Growth

Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Breed standard is 2- 6 pounds. Over or under is unacceptable in the ring, but all well bred Chihuahuas can be lovely pets!  They have different activity needs, with smaller dogs requiring less outside time than larger dogs. 

They also grow at varied rates so milestones are unique. For example we do not inoculate puppies until they are at least 1.5 lbs in weight which can happen anywhere from as soon as 5 weeks to as late as 21 weeks, depending on the dogs projected and actual growth rate. 

Once your baby reaches 75% or more of their adult size, which happens by 6 months for most, they are capable of jumping up on most furniture we sit on unaided and are doing stairs at a pace that can keep up with us. Given some small aids like benches at the foot of a high bed or step stools for a particularly high couch, your baby can be fairly self sufficient. 

That said Chihuahuas are curious, inquisitive, smart and teething right up to and including 6 and 7 months. Cords and things like this are a danger so maintaining an exercise pen for the duration of their growth and possibly beyond will ensure they are safe when you leave them and you have peace of mind. It also makes getting them safely out of the house in an emergency much easier as they are contained in a known location. 

We suggest baby cams for monitoring them if you must be gone all day. They have features like speakers and microphones tht allow you to speak to and listen to your pet. You can also record them and take still pictures. Lovely items to have. Also a nice brain break while you are working.

The Chihuahua is one of the longest lived dog breeds in the world. Breed average is 14-18 years. Over or under are both well documented, but not all Chihuahuas are well bred or are well maintained!  They have different health needs, with some smaller dogs often requiring more dental and other types of small surgeries than larger dogs, though this is both situational and overall health dependent. 

However according to AKC aging chart, toy breeds are not truly seniors until when? 55+?60+?65+?Which is it? My dad says that 70 is the new 50, and he is kind of right. Advances in medical care extend to veterinarian care as well, plus our small dogs live with us and are handled daily so an injury or illness is unlikely to go unnoticed for long. So maybe the answer of senior age is more fluid. If it is 65, like for people, then the answer is 12, 60= 11, 55=10. 

Most important though are diet, exercise, and regular veterinarian checkups as these ensure any issues your pet is having are caught quickly and taken care of safely.