Chihuahuas are super popular for a reason, especially with seniors. These tiny pups don’t need much space, making them perfect for apartments or smaller homes. Being the world’s smallest dog breed, they’re easy to handle—no need to be a bodybuilder to walk them!
Famous Chihuahua Fans
Did you know that celebs like Jamie Lee Curtis, Mickey Rourke, and Sharon Osbourne adore their Chihuahuas? One look at those adorable faces, and it’s easy to see why these tiny dogs steal hearts.
Chihuahuas are Loyal and Loving Companions
Chihuahuas are incredibly loyal and loving, making them wonderful companions. They have big personalities packed into their small frames and are often quite comical and entertaining. These little dogs are anything but boring!
Easy to Train
Even though they’re small, Chihuahuas need socialization and training to be well-behaved. They’re smart and catch on quickly but can be a bit stubborn. A bit of training goes a long way with these clever pups.
Perfect for Cuddles
Chihuahuas love to cuddle, especially with their favorite human. They enjoy being warm and cozy, making them great lap dogs. If you live alone, a Chihuahua can be a fantastic companion to snuggle up with.
Space-Saving Pups
Unlike larger breeds, Chihuahuas don’t need a lot of room to roam. They’re just as happy in a small apartment or retirement community as they would be in a house.
They love indoor games and only need about 30 minutes of exercise each day, which can include playing fetch or other fun activities. If you have a yard, ensure it’s secure since these little guys can find ways to slip out.
Chihuahuas are Low Maintenance
Chihuahuas are pretty low maintenance compared to some other breeds. They don’t need frequent grooming or baths, which can strip their coats of natural oils.
They come in various colors and don’t shed much, making it easy to keep them looking fabulous.
Economical to Maintain
Chihuahuas can be expensive to buy but once you have one, they are relatively cheap to keep. They don’t need expensive grooming like a poodle would. You can easily take care of their grooming needs at home yourself.
And they are cheap to feed even if you use expensive dog food. This is because they don’t need much food at all. 1/3 to 1/2 cup twice a day is all they need.
Easy to Handle
These small dogs are easy to lift, so you won’t strain your back trying to pick them up. They’re perfect for seniors who might find larger dogs a bit too much to handle.
The Perfect Senior Pet
Chihuahuas are loyal, happy, and low-maintenance, making them ideal companions for seniors. Their unique personalities and affectionate nature will bring joy and laughter into your life. Whether you’re looking for a cuddle buddy or a little friend to keep you company, a Chihuahua could be the perfect match for you.
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
I am also a senior and agree that chis are wonderful companion dogs! I have two – and they are also seniors! One is 10 and the other is 11. My girls are fantastic!
They look like sweeties Nana!
They are! Both of their stories have been on your site – Kissy and Duchess.
Yep, they sure have.
@Cathy, It is very important to schedule a appointment with your doctor as your vertigo could be associated with Menieres Disease and can also affect your hearing. I know because it happened to me many years ago and I still suffer from hearing loss.
How long did it last Faith?
This hit me last year too, twice actually. It lasted 3-4 days and then went away and then came back a few weeks later but was not nearly as bad and only lasted 2 days.
I had totally forgot it until it hit me again a few days ago.
@Nana, hi Nana, my name is Annie and I was fortunate to have a Chihuahua, mini Manchester mix. She was so beautiful, smart, cuddly, playful,oh God, she was the love of my life. She lived to 16 years old!
I let my grandma have her for 2 years because she lived alone and, wow, she took to my grandmother so fast!Plus, my gram had a flight of stairs my Tink had to go down to go potty! No Problem, nope, she would go down, go potty, then go right back up.
Since my gram was in a wheelchair all day she kept Tink on her lap all day long.
She shared her food with Tink and my gram talked to her, cuddled her and they loved each other very much.
When my gramma passed away I got Tink back. I am so happy my gram got to have this, well behaved, smart, cute and funny companion for 2 or 3 years!
I have 2 long hair chihuahau
Whom I love . They are great dogs.
I love your newsletter.
Thanks,
Eve Safran n
New York city
Thanks Eve! I bet your babies are adorable.
I’m a disabled senior and I love my chi. She’s a frisky little 6 month old handful. She cuddles with me when I lay down she always burrows under the covers for me to spoon her. My two grandchildren makes sure she gets plenty of exercise (LOL).
