This dog breed doesn’t require high maintenance costs or other special treatments, but you have to pay attention to their diet and behavior if you want to enjoy a long company with your beloved furry friend. However, if you want to adopt a chihuahua, it’s important to know that they are also very intelligent animals who can learn a lot of new things. So, you don’t have to worry about their socializing and training process.
Moreover, don’t forget that they can become aggressive with other dogs if they are not socialized properly. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they can be prone to developing certain diseases, such as patellar luxation and pulmonic stenosis.
90 thoughts on “”
My tzu is 15. He is still learning new tricks. I’m helping him learn that there sre 3 doors before our house. Some days are better than others
I found a Yorkie running down the street I was driving down and he was skinny, wet and cold. I ended up rescuing him. We ended up being really close. Hs went with Mr everywhere! We had a connection like no other. I was dealing with health issues and when I was hospitalized and he wouldn’t eat or drink much.. When I would get home he wouldn’t let me out of this sight. I Loved my little Sam do much.. I really miss him. 😔
I have 9 Wire Haired Fox Terriers buried in my yard over the last 53 years – a Schnauzer, a Jack Russell and alllll of them have lived to 17, 18, 19 years of age – NO shots, all Homeopathic vaccines, all organic food that I make myself – some were on a raw diet, including raw chicken necks, – also their water same as ours is Distilled water that has been magnetized, energized, solarized and had 35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide added to it ( creates oxygen, kills, virus, bacteria, mold and more) and also add Homeopathic minerals ) check out books on Amazon on Hydrogen peroxide 35% Food Grade – books back to 1893; book by Dr Donsbach, By Claude LeBeau – I am 81 with absolutely no health problems – no doctors in my life.
Would like to know more
Hello Helen Campbell, I have found your information interesting…especially about Hydrogen peroxide. Please clarify for me are you saying you add the peroxide to your diet or just the dogs?
I had a GERMAN SHEPPARD who lived to be 16 years of age. Such an AWESOME animal. I truly miss her. She was six weeks old when received. She stayed with a trainer for 30 days when she was three or four months. When she returned she was the best Dog with a great vocabulary! She’s been gone over a year now! I’m thinking of a BereneDoddle. I would like a smaller Dog who doesn’t shed sooo much.
Congratulations on 81 years of age! Other helpful hints please! God Is Good!
Suggestions please!
Clara – I have two bernedoodles. They are great dogs. They are not small though. They both weigh 80 lbs.
Clara
We have a small dog of a Norwich Terrier which is very friendly loves people and sheds very very little .
I have had two dachshunds who lived to be 16. They have so much personality. Also, a beagle who lived to be 20.
My latest rescues are a doxie and a lemon beagle. Ages unknown.
Hello: I too am 81 years of age. Most people mistake my age to be around 65. Anyhow, I have 5 very small Chihuahuas. They range in age from 3 years to 18. Unfortunately, the old man is not going to be with us much longer as his legs freeze up on him and he can not straighten them out. We have to rub them carefully so he can straighten them up and walk. This morning it took 10 minutes to get him back on his feet so that he could go outside with the others. When I opened his kennel to let him out, he tried to get up but then ended up baying to get my attention and I took him our of his kennel and started working on some relief for him. I do not want to put him down, but what else can I do. I do not mind taking the time with him tho.
I have had 2 maltess and 1 peekanees. All lived to 18 years old and the maltese don’t shed at all .
In the past I have enjoyed two wire haired fox terriers. Both lived to almost 17 years. And were the most loveable, loving pets that God has generously blessed us with. They both had good regular vet care, ate regular dog food and slept with me every night. Jane
Wow…. you are amazing. I’m 73 and in good health but I will sure consider your methods for myself and my dogs and cats. My Jack Russell is on Raw food now but last year at 14 his tongue was removed from cancer. He is spoiled rotten now and doing well with lots of energy. I do feel animal food is the reason our pets are not living as long as they could. Thank you for your post Helen.
Helen,
I’m amazed! Both for you and your dogs. I’m 75, and can’t say the same about NOT having docs in my life or my pets.
Do you think it’s too late for me and my husband to start your plan?
Sincerely
Linda Romani
That is so wonderful and absolutely amazing!
