In general, giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. Make sure to check if the dog has a severe health issue before buying it. Find out what health problems are common in the breed you’re interested in. The need to move keeps Border Collies young at heart, well into old age. 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. It is not just long haired teacup Chihuahuas that have health concerns. 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.. 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. Some of these health issues include heart problems, like mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus, patellar luxation, idiopathic epilepsy, and eye disease. 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. Known Health Problems with Jack Russells and Chihuahuas. Artificial additives. Teacup Chihuahua These vivacious little dogs take the world in their stride. 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). No 6: The Whippet Chihuahua Mix About the Mix. Health: Of course, the presence of disease and underlying health conditions can also affect a Chihuahua puppy's growth. Health is an important issue for any breed – this includes long coat Chihuahuas. Long Haired Chihuahua Health. As such it will require brushing before coming back inside. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Sheepdog. This is where their mouths are just too small to fit all of the teeth in. Parasites like roundworms, whipworms and hookworms live in the pup's intestinal tract, restricting the pup's nutritional intake and growth. Size - and other physical attributes- are hereditary. 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. Deer head Chihuahua health. She is a longhaired Chihuahua and should get up to 3-3.5 pounds as an adult. Monitor your Chihuahua for dietary-related problems. Below, you will find a few tips on how you can help your senior Chi at home. The average life expectancy of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix is 15 years. As with any dog breed, there are some breed-specific health issues to be aware of. 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. This includes chemical coloring, flavoring, and preservatives. Your Chihuahua may exhibit physical signs of dietary-related problems. 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. Health Issues and Lifespan. 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. The Icelandic Sheepdog has minimal health conditions while being great with families and children. The Teacup Chihuahua (a.k.a micro Chihuahua, mini Chihuahua, and miniature Chihuahua) is, in fact, a mythical dog. Heart Problems 3. 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. The Chihuahua does not tolerate … 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 … She is not a breed, nor a version of the main breed.. Large breed dogs fall somewhere in between. The best way to determine how large a Chihuahua will become is to look at his pedigree. Then, find a reputable breeder by asking for recommendations from friends or through a local breed club or rescue group. With an average lifespan of 12 years, they stay busy herding livestock and winning first place at … Average Lifespan. 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. An obvious physical indicator is obesity. 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. 5. Overall, the Chihuahua is a healthy dog breed. They can live as long as 18 years. They typically live between 12 and 14 … The problem with having a long-haired Chihuahua though, is that dirt and debris tend to cling to the coat. Unlike their apple head cousins, this Chihuahua has fewer genetic problems making them the healthiest type of dogs among different types of Chihuahuas. It really depends on the individual dog. 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. Jack Russell Chihuahua Mixes are prone to dental overcrowding, a common issue in many small breeds. 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. When tiny meets speedy, you have the Whippet Chihuahua … The health issues that affect this breed include slipped stifles, open font or soft spot, eye problems, and heart disease. Making them the healthiest type of dogs among different types of Chihuahuas Chihuahua has fewer genetic problems making the... 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