As with any breed, a Chihuahua’s lifespan varies depending on a number of different factors (see below for a complete list). Some of these factors are controllable, whereas others are outside of owners’ control. Owners should familiarize themselves with these factors so they give their Chihuahua the longest, fullest life possible.
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.
Small breeds like the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier live longer than medium-to-large breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Mastiff. Medium-to-large breeds have an average life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
Does this mean all Chihuahuas live between 15 and 20 years? Not necessarily, but this is a good rule of thumb to follow.
Factors That Impact a Chihuahua’s Lifespan:
- Diet – a Chihuahua’s diet will directly impact their lifespan. Owners should feed their furry four-legged friends a nutritious, well-balanced premium dog food with no fillers, preservatives or artificial flavors. Avoid the temptation of feeding your Chihuahua leftover dinner scraps, as this can lead to obesity, toxicosis and other health problems.
- Weight – equally as influential in a Chihuahua’s lifespan is weight. Obese Chihuahuas are prone to a variety of adverse health conditions that may lower their average lifespan, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Underweight Chis may also experience a lower average lifespan due to malnutrition and a weakened immune system.
- Healthcare – it should come as no surprise that healthcare plays a role in a Chihuahua’s lifespan as well. 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. Most veterinarians recommend taking adult Chihuahuas between the ages of 7 and 10 for a wellness check once a year. If you have senior Chihuahua over the age of 10, however, you should take them for a wellness check twice a year.
- 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 the parents are healthy, energetic and happy, their pups are more likely to live a long and healthy life.
- Spaying/neutering – Chihuahuas that are spayed and neutered tend to live longer than those that aren’t fixed. 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. 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.
- 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.
- Oral Care – like most small breeds, Chihuahuas are prone to dental problems like tooth decay, tooth toss and gum disease. Some studies suggest that as many as 9 out of 10 Chihuahuas will experience dental problems. Allowing your Chihuahua to suffer from poor oral health can reduce their lifespan. Bacteria enters the bloodstream through bleeding gums (caused by gingivitis) and goes straight to the heart and kidneys.
- Gender – statistically speaking, females live longer than their male counterparts. The exact cause of this longer average lifespan is unknown, but studies suggest female Chihuahuas live 1 to 2 years longer than males.
- Activity Levels – keeping your Chihuahua active is crucial to promoting a long, healthy life. Whether it’s playing fetch, tug-of-war (with a toy, of course), or going for a walk around the neighborhood, give your Chi plenty of daily exercise. Doing so will burn excess fat, build muscle, strengthen their immune system and ward off illness, which can increase their average lifespan.
The World’s Oldest Chihuahua
The world’s oldest Chihuahua on record (keyword being on record) is Megabyte, who passed away on January 1, 2014, at the age of 20 years and 265 days. Other than the occasional news article and blog posts, details are scarce about Megabyte’s life; however, we know this full-bred Chihuahua lived 20 full years before passing away on New Year’s Day, 2014.
There have been several reports of Chihuahuas living to 20, 21 and even 22 years of age. These reports were never verified, and thus Megabyte retains his title as the world’s oldest Chihuahua.
Chihuahua Age In Human Years and Dog Years
| Age In Human Years | Age In Dog Years |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 21 |
| 3 | 25 |
| 4 | 29 |
| 5 | 33 |
| 6 | 37 |
| 7 | 41 |
| 8 | 45 |
| 9 | 49 |
| 10 | 53 |
| 11 | 57 |
| 12 | 61 |
| 13 | 65 |
| 14 | 69 |
| 15 | 73 |
| 16 | 77 |
| 17 | 81 |
| 18 | 85 |
| 19 | 89 |
| 20 | 93 |
| 21 | 97 |
| 22 | 101 |
| 23 | 105 |
| 24 | 109 |
| 25 | 113 |
*This chart can be used for all dogs under 20 pounds.
References:
http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/breeddata.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_oldest_dogs
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/dogs-and-life-span-which-breeds-live-longest
My baby just had to be put down, he would have been 18 in two months. He was half shitzu and half chilhuahua. He was born at home and he was very brave. Never afraid of anything except the occasional storm. He was very active until the pandemic started and more stray dogs existed and thus he couldn’t walk around outside on his own on our property anymore. As his vision got bad, this also hindered that. But he loved his squeaky toys and eating chicken (chik-chik). He was so good. We were just going out to tee-tee when he was attacked by a pitbull and due to his age and the fact the doctors couldn’t get him to stand, we decided it would be best to let him rest. I feel like I was robbed of at least a couple more years with him and I miss him so bad. It has only been 4 days. 🙁
My chi Princess is 17 this month sept 2023. We found her two weeks after my mom passed in 2006. I nicknamed her little momma. She is very tiny, pure breed. She’s been by my side and I swear I have on tape her saying I love you . As she celebrates each year I do a little photo shoot. Making her apple n bacon muffins. She has been the best friend a dog owner could ever ask for. The girl loves her meat. Steak, chicken.,she has always loved the dark n being under blankets. Thin haired so gets cold easy. She does sleep more but still very active. I do hope I get a few more years with her.
