The long haired Chihuahua is an ancient dog breed which has a big heart and is fiercely loyal to people and protectors of their pack. As with any dog breed, there are some breed-specific health issues to be aware of. Deer head Chihuahuas tend not to have as many health issues as their apple head counterparts, which are specially bred to be small and pure. With an average lifespan of 7–15 years, the German Shepherd Whippet mix could be most prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, myelopathy, bloat, and arrhythmia. Heart Problems Jack Russell Chihuahua Mixes are prone to dental overcrowding, a common issue in many small breeds. Health Issues and Lifespan. Overall, the Chihuahua is a healthy dog breed. The problem with having a long-haired Chihuahua though, is that dirt and debris tend to cling to the coat. Size - and other physical attributes- are hereditary. The Teacup Chihuahua (a.k.a micro Chihuahua, mini Chihuahua, and miniature Chihuahua) is, in fact, a mythical dog. Below, you will find a few tips on how you can help your senior Chi at home. Sight problems; Hearing problems; Heart condition which is usually an enlarged heart in Chihuahuas; What You Can Do To Help Your Senior Chi: As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your senior Chihuahua has everything they need to age well and stay comfortable. Artificial additives. Genes passed down from the dam and sire will certainly affect a Chihuahua's size; though looking 3 generations back will give you the best idea of … In general, giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. 3. This is where their mouths are just too small to fit all of the teeth in. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. They are the smallest dog in the world, weighing 3-6lb, and are one of the low-maintenance dog breeds with a lifespan of 15-20 years.. 5. As such it will require brushing before coming back inside. Average Lifespan. Long Haired Chihuahua Health. The need to move keeps Border Collies young at heart, well into old age. They can live as long as 18 years. The term ‘Teacup Chihuahua’ is just a description or, more precisely, a marketing trick to attract new customers and it refers to those adult Chihuahuas that have smaller dimensions than the standard ones. Parasites like roundworms, whipworms and hookworms live in the pup's intestinal tract, restricting the pup's nutritional intake and growth. An obvious physical indicator is obesity. Let’s look at some of the major issues long haired Chihuahuas can be prone to, and if there are any steps we can take to reduce the risks. When caring for Chihuahua Terrier Mixes, you should help them be as healthy as possible so they can grow as old as 13 to 18 years of age. Sheepdog. These vivacious little dogs take the world in their stride. The health issues that affect this breed include slipped stifles, open font or soft spot, eye problems, and heart disease. Deer head Chihuahua health. Your Chihuahua may exhibit physical signs of dietary-related problems. Health is an important issue for any breed – this includes long coat Chihuahuas. Her full long hair will not mature until she is around 1 1/2 years old, and in the meantime she will go through "puppy uglies" which is the awkward teenager stage for long-coated breeds between their puppy and adult coats. Rather than having an ideal body condition (e.g., visible waist, slightly visible ribs, an upward tummy tuck from his chest to his hind end), obesity will cause him to look plump. Teacup Chihuahua Then, find a reputable breeder by asking for recommendations from friends or through a local breed club or rescue group. Dental overcrowding causes teeth to rub against each other which wears the enamel down. Some of the issues that can possibly affect the Chihuahua include potential heart problems (patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve disease), eye disease, and patellar luxation (loose kneecaps). Once you've decided on a puppy, find out about the health of the parents, and make sure the puppy has been screened for breed-related health problems. Known Health Problems with Jack Russells and Chihuahuas. When tiny meets speedy, you have the Whippet Chihuahua … This includes chemical coloring, flavoring, and preservatives. Large breed dogs fall somewhere in between. The Icelandic Sheepdog has minimal health conditions while being great with families and children. No 6: The Whippet Chihuahua Mix About the Mix. She is a longhaired Chihuahua and should get up to 3-3.5 pounds as an adult. While a Great Dane would be considered a senior by age six, a tiny Chihuahua may not reach old man status until eight or nine years of age. These can cause a lot of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting and are the cause of many allergies with the top symptom being itching and other possible signs being hives, rash, hot spots, and poor coat health. It really depends on the individual dog. The average life expectancy of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix is 15 years. The Chihuahua does not tolerate … Find out what health problems are common in the breed you’re interested in. With an average lifespan of 12 years, they stay busy herding livestock and winning first place at … Health: Of course, the presence of disease and underlying health conditions can also affect a Chihuahua puppy's growth. She is not a breed, nor a version of the main breed.. A Great Dane is considered to be senior by roughly 5-6 years old whereas a Chihuahua would likely only be middle-aged then, and probably not considered a senior until 10-11 years. 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