Super! I wanna be like you when I grow up. 😉👏🏾
Hello Helen,
That’s AMAZING! Good for you. Just for clarity did you mean 35% or 3% hydrogen peroxide. I keep hearing about 3% – which is why I’m asking.
ALSO…
Please tell me how best to deal with fleas and NO SEEUMS that keep biting my precious fur babies – and me for that matter.
Thanks so much in advance!
Nice…
I should do this also
You are my hero..continued great health and happiness
Don’t know when you posted…but I too ,also give my dogs h2o2 in water and cook for them and they have lived healthy life’s…I salute you Helen….dogs are God’s gifts to us…
God in reverse Dog…read “flood your body with oxygen “by Ed McCabe….live long Helen
That is amazing Helen! I wish when I was younger I would have taken them path you are on and have been on. Your amazing and thank you for sharing and for the tips..
‘ WOW ”
Helen. Well I am 19 (reversed 91″
10 years older than U.
Keep enjoying the 80’s
But forget the 90’s
My dog is a St Bernard and weights 186 lbs. 3 years old.
That’s amazing Helen, congratulations on all your achievements! More powerful to ya. God bless you highly! Thank you for the tips. I have 2 young Australian Shepherds; a 5yr old female and a 1 yr old male. I’m definitely going to follow your lead, I want them to be around a long time!
Good Morning,
I would like to know what places to go for homeopathic vaccines and what are the range in prices for it.
I have had many dogs in my life, I am 80 yrs old, but the longest was my German Short hair Pointer, I lost her at 13 years old. my Airedale was 10 and on his birthday. they died of cancer. My GSP died of lefnodg cancer. myAD died of aggressive melonober cancer. We had the cancer separatist for six weeks and there was nothing he could do. Echo my GSP I doctor for about 8 week and I had to let her go. She was my show dog and a Chaperon. the other were 11, or 12.
When we got our two lab pups, my husband said “countdown to heartache”. The year before we lost our two labs, 16 & 11 yrs.
Chihuahuas are in fact very nice dogs which way too often get a very bad wrap. With regards to kids, I would recommend that people with really young children not consider getting one of these as a pet. Little children tend to find these diminutive dogs irresistible and as a result, they are often mishandled, sometimes much too aggressively. This will result in aggressive behaviors in these dogs who are simply trying to defend themselves. Before you know it, they will bite and you will be upset. Chihuahuas are the 2nd second highest breed to be euthanized in the US which is not necessary if people just take the time to understand the typical behavioral attributes of the breed of dog they are considering.
What is the highest breed to be euthanized? Anyone know? 🙁
Pit Bulls
Pit Bulls. But, they make up about a third of all dogs.
I have a long hair white one. She is beautiful. She is devoted to me & will nip new people that come near me or try to pet her. She is 9 yrs old & with me for 8. The owner we bought “Precious” from said she was part of a litter & had a make as well. We bought Precious from her. She was kinda shy & quite. We had another dog with us that we rescued. We put them together & they were both fine & got along. Over a year late she began to start barking & not so friendly with new people. She’s gotten a little worse with these traits, but she love her.
If anyone has ways to cure my dog please email me with your helpful ways/ideas.
I am 82 years old and as last Monday we had 3 Chihuahuas. The oldest was 17 years old and unfortunately 5 years ago he ran into a raccoon that wanted to take off with our youngest, smallest little guy who was outside playing with his niece. Well, Apollo decided to protect the little ones and tore into the raccoon. He was immediately taken to the vet and managed to survive well. fast forward 5 years, and he was suffering, he could not stand without falling as his legs folded under him and could not hold his minimal weight. He had other issues and was going downhill fast. So we made the decision to put him down. This was difficult to do, but needed to be done and the vet agreed. Apollo, at 17yrs Rest in peace. We all love you- Little Bear, Thermoclese, Mom and Dad.
We have had Doberman Pincers all adopted from the pound and all lived to be 16-18 years old. We hand cooked their food. We spoiled them rotten and they always slept with us.
They held off going to heaven because they said they were already in dog heaven!!!
Good for you and your doggies too !!
I hear Dobies are moody and sometimes will even turn on their masters. Is this true?