I just lost my baby 1 week ago. He was 18 years old. I have had him since he was 5. He was little when I got him , 3-4 lbs. Previous own didn’t take care of him & left him out in a garage when it was 30 degree outside. He was cold , wet, & scared. He was starving. I had to let him come out of the cage on his own cause he was scared. When I gave him a half pack of the moist & meaty food she was feeding him , he would eat it so fast he’d get choked. When he warmed up to me & knew he was going to get fed & taken good care of . I would put him on my chest while I was watching TV at night. We became the best buddy’s ! Everywhere I went , he was right behind me . He was my sleeping buddy too. He grew to be 6 1/2 lbs. He grew twice as long as when I first got him. I miss him so much ! 😢 But he’s not hurting now. He had glaucoma in his left eye from trauma, & I had to have his eye removed the same day he passed away. His heart stopped twice while they was during the surgery. Then died that evening in my arms around 11:15 pm. I didn’t want to have his eye removed but he was in so much pain , he stopped eating. 💔 I sure miss my boy ! But when he was feeling well , you would never know he was 18. Dasher was black & brown markings. I have been searching for another one that looks like him. But haven’t found anything. My heart is broken 💔
Very sorry for your loss. I just lost mine one day after you posted. He suffered a really bad fall- trying to be independent and jumped to the ground to potty when I opened the car door. Hit the pavement and was instantly paralyzed from waist down. Did not opt for surgery so he would not suffer uncertain rehab. He was black, tan, white chest, almost 16yrs old, less than 6lbs. Got him at 1yr old at 3lbs. I miss him so much!!! I wear his little collar around my ankle. Waiting for his ashes to return from crematorium. Not sure I can stand to have another. This hurts and he is irreplaceable. The sweetest & smartest, loved and welcomed by all.
It’s amazing how pets effect us. I have 2 chips. One is and the other 3. I absolutely love these dogs and can’t even think of ever losing either one of them. I give them the best of everything!
I have a chihuahua. His name is Peanut. He is 15 years old. looking older in the face but this kid dog is full of life. I would say if I couldn’t see I would think he was a puppy. He’s so active and playful. still acts like a puppy full of energy. Eats everything we eat. He’ll hold out and won’t eat when he gets a can of cold chicken. Everything he eats has to come out of the microwave. we call it the ding box. Because when he hears the microwave ding. He comes running, he knows something’s coming out of it, for him. Peanut loves fries and chicken. He likes his hamburgers and baked chicken fried, chicken. language. My baby eats everything .I cook him. well, his daddy cook’s for him a lot. we both do. but I spoil him by rocking him after he’s full. The husband cooks, the king his dinner’s.to sleep 4 times a day. He rests in my arms covered by my rob. He has the worst breath I have ever smelt. His teeth are rotting out. Yes, I have been cleaning them, but they need to be pulled as is. I have to chew his pistachios because he can hardly break the nut. I spoil him rotten. He gets jealous, if I bet another dog. he sees it as cheating on him. I was thinking of getting another dog, but he will attack and try to kill it. I had a pet frog. I petted. He has seen me pet a frog. Soon as I put it down, he went and eat it. I am still angry with him.
Oh my! Peanut is a hoot! lol I enjoyed reading about him! And yes, they can be super jealous! I watched my chi’s whole countenance change into a jealous scowl when I hosted a rescue chi for 2 weeks while we waited for a home for him. I had never seen that before! My chi was so glad to see him go! haha
My chi is only 9 and got diabetes and almost 10 but near her end I think. It’s a struggle and I feel guilt but it could be poor genetics
One of my cbibuahuas (Deno) lacked one month and 3 days of being 20 Years old. I have had three that made it to 17 and a half and I lost one at 10.
My best friends mom had one that was 22 years old it drank nothing but light beer from a bowl natural light I think. She ate chicken mostly and occasionally ate dog food. It was the most aggressive dog I have ever seen. It would only let my friends mom touch it. And would eat you up if you come near her.
Wow. My Chi is 16. It’s looking like she’s nearing her time. I had somewhat comfort when I read that they live between 12-20 years because at least she’s way passed 12 and still acted great at 12. After reading all these comments though and seeing that everyone’s chi is living at least up to 19, I feel so guilty thinking I could have done this different or I could have done that different. I noticed she rapidly aged when I left her for just a couple of months two years ago when I moved to Texas. When I went back to get her, she had gone blind and deaf. The changes must had taken a toll on her. One only does what they can. I just want to say I’m so sorry to my little Rose.
Sending hugs to you! You sound like a very good dog mom and Rose is lucky to have you
Thank you for running this blog. Its nice to see others that have Chi’s also.
And to hear how long they have lived. My little girl turned 8 last week, and I am starting to worry about her age!!
Thank you again for running this page it give me real hope for my 8 year old.!!!
God Bless You All And Your Babies.
My female chihuahua Mollly is almost 17 years old. Lost some front teeth, trouble seeing I think and has a lymphoma on her leg, other than that she’s doing great!! We’re going for the record. She is very well loved!