Dogs can make great companions for people and boost emotional well being because of their loving and exuberant personalities. These happy creatures can brighten anyone’s day and can help senior citizens stay active and get outside. Check out the 8 best dog breeds for seniors:
8 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors
Dogs can make great companions for people and boost emotional well being because of their loving and exuberant personalities. These happy creatures can brighten anyone’s day and can help senior citizens stay active and get outside. Dogs are called man’s best friend because they love to shower people with adoration and receive human affection. Here are some of the best breeds for senior citizens, and no, the Great Dane is not on the list.
1. Maltese
This dog has been a family dog for over 2000 years and their girlie looks are fun for owners to maintain. They live a good life usually from 12 to 15 years and they will grow to be only 8 to 10 inches tall. They usually are under 10 pounds so they won’t be jumping up on people and pushing them over. They are not a hazard for older people who may have the risk of falling. This dog loves people and is often used for therapy. These pets are ideal because they are hypoallergenic and shed very little. They are extremely well mannered and loving.
2. Chihuahua
Chihuahua’s have a long life span of about 10 to 18 years and this can be the smallest dog although they vary in size. On average they are 6 to 9 inches tall and only 3 to 6 pounds. They make great companion dogs and they love to cuddle. This breed is unique in that it is an excellent watch dog and can be trained easier than other small dogs. They are usually very smart. They have big personalities and love to run and play. They are going to follow you around the house and make excellent companions on errands and traveling. They forget how small they are and it’s important that you be very careful with them around big dogs. It’s important that you check the health credentials of your breeder. You also must socialize your chihuahua with small children if there will be any around your house. It is possible that this breed comes from the ancient spiritual Toltec society and were revered as mystical healing creatures by the Aztecs.
This little love grows to be about 4-6 pounds in weight and only 8 to 9 inches tall. Their average lifespan is anywhere from 12 to 15 years. This is undoubtedly the most famous of the very small dog breeds and they are good inside dogs. They make take a while to adjust to new pets but they can be raised with other pets. You will want to crate train a yorkie (as they are affectionately called) because it can be somewhat challenging to house train these little ones. They will be able to get along with your neighbors pet’s once they get to know them. These dogs do not shed much but do require daily brushing so their coat doesn’t get tangled. They are prone to digestive problems, barking and dental problems. They can be trained not to bark with patience though.
4. Pomeranian
This teacup dog usually only grows to be 3 to 7 pounds and they will usually be about 7 inches to 1 foot tall. They love to take walks and make a great indoor dog for older people. They are independant and can be by themselves at times. You can teach them not to bark if you train them consistently and they make excellent watch dogs. They are soft and cuddly and if brushed regularly, they are not too high maintenance. They are not likely to chew on furniture or destroy carpet like large dogs often do in their younger years.
5. Shih Tzu
This adorable pet breed hails from China and lives to be 10 to 16 years old. This breed is very friendly and loves to follow people around the house. They are very light, usually no heavier than 9 to 16 pounds. They are going to require some brushing everyday and light exercise. They are well mannered and not aggressive. They can be house trained but it might be a somewhat challenging task. The challenge is worth it though because of the affection they give their owners which is invaluable and heart warming.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This is one of the friendliest dog breeds and they grow to be about one foot tall. They won’t get too heavy either, just about 13 to 18 pounds. They do not need a ton of exercise and because the more restful King Charles dogs are often used as therapy dogs. A cavalier will follow you around the house with adorable eyes and make sure you’re never lonely. They respond to positive reinforcement and are always very sweet. They are prone to gaining weight if they don’t get exercise so it will be motivation for their owner to get outside and walk with them. The only foreseeable challenge is housetraining but they respond well to structure and regularity which can in turn, help structure their owners time as well by holding them accountable. This breed is not much of a guard dog and does shed seasonally although their consistently friendly personality makes up for it.
7. French Bull Dog
This dog grows to be an average of 11 to 12 inches tall and have an extremely friendly demeanor which makes for a great breed for senior citizens. These dogs are always a great conversation starter because of their beautiful looks. They are not big shedders so they require little cleaning up after. This dog is a ham for affection and makes for an excellent lap dog and companion. They are very human centric and love to show love. This dog should be socialized with other dogs so it doesn’t get too protective. It can be trained if it’s done in a playful way. They are definitely indoor dogs who like to relax and can also enjoy playing.
8. West Highland White Terrier
These adorable dogs are usually about ten inches tall and their average weight is only 13-20 pounds. They don’t require an abundance of exercise and they are friendly. They will usually live from twelve to sixteen years which is quite long for a dog. These friendly creatures are easy to carry and aren’t big enough to knock someone over. This breed is usually called ‘Westies’ and they were bred for hunting or for an old (now illegal) gambling game called ratting. They are self entertaining and independent so you don’t have to worry about them barking from anxiety if you leave. He is smart enough to bark if he suspects danger so he is a good watch dog. He is quick to pick up on training and one of the best things about westies is that they are extremely low maintenance. He is not a big shedder and only requires one to two walks daily. Usually westies have a calm demeanor in the house and they are definitely not meant to be outside dogs.
Of course there are many different breeds of dogs that would be suitable for senior citizens and it depends on a person’s activity level, home size and other pets. If you are looking to be extremely active, you may want to get a larger breed that is more resilient and will benefit from longer hikes, runs or outdoor camping excursions. If you live on a farm and the house doors are frequently open, an outdoor dog might be a better option. Small dogs are ideal for smaller homes and meant to be kept indoors unless they are being walked on a leash so they can be protected from predators.
Article Source: lifeinthegoldenyears.com
Photo Source: lifeinthegoldenyears.com
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