In relation to this discussion today, my wife has laid down the law… She told me from day one if I wanted a dog, it would be without her as my wife. I had to choose. So I took about three days to decide (LOL) and finally decided the wife stays. She is allergic to flea bites and was bitten badly by a dog when she was a little girl. She had to have rabies shots! Can you imagine the horror of that whole situation with a little girl?
As far as owning a dog is concerned, I think even if I was allowed to have one, I might not choose to have one, even though I love most dogs. The reason is I would get TOO attached to it and then when it dies after 20 years, I would GRIEVE HARD for it, just like I would a close family member. I thought dogs lived a lot longer than a mere 20 years. I had no idea their live spans are on average so short! Wow…. bummer.
Your perception of Dobermans being moody and turning on their owners is completely and utterly wrong. They are the sweetest and most loving, intelligent dogs I’ve ever owned. The key to any dog is that they get the proper training as little pups, socialization and vet care. I get my Dobermans from the best breeder in the States. The parents come directly from Europe and are bred for Temperament, Health and Longevity, first and foremost. Plus they look like a Dobie should look – big and stocky, after all they are Guard Dogs. You pay a bit more for a pup, but it’s so worth it. They are a magnificent dog.
Where do you get your dobbies.
Adopt, don’t shop! There are so many lovely, worthy dogs euthanized here in the US every year because there are not enough homes. Buying a dog of imported lineage encourages breeders and means fewer homes for loving dogs sitting in shelter kennels.
Doug McComb, you should volunteer at a shelter. They are always looking for help cleaning kennels, walking dogs, socializing dogs, transporting to vet appointments etc. You can get to know and play with as many dogs as you like. I love volunteering at our local shelter. I have found my people!
Doug, the memories that you will have far exceed and will serve to warm your heart even after the dog is gone. THEY ALWAYS LOVE YOU, MISS YOU, CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO GET HOME, THEY WANT TO BE YOUR BUDDY AND EXPRESS IT IN SO MANY WAYS. i PAINT WATERCOLORS OF DOGS, MOST OF THEM MEMORIAL PORTRAITS, ALL ARE ATTEMPTS TO CAPTURE PERSONALITIES. on facebook: Jon A. Hamby friend me and go to Photos – Albums – My Art folder and look around. Let me paint your sweet Doggies.
Tibetan Spaniel
Not surprising that they’re all small breeds. I have a 15 year old female Husky, and though I don’t know when her last day on Earth will be with me, each day I do have with her is a blessing! Healthy food, the proper supplements and a low stress home (and possibly genetics as well) are what, I believe, have contributed to her long life.
I just lost my 80 lb collie/golden retriever, one month shy of his 15th birthday. I was very blessed!!
We have a 14 YO rough, tricolor collie around 46 lbs. who was a rescue dog from a puppy mill. We’ve spent the last 9 years loving her and making up for her first five in a kennel. She has a good diet of mixed kibble and canned food with a daily supplement powder (Extend) which includes Glucosamine. A few years ago she was diagnosed with lupus which affects her back legs but is fairly well controlled with 1/2 dose of Prednisone every other day. My husband and I are retired, and one of us takes her for a short walk three times a day. God certainly blessed us with this dog.
I know how you feel. My little female shih tzu we had to put down last Oct 4 one month after her 10th birthday and I miss her so,so much. The best and must lovable dog I’ve ever had. That’s the one draw back of owning a dog is when they have to go.
I believe rat terriers also have a very long life span.
Life span is 16-18 years
Amazing and something to think about. If you have the money. Would think all the organic and homeopathic stuff would b expensive. But would like to know more about it. for health reasons due to being a paraplegic.
My oldest dog a Miniature Schnauzer. He died 2 weeks before age 17. Schnauzers don’t shed, great with kids, love to learn tricks and prefer being with you than alone. For this reason a lot of people have 2. Twice the fun and they still prefer being with you. One dog loved to play soccer with my son.
I have a Llassapoo that is currently 16 1/2 years old. He has been on a raw diet for years and has slowed down this year but still doing quite well considering he’s so old. He’s amazing! We adore him and pray he is with us for another few years.
Our Sheltie just passed at 18.5. He rarely went to the vet and never had his teeth cleaned. He ate kibble and some chicken. He went on many walks. Best family dog ever!
Our ADOPTED Shelty was very shy of strangers. Hated cats. She was not a lover of anything…more like a cat…HO HUM about everyone and everything!
