Life Expectancy of a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix

The German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix, often called Chihuahua Shepherd, is a hybrid dog. Created by mixing a German Shepherd and a Chihuahua, this dog will inherit some of the traits and characteristics of both parent breeds. Famous for their loyalty and intelligence, these mixed-breed dogs can come in small size or medium size. It depends on the genes of the dominant parent.

How Old Do German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Dogs Get?

The average lifespan of the Chihuahua Shepherd is between 10 and 15 years. Yet, it is important to note that the lifespan of a dog can depend on many factors, including diet, exercise, genetics, and overall health care.

The health of the parent breeds is important as well. Chihuahuas are among the healthiest dogs in the canine world. They live between 12 and 18 years, often eclipsing the 20-year mark as well. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are not as healthy. They are prone to many genetic conditions and live between 9 and 13 years.

One of the main reasons why breeders have decided to cross a GSD with other dog breeds is to increase the health of the puppy. Mixed breeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs because they are not prone to hereditary issues.

Health Concerns of a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix

Like every other dog breed, the GSD Chihuahua mix can be prone to specific health issues. Of course, they do not appear in 100% of the dogs, but there is always a chance. These dogs have a higher risk of:

• Hip dysplasia, a genetic condition affecting the hip joint, causing arthritis and lameness. The condition is common among larger dogs, but can also affect medium-sized breeds like the German Shepherd.
• Patellar luxation, a genetic condition where the knee cap slides out of place. The painful condition often requires surgery to correct the issue.
• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures in dogs.
• Hypoglycemia, a condition causing low blood sugar, common in small breeds like the Chihuahua. The main cause is lack of food or stress.

How to Increase the Life Expectancy of Your German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix

It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for specific health recommendations for your dog. But, there are plenty of things you can do to improve the life expectancy of your Chihuahua German Shepherd mix.

Keep Your Dog Lean

Weight issues can often lead to something more deadly, like cardiovascular issues. Keep your dog lean, prevent him from becoming overweight, and you can increase your dog’s life expectancy by a year or two.

To keep your puppy lean, feed them high-quality, low-carb dog food. Dog food should contain between 18 and 22 percent of protein. Adjust food according to your dog’s age and size.

Do Not Forget Annual Check-Ups

Take your dog to the veterinarian for a check-up at least once a year. For young puppies and elder dogs, take them to the vet two times per year. Large dogs and medium-sized breeds are prone to hip and joint problems. The sooner you diagnose an issue, the sooner you can begin treatment. Taking your dog for preventive checkups allows vets to take certain preventive measures when they catch the problem early on. Often, dogs do not show they are in pain. However, vets can notice specific symptoms during the early stages.

Brush Their Teeth

Many dog owners forget to brush their dog’s teeth. Brushing your dog’s teeth prevents periodontal diseases and increases life expectancy by two to four years.

The most common infectious disease affecting adult dogs is periodontal disease. The inflammatory disease caused by bacteria in the mouth can get worse over time. So, brush your dog’s teeth!

Provide Plenty of Exercise

We talked previously about how you need to keep your dog lean to prevent health issues. A healthy diet is one part of the equation. The other is physical activity. Regular exercise gives your dog a long, and healthy life while keeping his mind active.

German Shepherd mixed breed dogs are all working dogs. The GSD is one of the most popular working dog breeds. So, any offspring inherit their working capabilities and need for exercise. Chihuahuas are also active dogs. This mixed breed needs between 60 and 90 minutes of physical activity daily to maintain optimum health and longevity. Walk your dog, but also play games like fetch. You can set up an obstacle course to provide some training and challenging exercises for mental stimulation.

Neuter or Spray Your Dog at the Appropriate Age

Neutering and spraying your dog can increase its life expectancy by 10 to 15 percent. Unaltered male dogs often seek out other males, which can result in fights. The result is infections, injuries, and sometimes, even death. Male dogs seeking female companions can also end up hit by a car. So, neuter your dogs to increase their life expectancy.

Neutering and spraying also reduce or eliminate the risk for reproductive system cancers, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.