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 20s. 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 are ‘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
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
I Love my senior Chi!!! She’s 14 and I rescued her when she was 5. She’s great company and my loving companion.
She’s so pretty Karen! Thanks for sharing.
here is my 8 year old chihuahua Lucky
Lucky is adorable!
I adopted my senior Chihuahua at age 10. Previous owner went into a home and couldn’t take his dog. So I agreed to take in into our home. He’s much healthier with us as he went for years with no dental and ear infections but we got all that fixed and he has his favorite chair he calls his that we share at night to watch tv. I was a great decision to bring home a senior.
That’s a great story JoEllen and that little cute guy is so lucky to find such a great home!
This is our Glen who is 6 years old and a rescue dog.
Glen is adorable Cindy!
Lola, our baby! (she is now 11 )
Lola is so cute! She looks like she’s doing a cheesecake pose.
My Prissy will be 10 next month. I’ve had her since she was 4 months old. My mother had gotten her from a breeder and within a couple of months mother passed away suddenly. I took in Prissy and mother’s other dog, Jay, a schnauzer dachshund mix. Jay was 8 years old at the time and died from liver disease at 10.
Prissy is full of spunk, sass and energy. We love her and she is spoiled beyond belief. She has her own room, gets rocked to sleep every night and sleeps in her own crib.
She is really cute Cecilia. I love her little grey muzzle.
I hope you like this. My senior chi was Caesar. Tiny 6 pounder. As he aged, his knees were bad. I watched him slowly move around the house and fenced in yard. One day, he found a small gap in the fence and snuck out. When I didnt see him in the yard, I started looking around. I was so shocked to see him trotting proudly down the street. No limping at all! I called for him and he looked at me like, Oh no, I am busted!! I must add we lived on a dead end street with very little traffic so he wasnt in danger. But I knew then that he was quite a good actor!!
LOL, did he come back to you when you called him Alice?
We adopted 2 seniors a couple of years ago. A father and daughter pair. Nacho was 12. Unfortunately he passed away at 13. Bella was 9 now 11. She has arthritis and some nerve damage but is going strong! We love her!
I’m so glad you adopted seniors Wendy. They are so often overlooked.
I have two old chis both rescues – I don’t technically know their ages bec the rescue only gave an estimate – I’ve had one for 14 years and the other for 5 years – I also have one that adopted as a puppy so she’s only about 6 now – I never thought much about chis only felt sorry for the ones that had to be in Paris Hilton’s bag lol. They are the best – I love their crazy personalities!! They bicker they play they’re possessive they are so loving and cuddle so smart I call mine my lil cling ons! Lol they follow me everywhere I go – my sister and my niece have now rescued one each bec of mine – they really are the best!!!
I love that “lil cling ons” Ed. I’m glad you are helping others to see how wonderful these little guys are.
I am very interested in adopting a chìhuahua and would know where you are located. I live in Ontario Canada and would like to get more information and how I proceed from here. I have had a rescue chihuahùa in the past and she was the best pet I have ever owned. I currently don’t have any pets and I really miss that.
Thanks
JUDY
Hi Judy,
I’m in Virginia but I don’t adopt out or sell chis. I just write about them.
We do have an article that might help you find a rescue:
https://ilovemychi.com/how-to-find-a-chihuahua-rescue/
Loved the story about senior Chi’s. I adopted an old guy at possibly 6 or 8 years old from a shelter 6 years ago and I still have him today! I don’t know what I would do without him.
I’m so glad you gave him a good home Holly! So many older dogs are overlooked in shelters.
I have two senior chihuahuas. Both are 14 years old. One has gone blind due to cataracts, and the other has a heart condition. I love them so much that I will do anything to make sure they stay happy and healthy as long as possible.
You sound like an awesome dog mom Laurie!
My Bentley is a “senior” or so they tell me – he’s 11, will be 12 in March, but doesn’t look a day over 5. He still prances around, plays chase with his kitty friend, loves to go for walks and the occasional dash across the yard.
Good for Bentley! I hope you have many more years with him!
My Little Man is 16. He will be 17 mid April. He’s my world.
Aww, that’s wonderful Diane!
My Senior was 101/2 when I adopted him we’ve had him 11 yrs so he’s really A Senior! He’s the sweetest nicest little Chi you could ever want🐾♥️Adopt seniors they will always make you laugh and make you feel so loved by such a little creature♥️🐾ADOPTED A SENIOR 🐾♥️
I love that Theresa! I’m so glad you gave your little old man a good home!
About vaccinations, I was advised not to vaccinate my pet chihuahuas as regularly as they are given the same dosage as larger animals. I decided to skip all regular vaccs as my dogs were not regularly exposed to other dogs. My four dogs were never sick and died of a good old age.
Absolutely LOVE your newsletter!!! I rescue senior chihuahuas, they are the best! I currently have Carmel & Pixie, ages 11&12. I simply adore them! You’re right, seniors ROCK!!!
Awww,thanks Gail!