When getting a new dog, people often wonder how much time they will have with the newest addition to the family. Losing a dog can be like losing a family member, they are part of us. Thankfully, a lot of dog breeds tend to live long, full lives, including the Chihuahua Poodle mix!
The Chihuahua Poodle Mix, also called the “Chipoo,” is a mixed breed with a lifespan typically between 12–15 years although some of these mixed dogs do live longer!
Many different factors determine how long a Chipoo will live. Keep reading if you are interested to know more about how you can help your Chipoo live a long and happy life!
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Chihuahua Poodle Mix?
Since the Chihuahua Poodle mix is a combination of both the Chihuahua and Poodle breeds, they are known to live longer than most other breeds because both parents’ breeds are known for living long lives too!
There are also many other reasons why Chipoos tend to live longer lives than other breeds, some reasons include size, health, diet, genetics, etc.
One of the main reasons these dogs live longer is because of their size. Their bodies are not strained by growing as well as carrying around a lot of weight that could cause issues such as hip problems.
Note: These smaller dogs are great for people who live in apartments because they don’t require as much space!
Some people wonder how long this mixed breed will live in human years. Below is a breakdown of the age of a Chipoo in dog years vs. human years — based on a smaller dog around 5–20 pounds:
Dog Years | Human Years |
12 | 64 |
13 | 68 |
14 | 72 |
15 | 76 |
16 | 80 |
It is easier to see why dogs don’t live as long as humans, they are aging at a way faster rate than us!
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What Influences the Lifespan of a Chipoo?
Many factors can determine whether or not a Chipoo will live to be the oldest age they can be.
Some of the main influences of a Chipoo’s lifespan include the environment they are raised in, genetics, and health conditions.
Here are some of the most important aspects of a Chipoo’s life that can influence whether or not they will live longer lives than some other breeds:
Environment:
The conditions that a Chipoo is raised or that they live in can greatly influence their lifespan. If they are unhappy, unsocialized, or don’t receive enough exercise, nutrition, or grooming, their lifespans could risk being cut short.
Chipoos who are in a comfortable, safe environment with no exposure to dangerous or stressful situations are known to live longer.
TIP: Spending time with your puppy by playing, taking walks, etc. can make a world of difference in making your dog happy in their environment!
Size:
Being a smaller dog is beneficial to the Chipoo, small dogs are known for having longer lifespans because their bodies aren’t put under as much stress as larger dogs are by growing.
Even if your Chipoo is small, It unfortunately still runs the same risk of developing any of the genetic issues from both Chihuahua and Poodle breeds.
NOTE: Unless your Chipoo develops a health condition, your dog will still likely live a long life even if it is a bigger Chipoo mix, there’s no need to worry!
Diet/Nutrition and Weight:
Small size can also be a downfall if a Chipoo is overweight. Carrying around a lot of extra weight can put a strain on their bodies and legs, causing issues such as hip problems. Diet and nutrition can eliminate a Chipoo’s risk of gaining too much weight, while also keeping them happy and healthy!
TIP: Since Chipoos run the risk of having low blood sugar, it is often recommended to feed your puppy a few smaller meals throughout the day! Be sure to talk with your vet to see what is best for your dog in particular!
Also, be cautious about what fruit you feed to your Chi. Complete List of Fruit Chihuahuas Can & Can’t Eat!
Exercise:
Chihuahuas only require a few 15-minute sessions of exercise a day. Poodles generally need 60 minutes broken up into a few sessions a day.
Your Chipoo will need between 30-60 minutes of exercise a day in smaller 20-minute sessions.
Having enough exercise increases a Chipoo’s health which can influence their lifespans. Not only does exercise help them become healthier dogs, but it can also help their temperament, so they don’t become bored and destructive!
TIP: A Chipoo who is exposed to exercise also gains more muscles, A key factor in preventing them from having weak hips or even hip dislocation!
Healthcare:
Healthcare is one of the most important factors in keeping a Chipoo healthy for a long time. It is best to have your Chipoo checked over by a vet at least once a year, more if they show signs of any health issues or concerns.
TIP: Be sure to keep your Chipoo up to date with its necessary vaccinations. This can play a major role in preventing them from gaining any unwanted illness or disease (like kennel cough, rabies, or distemper!)
Grooming:
Not only is overall grooming important for a Chipoo, especially if they inherit the curlier hair of the Poodle breed, but also focusing on grooming other parts of the body is important!
Both Chihuahuas and Poodles have been known to develop dental issues, by taking extra care of their teeth and gums, a Chipoo will not be as likely to get an infection or other issues such as gum disease.
TIP: Since Chihuahua and Poodle mouths are so small, be sure to provide them with the correct toys, if they are playing with toys too big for their mouths, they could risk being injured or hurting their teeth!
Genetics:
Lifespan can be influenced heavily by genetics. Depending on If a Chipoo mix gains more genetics from the Chihuahua side, or the Poodle side can determine what type of health they will have and if they will be likely to develop any health issues that may influence their lifespans.
TIP: Be sure when looking for a Chihuahua Poodle mix that you find a trustworthy, experienced breeder! A breeder that does genetic or health testing is best.
Do Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Have Health Issues?
Chihuahuas and Poodles have both been known to develop different health issues. However, both breeds are usually in good health most of the time!
