sugar called hypoglycemia. Usually they’re benign, and there’s no cause for concern, but at other times they can be a red flag for cardiovascular disease. While having a long life span can be wonderful in certain circumstances, this long life span can also mean heart break. The bell will help you know their whereabouts, which might save their life”. #3: Infections Because of how rough puppies tend to play, they are likely to injure each other and themselves quite often. Chihuahuas are one of the longest living breeds of dogs, often living into their late teens and even reaching over 20! He loves chewing them and has received many compliments from his veterinarian about his pearly whites. Chihuahuas are prone to heart conditions such as mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus. Also avoid snacks or poor-quality dog food rich in starch and sugar. In addition to the above Chihuahua illnesses, Chi's are also prone to a problem called hydrocephalus. many chihuahuas die from having an unattended birth go wrong. Otherwise, she gets really cold and gets sick sometimes. My chihuahua needs to wear her clothes in winter. According to the AKC, Chihuahuas are prone to heart conditions such as mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus. Let's take a look. One reason is overfeeding by their owners. They're mean and nasty and they bite!" Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are blessed with mountains of energy and affection. After the age of 14, there is a higher possibility of getting heart disease. 18.5% of Chihuahuas died due to cardiovascular disease. If you are concerned about paying for expensive veterinary bills, consider opening a savings account for your Chihuahua’s care and/or researching pet insurance policies to find one that matches your needs. The Chihuahua is either long-coat or short-coat. Hydrocephalus tends to affect most Chihuahuas before they reach 9 months of age, although some Chihuahuas may not show symptoms until they are older. 18.5% of Chihuahuas died due to cardiovascular disease. Dental Disease Consider how close their teeth are to their brain; an infection could quickly travel from their teeth to their brain, and other organs via their blood stream, which could result in serious illness or death. Should you want to purchase a puppy from a breeder who participates in the CCA’s recommended testing, be prepared to pay extra for your puppy, as there are costs associated with this testing that will likely be rolled into the puppy purchase fee. Chihuahuas actually have different brains than all other dogs, but sadly their owners are not educated about this. We also have a list of chihuahua rescues so be sure to check that out too! Then rush him to the vet for further treatment. Do be aware that in most cases, the insurance does not pay at the time of the service. Chihuahuas are only Chihuahuas; the the term “teacup Chihuahua” was invented by breeders in an effort to make dogs sound more appealing to buyers and to raise the price of puppies by making them sound more carefully bred. In certain parts of the U.S, wild Chihuahuas can still be found, usually in packs. They will later reimburse you part of the cost after you submit a claim. Oddly enough (as this usually occurs in larger dogs) Chihuahuas tend to have heart murmurs. According to the Chihuahua Club of America, this is normal for the breed. The primary causes of Chihuahua deaths listed here apply to both adults and puppies. While this closes up eventually in many cases, some Chihuahuas will have this spot into adulthood and for the rest of their lives. Since Chihuahuas have large eyes, they are often susceptible to injuring their eyes. If your Chihuahua has a collapsing trachea, he will need veterinary treatment so he can live … Lastly, albeit optional, you can get an antiseptic mouth rinse for your dog for the after-job. So whether you get a pet insurance policy for your Chihuahua or not, it is recommended that you establish a healthy savings account so that you will be ready to pay any significant veterinary bills that may arise. Anne of North Carolina shared that her Chihuahua, Rosie, was shut in a door when she attempted to follow her family outside, which caused her death. ... Wolves usually stalk old or sick animals, but they do not always catch what they stalk. When I rescued my first Chihuahua, I was hooked on the breed. These tiny napoleons may act like big bosses, but no one is invincible. Maintaining a healthy diet and healthy weight may contribute to your Chihuahua’s heart health. Copyright © 2021 I Love My Chi | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, What I Wish I had Done Differently with my Chihuahua Puppy, Send me an email notification when someone replies to my comment, Chihuahua Club of America’ rescue referral page, Chihuahua rescues packed with Chihuahuas who are in need.