We finally decided it was her initial owners who may have abused her. She was most aggressive to me, when we first brought her home..snapped at me on a regular bases for several months…I feel, since I am a male she was most certainly a abused of her previous male owner!
She could never be my best friend, no matter how hard I tried .( I wished for, sooo much.) I had just lost my best friend in the entire World…my Springer Spaniel…She loved me from morning to night…meet me for breakfast and kiss me before going to bed, The night she passed away at 12 1/2, I actually slept on the floor beside her with one hand on her all night. I have her ashes on a picture display in our L.R. and say a few words to her, occasionally, as I pass by!. .Am I sick?…..NO , Just still in love with my best friend, Ginger….now and always! Buzzy, from Beaufort, SC
You didn’t mention Coton de Tulears. They normally live up to 16 years, some have even lived to 20.
We had 3 coton de tulears- mom, dad, and baby. Dad lived just short of 17 yrs, mom 17 1/2 yrs, and baby also 17 years. Wonderful for all ages. Love to play with young children etc., sit on laps of elderly, and enjoyed being part of family. They slept with us.
I am Chihuahuas all the way!! I have had three. First lived to 22 years, second lived to 21 years and my new one is just a year old. These dogs are so funny and playful, great travelers, great snugglers, good watchdogs also. Just give them a bath here and there ,feed them a high protein diet and keep them warm and they just keep on going!
I’m with you Marly! We were so lucky to have had the opportunity to rescue a 1/2 Chuauwa & 1/2 Dachshund pup, “Poohkie!” She was quite a sight that only a mommy would think was perfectly beautiful! I just love both breeds! She was the sweetest, most loving…watch dog ever! I just love that she was a cuddle-bug who slept with us in our bed…in fact when my sister was visiting & went to go to bed, I could hear her burst out laughing because our little girl had beat her to it. When my sister threw back the comforter she got quite the surprise! There under the covers just waiting for her was our Poohkie, looking right back at her with the “What? I was just making sure you felt at home!” look! Unfortunately, she was hit by a bus when she snuck out of the house to follow my daughter to school 😪 too sad! She was definitely a blessing for the 8yrs we got to love her 💕
We had two golden Retrievers. The female lived to 17 and her half brother lived to 15/. A day does not go by that I don’t miss them, I also had 2 cats live to 21 and 22.
Hi to hear this is so wonderful, we had two Goldens Sunny, and Cruse, Cruse passed with cancer at 8 years, Sunny passed at 9years of cancer, hope to heaven doctors find a cure we really love these Goldens.
Food dyes are a useless additive to pet food, that
manufacturers say it’s to “make the food look more palatable”. Palatable for who? Dogs & cats don’t care what color their food is, but the food dyes are harmful to them. The manufacturers could start by removing them.
i have a pomeranian. Her name is emma. she is very beatuful i had another pomeranian named holly before her but she passed away at age nine. she wasn’t spade fast enough and developed a condition. i can’t r emember the name. she was also very beautiful. love my dogs. thanks for the posting.
I had a ShihTzu who lived to be 17 years and 9 months old and my current shihtzu will turn 11 in May 0f 2021!Sadly 2 of the shihtzus I have had over the last almost 53 years were hit by cars and One died being Spayed
Our little 10 lb Bichon Frize lived to be 17 yrs 7 months. We got him at 12 weeks old because the breeder said they need to stay with their mother until she teaches them manners. Loved every minute with him. He was the ultimate pleaser. Never wanted to mess up. It is my breed of choice. I grew up with chihuahuas, and when I got married, we had a black lab and a mini schnauzer and then our Bichon. I have cancer and am too old to get another puppy. We may foster in the future because I love animals.
I have had 3 whippets. Good for people with allergies. They have no dander. My first dog lived to 18
we had a SHELTIE make it to 20. The best pal ever and we sure miss him. If your dog passes…………I hope you will have the courage to get another right away. We have a large rough collie and a new sheltie puppie. they are great together. Like a comedy show all the time.
