Vaccinations – Chihuahuas require vaccinations and follow-up booster shots to protect against potentially life-threatening diseases like the parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough), canine influenza, distemper and rabies. Of course, there are other health benefits associated with spaying and neutering a Chihuahua, such as lowered aggression levels, reduced risk of running away, and fewer pups ending up in the pound. Neutering a male Chi before the age of year will decrease their risk of developing testicular and prostate cancers, and fixing female Chis before their first heat cycle can reduce their risk of developing uterine and ovarian cancers. Spaying/neutering – Chihuahuas that are spayed and neutered tend to live longer than those that aren’t fixed. If the parents are healthy, energetic and happy, their pups are more likely to live a long and healthy life. Genetics – “good genes” can lengthen a Chihuahua’s lifespan, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to a pup’s parents if you’re looking to adopt. If you have senior Chihuahua over the age of 10, however, you should take them for a wellness check twice a year. Most veterinarians recommend taking adult Chihuahuas between the ages of 7 and 10 for a wellness check once a year. Taking them to the veterinarian for routine checkups will promote a long, healthy life by diagnosing illnesses early, before they progress to life-threatening ailments. Healthcare – it should come as no surprise that healthcare plays a role in a Chihuahua’s lifespan as well. Underweight Chis may also experience a lower average lifespan due to malnutrition and a weakened immune system. 
Obese Chihuahuas are prone to a variety of adverse health conditions that may lower their average lifespan, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Weight – equally as influential in a Chihuahua’s lifespan is weight.Avoid the temptation of feeding your Chihuahua leftover dinner scraps, as this can lead to obesity, toxicosis and other health problems. Owners should feed their furry four-legged friends a nutritious, well-balanced premium dog food with no fillers, preservatives or artificial flavors. Diet – a Chihuahua’s diet will directly impact their lifespan.Factors That Impact a Chihuahua’s Lifespan: Medium-to-large breeds have an average life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.ĭoes this mean all Chihuahuas live between 15 and 20 years? Not necessarily, but this is a good rule of thumb to follow. Small breeds like the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier live longer than medium-to-large breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Mastiff. There’s no fool-proof method for predicting exactly how long they can live, but current data suggests that Chihuahuas live an average of 15 to 20 years when properly cared for by a loving owner. Owners should familiarize themselves with these factors so they give their Chihuahua the longest, fullest life possible.
Some of these factors are controllable, whereas others are outside of owners’ control. As with any breed, a Chihuahua’s lifespan varies depending on a number of different factors (see below for a complete list).
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