Why Senior Chihuahuas Rock

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Older dogs are often overlooked in shelters and that’s a darn shame. They have so much love to give us. Even if they may be a little grey around the edges and aren’t as cute as a wriggling puppy, senior chihuahuas have so much to offer us.

They Know the Rules of Dog Life

Senior Chihuahuas have been around for a while. You’ve trained them, socialized them (hopefully) beautifully, and confirmed your lifestyle to suit your aging buddy to a ‘T’.

With years of experience behind them, these adorable fur babies have seen quite a bit in their day. No longer having the curiosity and wild energy of a puppy, your senior chihuahua doesn’t need the obedience courses or visits to the trainer that he or she once did. Your little ‘fur-oldie’ no longer leaps around with reckless abandon when company visits.

Yup, your little senior Chihuahua is a true pro at the dog life, having seen it all!

• Already socialized
• Familiar with children and other animals
• Calm; lower energy requirements

Senior Chihuahuas Need Little Training

Because your senior has seen it all, that awkward ‘puppy phase’ is long behind. No need to deal with extensive house training (it can take around 4 months (or longer) to fully house train a puppy!); that was done long ago. No more stains on the carpet or smelly messes in the house.

Speaking of which, your senior has a fully developed, mature adult brain. Unlike a puppy, your dog’s personality has been shaped and molded perfectly by life’s experiences.

• Already Potty Trained
• Doesn’t run with abandon
• Knows the rules of the house

They Love to Snuggle

Your little fella isn’t a puppy anymore. They are more than content to snuggle up on the couch while you catch a movie marathon. With lower maintenance than years ago, your little chihuahua is a breeze to care for!

Your relatives all know your chihuahua. They’ve bonded long ago; life apart is unimaginable. You love that warm ball of fur cuddled up next to you to pieces! Yup, your senior chi has firmly established him/herself as part of the family long ago!

• Chihuahuas have one of the longest lifespans of any dog breed; spanning an avg. of 12-18 years! Some even make it to their 20’s. Chihuahuas are considered a senior when they are around 10 years old. This means your ‘senior’ Chihuahua might not be very senior at all.
• Chihuahuas are considered light to moderate shedders; cleaning up constant dog hair isn’t a problem!
• Senior Chihuahuas often require less exercise than their younger counterparts, making them ideal for people with limited mobility or busy schedules.

The Joys of Adopting a Senior Chihuahua

Senior Chihuahuas often have a more laid-back and predictable temperament compared to puppies, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners or those looking for a calmer companion. Adopting a senior Chihuahua can be a rewarding experience, as you are providing a loving home to a dog in their golden years who may otherwise have a harder time finding a forever family.

While senior Chihuahuas may have some age-related health issues, such as dental problems or arthritis, these can often be managed with proper veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle. Senior Chihuahuas can still learn new tricks and enjoy mental stimulation through puzzle toys and gentle training sessions, helping to keep their minds sharp and engaged.

Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners, and this bond only deepens over time, making senior Chihuahuas incredibly devoted and loving companions. Many senior Chihuahuas end up in shelters due to owner surrender, often because of lifestyle changes or the owner’s inability to care for them. By adopting a senior Chihuahua, you are giving them a second chance at a happy life.

Senior Chihuahuas may be eligible for special programs or discounts through your local shelter or rescue organization, such as reduced adoption fees or sponsored veterinary care, making it even more affordable to bring one of these special dogs into your life.

Are you a calm, mellow, relaxed type of person? If that is the case, an older ‘Chi’ is definitely for you!

Why Adopt a Chihuahua?

If the incredible, loving bond they offer or the constant source of company and self-esteem-boosting attention doesn’t get you, consider the fact that you are literally saving a life.

The pet industry is a very money-driven industry that large-scale dog breeders are more than willing to take advantage of. Unfortunately, there is nowhere near the space or funds available within our country to support the immense number of animals produced; a great many of them wind up in shelters or ‘euthanized’.

Because many shelters across the United States can’t afford to care for all of the stray animals that are taken in, over a million dogs are destroyed annually.

• As of 2014, a Chihuahua was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the smallest dog in the world!
• Adopting a senior Chihuahua can be less expensive than adopting a puppy, as they often have lower adoption fees and require fewer initial veterinary visits and supplies.

Right now, only 1 of my 4 dogs is considered a senior but I love this stage of his life. And I love this stage of their lives.

Do you have a senior chihuahua? Will you consider adopting a senior chi the next time you are looking to add a dog to your family?

ALSO READ:

15 Healthy Homemade Treats For Senior Dogs

What You Need for a Senior Chihuahua

7 Facts About Senior Chihuahuas

Caring For Your Elderly Chihuahua

Understanding a Chihuahua’s Aging Process