Growing up I had a few different breeds. But, the fox terrier we had lived 20 years. She had a great life and ate a home cooked Italian dinner everyday. She was playful and she was even hit by a car once and my Dad nursed her back to health. She died suddenly after being really tired for two days. She had no energy and just lay there. On the second evening she just closed her eyes. Her name was Cindy. Great dog……..,
We had dogs as children but o oh one dog as adults. He was sent to us by angels. We love h II m but eventually had to give him up because others were afraid of him. He was a gentle giant German Shepherd who barked a lot and was terrified of cars. He had a crippled back leg. Living in the country, our neighbors had many dogs at a time over many years. I think the dogs thought we were their human grandparents. When our neighbors were gone the dogs came to our house. We loved each of them and a few were extra special to us. When their human daddy died of cancer, they mourned so hard. We did too. He was like a younger brother to us. The dogs stayed here more and more. There were 3 at that time all large breeds. I’ve never seen such mourning by animals. It was heart breaking. It was if they all gave up and gave in to emotion. No amount of gentle loving could help. One by one they gave up and crossed the rainbow bridge. I cry now as I remember them. It has been at least 5 years now. We bought a yard statue in honor of our wonderful neighbor and friend, Don. He loved all animals, both wild and tame. The statue is of St. Francis. We carry the dogs in our hearts. There will be no more dogs here. We are too old to play with them now. Sweet memories. Hazel the blind Beatle who was so gentle and would sneak up behind you and gently tap your ankle for a petting. She was my favorite. I would open a can of tuna or salmon and she would be tapping on my door within minutes. As I said, we live in a very rural area but she had a nose that was unbelievable. She would go running across the yards and through the woods, nose to the ground. When something was in her way she would stop short, sniff her way around the obstruction and continue on her journey. What a dog!!!!
I have had 4 very senior doggies in my 73 yrs 2 Toy poodles Shady Lady and Bear both lived to 18 yrs, a Lhasa Apso Tillie 17 1/2 yrs, and a very feisty 22 yr old Toy Fox Terrier Miss Penny. So very fortunate to have had them for the yrs I did and wish all my doggies had been to stay with me as long as these did! 💕
Mom’s childhood dog was a Sheltie mix & lived to nearly 20, & even then, did not die naturally. Being a farm dog (who ate only “people” food fr the farm…no commercial dog food) & aged, she was nearly blind/deaf, but she still went to the barn every day to “work.” A delivery truck ran over her 🙁 in the lane. (You’d THINK business/delivery people coming onto your property would be mindful of your pets, children, belongings, & property!!! but, NO.) My childhood dog, a beagle/Manchester Terrier mix, was nearly 19 & we put her down after a stroke, tho’ she was “game” to stump around & allow us to take her out to pottie, it was too painful to watch & very hard on her. My present longest-loved dog was a stray we took in, a definite mix of Lab/Shar-Pei/Mastiff. She was a gentle, huge, well-muscled dog, of 130 lb. She lived easily through a cancer surgery, at age 9, & at 14, all organs were still uber-healthy, but she had spinal stenosis that eventually did not allow her to walk, & so we had to say good-bye. I still miss her gentle & loving spirit every day. My vet initially told me to NOT keep her b/c of the obvious Shar-Pei/Mastiff in her, & she was afraid of men (at the time–which went away almost pronto b/c my husband is such a dog lover/spoiler). I cried in the vet office and he resignedly listed her as a “Lab mix” in her records & agreed to have her as a patient. After treating her for years, when we had to put her down, the entire vet office cried & cried…they had grown to love her as much as we did, calling her “the gentle giant.” I recently lost a cat who was born on our property, so I know exactly how old he was….23 1/2. No matter how long our furry friends live, it’s never long enough for us, tho’ it might have been mighty good for them.
I had three pugs, 8 l5 and 13. I am now on my first rescue dog a hot dog, age 8 and hope she lives as long as my prior pugs !!!
cool
My Eski American Eskimo lived 15, but I’ve heard of many that lived up to 20.
We had our Shellie poodle mix for 17 years. I still grieve her. We have had other dogs who were and are awesome but Daisy was our very first family dog and will always be first in my heart!
I had an Eskie (American Eskimo) live to be 18 and one lived to 15. Both ate dry Iams and sometime a few tablespoons of low salt, low fat people food. Neither dog was ever overweight.
I suggest you consider schipperkes being added to your longevity list. I have had many schips who have blessed us with 15 or more years with us. Recently I took in a 15 YO who had several health issues. After treatment he was active and in good health until 17 1/2. Another rescue lived in good health until 19. The other standout was a schip go amazed our vet. He had a dental done at 19 after senior bloodwork came back near perfect. He passed in his sleep at 23.
