Dogs are the ultimate best friends of humans, no matter which age group! Right from the younger years to the senior years, these dogs tend to be the ultimate, loyal partners of humans. They bring tenderness, joy, and lots of fun to life. For aged people who have most of their kids settled in different homes and are now looking for a loyal companion, there is no better partner than a dog. They are part-time walk fellows and full-time therapists, as the seniors can easily rant to them without being judged.
It is obvious that in the later years of life, things slow down. Seniors are not as active as they were in their younger years, and also can’t be there for an active dog at all times. Hence, they prefer a dog that would go on short walks with them, watch news on the TV while snuggling in the comforter, and doesn’t have very extensive grooming needs.
These dogs are calm and composed. Also, they are not very demanding. In this article, we shall talk about the dog breeds for an elderly person that suit a slow lifestyle and offer the best possible companionship.
Dog Breeds For An Elderly Person
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a great choice for elderly people as they seamlessly become a part of their lifestyle. They are not high-energy whirlwinds that would keep running around the house from one corner to the other.
Rather, they are quiet companions. They would prefer taking long naps rather than playing a game of fetch outdoors.
They don’t demand non-stop playtime. They are small lap dogs that are well-mannered and loving.
Cavaliers also have a desire to please their owners. Hence, they would follow the commands without showcasing any stubbornness.
Also, even when the senior decides to move from their ultra-chic urban apartment to a more relaxed countryside home, they would happily adjust. Hills Pet says they are easily adjustable, and such transitions don’t impact their behaviors.
Oh, and the best part? They weigh merely 13 pounds, hence seniors can handle them effortlessly.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu has all the qualities that a dog suitable for seniors must have.
For starters, this is a dog with an impressively calm demeanor. You won’t see it running around the house for no reason. It won’t bark excessively, nor would it demand extra attention from you.
These are affectionate and gentle dogs, making sure to be with their elderly partners through their emotional turmoil. They can sense when their human companions are upset and provide them a shoulder to lean on.
They are not bursting with energy. This means these dogs don’t require extensive exercise or play time.
This Quora question strongly recommends this dog for seniors!
Thanks to their reasonable body dimensions, weighing between 9–16 pounds with a height of 10 inches, they are easy to handle and carry around.
3. Bichon Frise
Low maintenance needs and a small, manageable size make the Bichon Frise one of the best dog breeds for seniors.
They are playful dogs. This means they will add a lot of fun and joy to the lives of the elderly who are living a boring life. Dog ownership with a Bichon is surely worth it!
These affectionate dogs easily adapt to different environments and lifestyles. Even when the guests come over occasionally, they won’t throw a fit or feel annoyed.
Though these small dogs are easy to maintain and don’t need regular grooming sessions, seniors can opt for occasional professional grooming, and it would suffice!
The best part? This is a hypoallergenic dog breed! This means even seniors who are prone to catching allergies easily can live safely with them.
4. Pomeranian
Pet ownership with a Pomeranian is worth it, at every stage of life!
Poms are alert, affectionate, and easy to care for, making them possibly the best dogs for seniors!
As these dogs are always vigilant, they become the best watchdogs for homes with seniors. They will keep an eye on everything and will alert their owners whenever something strange happens around them.
Being intelligent dogs, they are easy to train and convenient to manage when compared to other pets.
These playful dogs bring a lot of joy to an otherwise boring and static life, PetMD states.
This low-maintenance dog, however, is prone to separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for long periods, they won’t like it much!
5. Maltese
Matlese is a great dog breed for elderly pet parents as it is small in size and easily adjusts to different living situations.
Hills Pet says this dog has an affectionate nature and reasonable energy levels. For apartment living seniors, it is a great choice.
The Maltese dog would love to curl up on your lap and stay there for a long period. Pat them lovingly, and their joy would reach no limit. For older adults who yearn for love and companionship, this dog gives them the much-needed joy of friendship.
These great companion dogs have an average lifespan of around 14 years, which is quite exemplary.
It’s just that they are prone to dental health issues, and it is necessary to brush their teeth at least three times a week.
6. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dogs amongst seniors.
However, with this dog’s limited ability to handle extreme heat or extensive exercise compared to other dogs, it is better suited for indoors.
Thanks to its reasonable size, it is easy to manage in smaller living spaces.
These affectionate dogs are great family pets. When the grandkids come to visit, they will be the happiest playing with this Bulldog! They have minimal grooming needs. You just need to brush the coat once a week, and they’ll be good to go.
Also, they don’t bark extensively, but their attentiveness makes them exceptional watchdogs for the house.
The only thing you ned to care about is the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and related allergic reactions, which are prone to occurring due to their flat face.
7. Havanese
Havanese is a healthy dog with a life expectancy of around 16 years. It remains active till the last years of its life and offers great companionship to the seniors.
These affectionate companions love playing random games with their fellows. They prefer a more relaxed lifestyle inside the house over wandering outdoors.
Also, they are hypoallergenic dogs. This means they won’t trigger allergic reactions in their pet parents.
Havanese is known for its intelligence. Hence, they are easy to train.
However, they are prone to separation anxiety. If you keep them away from you for long hours, it will affect their behavior.
Conclusion
Having a dog in the senior years not only adds a lot of joy to life but is also great for mental health. Smaller breeds of dogs make wonderful companions and are easy to handle. Pugs, the Pekingese dogs, and Toy poodles are some other breeds that are great for elders.