Since mixed breeds are more likely to develop health issues compared to pure-bred dogs, the Chipoo has been known to develop health issues from either the Chihuahua, Poodle or both sides.
Poodles are known to live longer than some other breeds. One major factor that influences a Poodle’s lifespan is its activity level!
Seeing as Chipoos are a mix of both of these athletic-driven dogs, they also require a good amount of activity and exercise so that they will not get bored! Chipo’s are great family dogs because they are constantly introduced to new things!
Chihuahuas are known to develop several health issues specifically in their eyes and mouths, here are a few of the most common health issues that Chihuahuas are known to have:
- Glaucoma
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental problems
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Liver Disease (this is why it is important to keep your pup on a good diet!).
- Cancer (Lymphoma and Bone Cancer)
TIP: A good diet Is key in preventing your pup from developing a lot of health conditions such as diabetes and dental problems!
While Poodles share a lot of the same health conditions as Chihuahuas, they are also known to have more severe health issues than chihuahuas. Here are some of the most common health issues that Poodles are known to have:
- Epilepsy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Retinal atrophy
- Heart problems
- Cancer (Lymphoma)
- Tumors and growths
A Chipoo can develop any of the health problems listed above and from either one of the parent breeds. However, the most common health problems found in Chihuahua poodle mixes are:
- Overactive tear ducts
- Hypoglycemia
- Loose kneecaps
- Eye problems (glaucoma and cataracts)
- Dry skin (especially dry ears)
- Skin allergies
- Cancer (Dogs over the age of 10 are the most likely to develop cancer.)
TIP: It is important to have consistent visits with a vet for you to ensure that your dog’s health is good and that they are happy and healthy!
How Do I Know If My Chipoo Has Health Problems?
A lot of dog owners often worry that their pup has a health problem, but they are not seeing any signs or symptoms that their dog is sick.
A lot of times a Chipoo will show symptoms of having health issues. Many signs can point to different problems such as blood sugar levels, heart problems, eye issues, cancers, and many others.
Here are the symptoms of some of the most common health problems in Chipoo’s, and some tips on what to do if they develop these issues:
Overactive tear ducts:
How to tell:
- Excessive watering of the eyes
- Reddish-colored staining of the face from tears
What to do:
- There are many different medications and eye drops that are made for this issue!
- Healthy diet
- Eye protection
- Cleaning (using a clean cloth and warm water)
Low Blood Sugar:
How to tell:
- Lack of energy/Sleepiness
- Dizziness/loss of coordination and balance
- Trembling
What to do:
- Visit the vet first, they can determine what the underlying cause of the low blood pressure is!
- Give your pup smaller, more frequent meals
- Oral supplements
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Loose Kneecaps:
How to tell:
- Stiffness, soreness, and swelling of the knee
- Limping
- Skipping while walking and running
What to do:
- Regular exercise
- Good diet (nutrients and supplements)
- Maintain good weight
Eye Problems (Glaucoma and Cataracts):
How to tell:
- Eye looks cloudy
- Eye looks enlarged
- Bloodshot or red eyes
- Your pup is not seeing as well, or maybe even running into objects in front of them.
What to do:
- Visit the vet
- Medications
- Surgery
- Make sure your pup is in a stress-free environment
Cancer:
How to tell:
- Abdominal swelling/Enlarged stomach
- Bleeding from the mouth or nose
- Lumps, bumps, or tumors on the body
- Inflamed lymph nodes
- Any wounds your pup gets are taking a long time to heal
- Fluid on the body
- Bad breath
- Loss of appetite
- Irregular bowel movements
- Whining from pain
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
- Excessive urination
- Vomiting
What to do:
- Visit the vet (typically the pup will be provided medication, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery)
- Change diet
- Keep your dog comfortable
- Nutrients/Vitamins/Supplements
NOTE: Since Cancer is one of the more serious health issues that this mixed breed can have, it is best to have them visit a vet before making any changes to their lifestyle. A vet will be able to provide the proper treatment and tips for comforting your dog in particular!
What Is the Leading Cause of Death for Chipoos?
When looking into getting a new dog, especially a mixed one, a lot of owners wonder what the leading cause of death is for the specific breed they are interested in getting.
The leading cause of death for Chihuahua Poodle mixes is old age; however, it is very common that a Chipoo will develop a health issue from one or the other of its parent breeds.
Both Chihuahuas and Poodles have different leading causes of death. The leading cause of death for Chihuahuas is cardiovascular disease, while for Poodles it is heart failure.
A Chipoo could die from either one of these issues, but they could also die from having one of the many health conditions listed above instead.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for all dog breeds. Chipoos are more likely to develop cancer since they do live to an older age. Dogs who live longer tend to get cancer because as they get older, the risk of cancer grows higher.
1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer sometime in their life, and 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.
-American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Seeing as Chihuahua Poodle mixes lifespans range above 10 years, their chance of developing cancer is higher than other breeds.
TIP: It is best to take the necessary precautions and try to keep your pup the happiest and healthiest it can be to avoid any health problems.
Click Here to learn more about different dog breeds lifespans!
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While we strive to give the most accurate and helpful information about your pet’s health that we can, this article is meant to be informational only and not medical advice. Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health care provider regardless of what you have read on this site or elsewhere.
