Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

There are so many reasons why someone chooses to become a dog owner in later life. In many cases the children have moved on, retirement looms and time is in abundance. There is no question that a dog offers many opportunities to exercise and meet new people, provide a faithful companion and improve mental health. Here, we take a look at the best dog breeds for seniors. Most are small to medium dogs that will fit into any lifestyle, are easily trained, full of fun and will thrive on human affection.

People of retirement age no longer want to hide away at home. We know how important it is to stay healthy and active, how beneficial it is to meet new people and want to expand interests. There are so many advantages to becoming a dog owner with a mature person or couple who have years of freedom in front of them.

Work schedules, children and family commitments are often a thing of the past and this could be the first time in their lives that they can truly enjoy life. So why not do it with a dog by your side?

Dog family holiday accommodation is now more available than ever and cafes and restaurants are becoming much more dog friendly. Dog walking and pet sitting services have increased rapidly, along with doggy daycare where dogs can make friends and play to their hearts content. So there is no need to feel restricted as a senior dog owner, in fact it can open up a world of opportunities.

So often, we hear of loneliness setting in when a person gets older, loses a partner or family move away. A dog makes a lovely companion. They are non-judgmental, affectionate and give unconditional love.

Which dog characteristics are the best for senior people?

Affectionate

Easy to Train

Sociable

Require Moderate Exercise

Adaptable

Love Children

Small to Medium sized

 

Which dogs have the above characteristics and are the best breeds for seniors?

All the following dog breeds are small enough to fit in with apartment life, not too strong or unruly  and known for their affectionate natures.




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12 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs are incredibly loyal and affectionate. They adore company and get along with children and other dogs well.

Cavalier king charles spaniel

Bichon Frise

Bichons have a happy go lucky, sweet character. They are playful and affectionate, but require regular grooming.

Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

Yorkshire Terrier

A true terrier breed with a sensitive, sometimes feisty character. They love to cuddle and enjoy the company of older children. Grooming is essential.

Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

Jack Russell

Jack Russell’s love to be given a job to do. They are energetic, easy to train and can walk for miles.

Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

Shih Tzu

Happy little dogs, they love young children and have a playful character. Grooming is needed for this breed.

Miniature Schnauzer

Cavapoo

Cavapoos are sweet, playful and affectionate. They have low shedding coats and are adaptable to most households.

Cavapoo dog breed

Italian Greyhound

Highly intelligent and easy to train. The graceful dogs thrive on company and make great lapdogs.

Best Dog Breeds - Italian Greyhound

Japanese Chin

Another companion dog. Japanese Chin’s love to cuddle. They are intelligent,  independent, and adaptable to any environment.

Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

West Highland White Terrier

Intelligent and entertaining, perfect family dogs .They are courageous and confident. Westie’s need regular grooming.

Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

Maltese

Maltese love to learn tricks and are affectionate and robust family dogs. They are great watchdogs and  require grooming,

 Maltese Dog Breed

Pembrooke Welsh Corgi

Corgi’s fit well into an active lifestyle. They enjoy the company of young children and other dogs. A big dog in a small package.

Best Dog Breeds - Corgi

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer’s have huge personalities. They enjoy vigorous play and love long walks. Excellent family dogs and good watchdogs.

Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

I have fostered many of the above breeds or owned them as family pets. Of course, every dog is unique and there are exceptions to the above breed characteristics.

In all cases, breeding is important. Do your research and find a reputable breeder, or better still, a rescue dog.

Considering A Larger Dog?

Most large dogs are gentle giants and known for their affectionate natures. However they take up much more room, can be expensive to feed and are much more strong and powerful than a small to medium breed. A large breed will need extensive exercise and plenty of outside space.

Do you have allergies?

A low shedding dog might be for you. In the following post there is a list of hypoallergenic dog breeds which are most suited to people with mild allergies. There are also helpful tips to reduce shedding and which dog breeds to avoid if you suffer from allergies.

15 Low Shedding Dog Breeds

 

Additional Reading

Here are links to information about  dog breeds from this site.

Yorkshire Terrier

Pugs

Labrador Retriever

 

 

 

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