Chihuahua Lifespan and How Old They Typically Live

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Posted Oct 7, 2024

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Brown Chihuahua Lying on a Red Surface Biting a Stick
Credit: pexels.com, Brown Chihuahua Lying on a Red Surface Biting a Stick

Chihuahuas can live up to 12-18 years on average, but their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and health conditions.

A well-cared-for Chihuahua can easily live into their teens, with some individuals living up to 20 years or more in optimal conditions.

Proper care and attention can make a big difference in a Chihuahua's lifespan, and with the right support, they can live a long and happy life.

Here's an interesting read: Teacup Chihuahua Life Expectancy

Chihuahua Basics

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, weighing between 2-8 pounds.

They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, marked, and splashed.

Chihuahuas are known for their large eyes and erect ears, which give them a unique and alert appearance.

They are a relatively long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 12-18 years.

Chihuahuas are a loyal and devoted breed, often forming strong bonds with their owners.

Credit: youtube.com, How Long do Chihuahuas Live? All You Need To Know

Their small size means they require minimal exercise, but they still need regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy.

Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs and respond well to positive reinforcement training, but they can be stubborn at times.

Their small size also means they are prone to certain health issues, such as hypoglycemia and patellar luxation.

Despite these potential health issues, many Chihuahuas live long, happy lives with proper care and attention.

Growth and Development

Chihuahuas grow rapidly, often doubling in size within the first few weeks of life. They typically reach their full adult height and most of their adult weight within nine months.

At birth, Chihuahuas weigh between 2.5 and 5.5 ounces, and by one week old, they weigh between 3.75 and 9.5 ounces. By two weeks, they weigh between 5 and 13.5 ounces, and by three weeks, they weigh between 6 and 17.5 ounces.

Here's a breakdown of Chihuahua growth and weight milestones:

By 6 months, Chihuahuas are close to their full height, usually between five to eight inches tall, and have completed most of their adult weight gain, weighing in around 1.5 pounds to 4.5 pounds depending on their estimated adult size.

Chihuahua puppies are born tiny, weighing around 15 ounces, and will be around 30-50 ounces by the time they're 4 months old. Breeders often hold onto pups until they're around 12-14 weeks old before letting them go to their new homes.

Average Lifespan

Credit: youtube.com, Chihuahua Lifespan

Chihuahuas are considered long-lived, with a typical life expectancy of about 14 years.

The world's oldest Chihuahua on record is Megabyte, who passed away in 2014 at 20 years old, showing that some members of the breed can live longer when properly cared for.

Chihuahuas live on average between 15-17 years, according to the American Kennel Club.

This is impressive, considering that dogs generally live between 10 and 13 years on average.

The Chihuahua's life expectancy is quite impressive, and they are among the breeds with the longest life span.

In fact, Chihuahuas tend to enjoy more years on earth thanks to their diminutive sizes, and experts say they don't age at an accelerated pace like larger dogs.

A fresh viewpoint: Walk Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have Chihuahuas been around?

Chihuahuas have a rich history dating back over 1,200 years, with evidence of their ancestors, the Techichi, existing as far back as the 9th century CE. They were first recognized as a distinct breed in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.