Chihuahua Breed Overview

Did You Know?

Chihuahua (pronounced “chiwawa”) are the world’s smallest breed of dog?

Yep, that’s right. Measuring in at an average eight inches tall and five pounds Chihuahuas take the cake when it comes to being tiny!

Chihuahua History

The Chihuahua name originated from the Mexican city, Chihuahua, which is located 150 miles south of Texas. The Chihuahua dog was introduced to U.S. through Border States including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The American Kennel Club registered the Chihuahua in 1904, making the Chihuahua one of the oldest dog breeds registered by the AKC.

Chihuahua Health Overview

What is the average lifespan of a Chihuahua?

The average lifespan of a Chihuahua is between 12-20 years. This wide range depends on several factors, including potential hereditary and genetic conditions that some Chihuahua suffer from during their lifetime.

Potential Health Conditions

Between 75% and 80% of Chihuahuas have luxating patellas, making it the #1 condition to keep an eye on. Here is a more complete list of potential health issues that Chihuahua are susceptible to and the average cost of treatment.

Knee Surgery – $1,500 to $3,000
Heart Disease – $5,000 to $20,000
Mitral Valve Disease – $1,000 to $5,000
Patent Ductus Arteriosus – $5,000 to $20,000
Heart Murmur – $5,000 to $20,000
Pulmonic Stenosis – $15,000 to $20,000
NME – $1,500 to $4,000
Eye Problems – $50 to $3,000
Glaucoma – $2,000 to $3,000
Dental Problems – $200 to $2,000
Tracheal Collapse – $4,000 to $7,000
Bladder Stones – $50 to $500
Molera – Varies
Curvature of the Spine – $6,000 to $15,000

Sources:

Key Coverage to Consider

All of the top five best pet insurance companies cover major medical issues like accidents and illnesses. This chart provides a more detailed breakdown.

Emergency Care
Accidents
Illnesses
Cancer Coverage
Orthopedic Issues
Hereditary Conditions
Prescription Meds
Routine Care
Pre-Existing Conditions

Note: Unfortunately, dog insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to enroll while your pet is healthy and young.

The Cost of Owning a Chihuahua

If you’re looking to get a Chihuahua dog from a reputable breeder than you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for your new pup.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Unfortunately Chihuahuas are more susceptible than most other small, purebred dogs, which is why they are more expensive to insure than their peer group. However, because they are prone to some expensive health issues is all the more reason to consider getting coverage. Here are some samples across the country to give you an idea of how much it costs to insure your Chihuahua.

The average cost of insuring a Chihuahua in the U.S. is $48/month. The price you will pay depends on several factors including where you live, your dog’s age and the coverage you choose.

Here are some sample, average prices across the country to give you an idea of what you might pay for pet insurance for your Chihuahua.