I am thinking about adopting a 9 yr old chihuahua. Any thoughts? This would be my first own dog. The chi is fully house trained, and very well behaved. She doesn't bark very much and loves playing and cuddleing.
As this is my first dog, is it wise to take on a 9 yr old, or is this easier as she is already fully trained?
2006-10-16 08:29:21 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I agree with the others but one thing I would keep in mind is that he/she may not bond with you very quickly/easily. Chihuahuas are one family dogs and they don't react well to change. I have 3 chihuahuas and I can tell you if I ever had to give them up they would go nuts in a new home with a new family. Chihuahuas are awesome dogs (obviously, that's why I have 3!) and if you do adopt him/her give it lots of love and attention. I'm not sure how you could make the transition the smoothest but just be aware..
2006-10-16 09:31:55 · answer #1 · answered by VDJ44 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a very hard decision for you to make and a very personal one. The greatest gift that we can give is a selfless act of kindness. Reading your question reminded me of a story entitled "How Could You?" by Jim Willis, which makes me cry every time I read it. Although it will be hard to know that you will loose her sooner that you would a younger dog, you will also be teaching your son a very important lesson, that all life is valuable no matter how young or old. You will love her for the time you are blessed with her, no matter how long that is. There are no guarantees in life, even if you got a puppy there's a chance it could die young from some illness or accident. There is no greater love than that of an animal. They will never betray you, they will never lie to you, they will always be loyal to you. If you can find it in your heart to accept her at her age, then you should. Most people would look the other way and not even give her a chance. Good luck in your decision.
2016-05-22 07:00:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahuas often live to 17 or more years old..So, at 9 years now, you should have many more years with her..
I would say Go For It!
You can enhance her senior years and likely add years to her life, by feeding an excellent kibble, such as Canidae, Innova, Wellness, Soliid Gold, Wysong, Natural Balance, or Purina Pro Plan (not reg purina). these are available at most pet supply shops.
Here is a great supplement for a healthy old age> http://springtimeinc.com/product/121/2
the testimonials are real!
2006-10-16 08:35:13 · answer #3 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with the 9 year old. It makes everything easier because it is potty trained and you don't have to go through all that trouble since its your first time. Its a good idea also because your one of those people who want to adopt an older pet that no one picks because of their age and don't think they'll be as fun as a younger animal.
2006-10-16 08:34:04 · answer #4 · answered by Shy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say yes! I have a 51/2 year old female chi. She was my first dog and an absolute joy to have.They are great companions and if you have a mellow tempered one like mine , that hardly barks and is not territorial , you will love it! They do get quite old, a friend of mine has had his for 18 years so be aware of that.
Mine likes to be with you all the time and it is not that you have to pay attention to them all the time but they really don't like to be alone.She really goes a lot of places with me . I hope this helps with your decision making, good luck!
2006-10-16 08:44:17 · answer #5 · answered by pearlcoetzee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it. Chihuahuas tend to bark and bite and hang onto ankles and stuff when left to their own devices and they vomit all over carpets when they know they can. Don't do it. You'd be making a terrible mistake because you don't know what you're in for.
On the other hand, you might like having to clean up after a dog, so think about it.
2006-10-16 08:38:46 · answer #6 · answered by heyrobo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would greatly adopt her. She could live another 6+ years if taken care of & has no health problems at this time. I took a Weenie dog that was house trained , fixed, b/c his owner passed away & the rest of family was going to put him down.. We had him 8 yrs b/f he passed. He was so much enjoyment.
2006-10-16 08:38:13 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awwwww! You'll make a great doggie parent!!! My folks have a male chihuahua that is almost 12 years old, and other than having to have surgery to get rid of a kidney stone, he's still going strong. He's extremely cuddly, protective and just a hair less playful than he was when he was younger. Enjoy & God bless!
2006-10-16 08:40:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the opportunity to adopt a fully trained dog..at any age..it is a great thing. And since most people want puppies...She will be harder to place....Sounds perfect to me!
2006-10-16 08:34:06 · answer #9 · answered by jessified 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ADOPT HER!!
These little guys can live in to their late teens. You will have a wonderful friend for years and years.
All the pleasures of a sensible well-mannered companion and none of the pain of puppy raising
2006-10-16 08:39:31 · answer #10 · answered by ann a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