My beagle just passed away 4 days ago at 15 years old and 5 months. He was the best dog ever! We are still mourning😢
I like little dogs and I love chihuahua’s they are small, but protector. I had a chihuahua and live very long time and now I have another one and his my spoiled baby. I also love german shepherd dogs they also very protector
A interesting read and not surprised it is the smaller dogs with the longer lifespans. Up until now all my dogs have been larger dogs, a pointer who lived 16 years, a german shepherd who lived 14 years and a lab mix who who lived 15 years.
My current dog adopted us as a stray and best guess by the vet she was 2 years old. Today the vet thinks she is between 16 to 18 years. She has cataracts, has slowed down a but and is a little hard of hearing but she is still very interested in life and loves to be chased (by me) and go outside. She’s a great dog.
I have I have an Aussie doodle part Australian Shepherd part poodle and she is going to be eighteen in March. I never suspected this but I am just thrilled. she still runs up the steps after she goes out and runs around in circles when we come home. fabulous!
Recently lost my oldest Shih Tzu at 16. I still have two and will probably get a puppy sometime in the spring.
I love all the dogs here, but my favorite is the Yorkshire Terrier. My last dog was a Yorkie and I love him very much and miss him very much.
I love all dogs but my favorite is the Yorkshire Terrier. My last dog was a Yorkie and I loved him very much and I miss him very much.
All these dogs except the shelty are little rat dogs. What a disappointment!
The article left out miniature Dachshunds. Charlie, our first, lived 17-1/2 years. Gabe, our second is 15-1/2 now, and is quite spry still. We have great hopes for our third, Boba, still very young at 5-1/2.
I saw only 1 Dog on this list. Not sure what kind of Critters the other are?
In 55 years we have been caregivers to 5 Wonderful Dogs. They all had amazing life spans. Our Cocker Spaniel lived to 1 week shy of his 18th Birthday. He was in excellent health up to about 6 months before the end.
I had a 120 lb. Malamute who lived to be 14 years old. That’s a long time for a dog that big, so I guess I was doing something right!
My dog is a lab/ pitbull mix and he is 16 yrs young. He is also a rescue. Those who say pits are vicious have obviously never owned one. My Buddy is the sweetest dog around.
I have had several dogs in my life, but I must say I have a Aussie now, he is by all means the smartest, sweetest dog I have had. So smart, i swear I think he understands everything I say!
We had a beautiful Golden Retriever, Stella, who lived past 17. That is huge, for a Golden. We did nothing special with Stell to take credit – it was all her. Granted, the last year of her life was progressively more difficult (and we were alerted in the last 6 weeks by the other pups smelling her midsection and whining), but in true Golden for, she was still always happy at meal time! ♥️
I have a medium/large mixed breed who is now around 15-16 years old. I was told she was 3-4 when I adopted her from the local animal shelter and based on the age that my grandkids who helped me choose her at the shelter are now she is at least 15 years old. She’s definitely slowing down and has cataracts and loss of hearing but she still does have quality of life
now she is at least 15 and probably close to 16
One of my mini dachshunds lived to 18 yrs.
I have a 10 year old black chihuahua, I had got her for my wife but bonded with only me threw the year, she had been found in the street at 2 pounds they told us she had been abused so not friendly, not affectionate but trust me , when my wife had 6 months to live with lung cancer she had hospice and died at home, After all these years only bonding with me, Babygirl that is her name, stayed on my wife’s bed close to her for the whole time. really made my wife and I happy, She stays in her cage most of the time which is on my king size bed. Gets cold down in my room so I put a heating blanket in her cage, she lets me know every day when it is time for our walk or when she needs to go out in the yard no matter what time or when it is time to eat, lets me know same time every day to the min. She never barks in the house for some reason , I didn’t think she could bark until we went on a walk and she seen another dog. I am 79 and had dogs all threw my life never had one like her, she see’s the vet every year and is in good health but she gets these attacks off and on like hiccups like she having trouble breathing , keeps jerking, the vet had no idea what it is. Scares me every time, last for 10 min and longer sometimes. been going on for years off and on, dose anyone out there have any ideas what that could be.