She sounds like a lot of fun Ms Linda! So glad you have her to keep you company.
I am 71 years old and got my first Chihuahua 11 years ago. She’s the love of my life. I’m now adopting a second little female chi that is 6 months old. I can’t wait to get her.
Karen Kingston Ontario Canada
That’s great Karen!
I loved my little chihuahua rusty he was 13 and baby girl was 11 when they went over the rainbow bridge i miss them every day r.i.p my babies
I’m so sorry you lost your fur babies Louise. 🙁
I have 8 dogs 3 of which are chihuahuas right now Bruce and I are trying to go to sleep but Stella and daisy think we should be playing instead. Love your website very informative and enjoy reading about everyone’s fur babies
LOL, I have been there Denise. Ziggy does this from time to time and will climb up on my face while I’m trying to sleep to try to get me to play. I have to keep saying, “No, it’s night-night time”.
I got my chi almost a year ago. She is the light of my life!!! I live in an assisted living facility and she has made friends with almost everyone.
That’s so wonderful you have her and they allow it in the assisted living facility. I know a lot of them don’t allow pets and I just don’t understand why.
We have a 4 year old chi and she is a wonderful companion. Bree is so smart even goes and tries to get her jacket to go outside. Looking forward to getting the emails.
Oh my gosh Susan, she’s so cute! She looks like a smart girl.
I am on my fourth Chihuahua the first lived to 24 he was black and white, my second baby was an older girl when I got her, my next one found running out city streets he was with me for about four years the vet estimated his age at 18., My fourth one 6 he was four months old when I got him
Wow, you had one live to 24! You must be doing something right. What’s your secret Garry?
@Cathy, My Chi is 24 also . He is as spry and energetic as a young dog. I was his fourth owner, and now that he is with my husbands care giver, she is his fifth owner. The shelter where the lady I got him from, said that Mike had been adopted out from them many times and they kept picking him up as a stray. One time he had been hit by a car. I think he was born to bring a ray of light and live to people. He does such a great job of it, that’s why God has him living so long and be so happy.
You must have been doing something right with a chi that old.
Cathy, in response to your vertigo, my husband had an episode of this a while ago. His doctor gave him prescription for an antibiotic and Meclizine 25mg. He was feeling better in no time. I too have had vertigo several times and also used this medication. It works wonders, but you will have to see a doctor. Hope you feel better!!
Actually you can get Meclizine over the counter. Another reader told me about it so I ordered some from Amazon. I’m going to try that and if it doesn’t help, I guess I’ll have to go see a doctor.
Hi Cathy!
My name is Eve Safran I am a big fan.
I have vertigo and my doctor sent me for physical therapy to get Epley Maneuvers for vertigo. It helped me but does not help everyone. But if you don’t want to go to a doctor google it because I think you can do the exercises at Home.
I had this done a while ago
And the vertigo did not came back thank God. It is a horrible feeling. So please try that.
If you have any other questions please email me .
Regards,
Eve Safran
We went from Great Danes 2 chihuahuas. The Great Danes live to be 14 and we got older and decided we would try something that live longer period. At one time we were the only family in Roanoke that had one Fawn Great Dane and one f a w n Chihuahua. The Great Dane was scared to death of the puppy. The Great Dane would try to sleep in the puppy bed. That didn’t work so she slept under our bed and had to be pulled out periodically because she was unable to get herself out she was 140 lb. Now that we are old we have three chihuahuas and one cat. They are getting older and we have enjoyed them so much I highly recommend a Great Dane or Chihuahua to anyone who’s willing to take it on.
I LOVE Great Danes but I always thought they died at around 6-8 so I didn’t want one that would be gone so soon.
We just adopted an 11 year old Apple head chi named Ginger. She was in a household with 2 other chis. They were all adopted separately; I didn’t ask why. Even though my husband was the first to hold her, she doesn’t like men! Ginger sleeps with us. My husband has been very patient and already has babysat her while I was out. What else should we do? Should I use the herb droplets in her water to help with anxiety?
P.S. The owner, in her 50’s, wad getting married and her fiance didn’t want the dogs at all! I would have dumped my fiance and kept the ring and the dogs.
I would have dumped the fiance too. You can certainly try the herb drops. Also have your husband feed her whenever possible. Have him do everything for he that he can (that’s fun or that she likes) such as take her for walks, play with her, give her treats, etc.
