I have had chihuahua's my whole life, and none with any health problems. They generally will live a long time.

As an alternative to purchasing a chi through a breeder, based on my latest experience, I would also recommend "adopting" through one of the Chihuahua Rescues. We have recently added "Hope" to our family. She was a rescue chi - and a sweeter or more loving dog we could have never asked for. We have been fortunate with our two that we have now, as they are very sociable to just about everyone. However, chihuahua's as a breed are a little stand off-ish to people other than their families. However, with work and proper training they will manage to fit into any crowd, and win just about everyone over!

Good luck!