A typical chiweenie in good health will live between 12 and 16 years.
Chiweenies are small mixed breed dogs, so their life expectancy is longer than larger breeds. While it’s impossible to accurately predict how long a chiweenie will live there are several factors that affect their lifespan.
Factors that affect a chiweeni’s life expectancy
A Chiweenie’s Diet
A well balanced and nutritious diet is one of the best ways you can help maximize the life expectancy of a chiweenie. The best dog foods for Chiweenies are high in protein and include all of the essential vitamins and nutrients needed to live a long healthy life. It’s also important that your chiweenie’s dog food is free of fillers and preservatives that could adversely affect their health over time.
Regular Exercise
In addition to diet, exercise is one of the biggest factors that affect a chiweenie’s longevity. A full grown chiweenie needs at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This can include walks, playtime, or zoomies out in the yard. Regular exercise helps ensure your chiweenie stays in shape and mobile even into their old age.
Love and attention
A loving relationship with your chiweenie is one of the best ways to ensure your furry friend has a long lifespan. Make it a point to spend quality time with your chiweenie on a regular basis, and find activities that you can love and share together.
Common Chiweenie health issues that could affect their life expectancy
Here are some of the most common health issues that affect chiweenies
Back problems
Because Chiweenies are part dachshund, they are prone to develop back problems overtime. The Chiweenie mixed breed is susceptible to a degenerative condition of the spine called intervertebral disc disease. This condition occurs when the material in between the spinal discs begins to harden, causing pain and loss of motion. If this spinal condition gets bad enough a chiweenie can become partially paralyzed.
You can help prevent intervertebral disc disease in your chiweenie by not letting them jump off or on furniture, using a dog harness when walking, and properly supporting your chiweenie when you pick them up. A chiweenie with a healthy back will have a higher life expectancy than one that doesn’t.
Dental disease
If left untreated, dental diseases like bad breath, swollen gums, and tartar buildup can lead to infections and other health issues that could seriously hinder your chiweenie’s quality of life. Regular professional cleanings and an at home teeth brushing regime are the best way to help prevent dental disease in your chiweenie.
Luxating Patella
Common to chihuahuas and other small dog breeds, A luxating patella is when a dog’s knee joint is dislocated or out of place. There are different grades of this condition. The more serious grades can dramatically impair the mobility of your chiweenie.
Some of the best ways to avoid a luxating patella is to help your dog maintain a healthy weight and ensure that your chiweenie was bred from dogs who didn’t have knee issues.
Obesity
Obesity, itself a serious health issue, can lead to all kinds of other health problems which could limit a chiweenie’s life expectancy. An obese chiweenie is at a much higher risk of heart disease, bone and joint problems, digestive problems, and liver issues. This is why it’s important to help your chiweenie live an active lifestyle and eat a balanced diet.