How do u get my girl Chihuahua to go outside to pee or poop
Good question Gabriella. I gave up on one of mine who only wants to use a potty pad. I’ll ask on the Facebook page and see if anyone has some good tips for you.
Ok, check out the comments from the Facebook page: https://business.facebook.com/ILoveMyChihuahuaClub/photos/a.329156097212839/4341088096019599/?type=3&theater
@Gabriella, hi Gabriella, my name is Annie. When I first got my Chihuahua mix, a girl, she would not go out at all, for no pee or poo, not even to play!
So, I got a collar and leash and walked her in the alley to get her used to smelling other dog’s pee and poop. That way, she figured out that the alley was the place to go potty.
No alley, then take her to a doggie park near your house.
Once there, say, “go potty and say her name.” Keep saying that or say, “ok now, say her name, time to go potty.Make pee and poopoo for mommy!
When she does go say, OH GOOD GIRL! YOU WENT POTTY FOR MOMMY, WHAT A GOOD GIRL!” And, pet her for it too.
I hope it works. It may take a few outings. She’ll catch on. Be patient.
We have 3 year old black chihuahua I’m 63 we take him everywhere have a car seat for him. I walk about 6km a day with him, we find him easy to care for and handle.
That’s great John! Does your chi walk that far with you? Just noticed you and I are the same age.
A few more reasons Chis are great for seniors. They won’t hurt you if all of a sudden they decide to jump on you, like large breeds could and have.
Another reason they are good for seniors; Chis don’t eat very much and you don’t have to spend a fortune. For my Chi, I would buy one case of Cesar -36 tubs. It would last a whole month and a little longer. He did not like any of the doggie treats. He would get little pieces of our chicken or pork chops. I don’t know if it was good for him but he loved to have little dishes of my chai latte.He is a very good look out. At home , in the car while going for walks. I never had to worry about strangers getting near me. And when he would do his what I call his “danger” bark, people all around would turn to watch what the commotion was about. Ian certain there were times the person or persons he scared off, were not coming at me to ask the time. My Chi was with my husband where he had to be for continuous care . My husband died a week ago today. My Chi has bonded very tight to the care giver. She asked if I was going to take Mike back. I said no, I wouldn’t be so cruel to him. It was so hard to let him go. Snd I know Mike must have thought he got abandoned. But he was very attatched to my husband too and the last day I talked to my husband he was telling me about how Mike glued to his caregiver. If I ever get to live somewhere I can have a pet again, it’s going to be a Chi.
I am so sorry you lost your husband and Mike too!
All those points are true too.
I lose email. Puppy Chihuahuas are abundant; however, I am looking for an adult or young elder chi. We lived together in a small house with gated backyard. Honestly, workmen knocked the gate down and I have not replaced it. Because of hawks, neither Lucy nor Nell were left alone. Lucy and Nell scooted under the gate and I expect another Chi would an equally adventurous Chihuahua. I require a mini /tea cup because I must carry the dog up and down to laundry. Both Lucy and Nell exceeded normal age expectation for tea cup/ mini breed: 1) 15 years 2) 20 years. I experienced mild and aggressive temperaments. I loved living with Lucy and Nell. Nell died a year ago and my heart has an empty spot for a best friend.
I hope you can find what you need Linda.
Cathy, you might add regardless of the quality brand of food a Chi is very ‘cheap’ to feed. Easy on the wallet.
They are also relatively healthy dogs.
Thanks Paulette. Good idea.
Hi Cathy,
Lately my sweet Velvyt is no longer peeing on her pee pads, when not taken outside. How can I make her return to them & stop peeing on my rugs?
Thank you & loving your articles, as usual.
Hi Tonya,
This actually happens a lot. First you have to make sure you get all the smell of the pee off the rugs or she will continue to use those spots. Use an enzyme cleaner made to remove urine. Then you need to use a paper towel to wipe up some pee the next time she urinates and wipe it in the middle of the potty pad so it will signal to her that’s where she is supposed to go.
We have some articles for more tips:
https://ilovemychi.com/dog-stops-using-potty-pad/
https://ilovemychi.com/how-i-potty-trained-my-impossible-chihuahua/
https://ilovemychi.com/how-to-potty-train-an-older-chihuahua/
https://ilovemychi.com/housetraining-your-chihuahua/