Choosing a Dog Suitable for Older Owners
Before choosing any dog to suit your lifestyle requirements you should read our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog to get an overall view of the many areas you should consider before making your final decision to get the right pet dog for you.

Suitable dog breeds for older owners:-
There is no doubt that dogs can make excellent pets and companions for all kinds of owners this is often particularly true for elderly and senior owners.
Dogs are renowned for bringing love, joy, companionship and security to many elderly people.
The very act of looking after a dog introduces a new sense of purpose to owners and can also provide them with both physical and mental exercise.

There are some basic areas that anyone, whatever their lifestyle requirements, should consider before making the choice of what type of dog would be most suitable.
These start with details about your lifestyle:- (Previous dog owners will probably have assessed these points already but their lifestyle and requirements may have changed).

Our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog contains a further, broader, range of information that you should consider before choosing any new pet dog.

  • How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}

  • What size of dog would suit your lifestyle:- (dogs fall into three size groupings- small, medium and large),
    Is your accommodation and outside space sufficient for a large dog?
    Are you able to handle a larger dog on walks?
    Could you lift or carry a larger dog if necessary?
    Small dogs can also be full of energy and busy dogs at home can cause all sorts of problems

  • How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
    Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
    Little or no grooming may be a factor.
    Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?

  • Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.

  • Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.

  • Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?


Some suggestions for Dog Breeds you might consider that will suit older owners.

Dog Breed
 


Pug -
A small dog that is sociable, homely, companionable and friendly , their playful and clownish nature makes them ideal family pets.
Not overly intelligent which means patience is required when training..Has a low exercise requirement but can be high-energy dogs that love to cuddle. Can shed quite a bit which might require regular grooming.

Shih-Tzu -
Active, friendly, alert little dogs with an independent nature.Affectionate and devoted to their owners, good with children and other animals They live for human companionship; and have a have a sweet, gentle disposition Their long coats can require high-maintenance grooming, or they can be trimmed in a "puppy cut" which requires less upkeep.

Pomeranian -
These vivacious, extrovert little dogs will bring a smile to any face, although sometimes they can be noisy. They just love to snuggle up and nap in a person's lap. They usually prefer adults to children and get along well with other pets. They are intelligent, feisty dogs and have a low need for exercise. Despite having fluffy coats they do not need much grooming.

Bichon Frise -
Good natured small dogs that make excellent pets . Very attractive and distinctive with a predominately white coat and a pocket-sized appeal, they do not need particularly long walks and make excellent gentle and loving companions.

Chihuahua -
Alert, spirited, bold little dog that is also friendly and affectionate.Devoted to owners and usually good with children and other pets Chihuahuas have strong personalities and tend to bond with one adult. Their tiny size makes them easy to handle.

Maltese -
The Maltese is a tiny, docile breed that is extremely affectionate and loves to be pampered it is among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, and its trust and responsiveness are appealing Easy to train, they love to play fetch and learn tricks. They do not shed but require regular brushing to keep their coats from matting. Like other non-shedding dogs, they are a good choice for allergy sufferers. A good pet in limited accommodation, the Maltese's exercise needs are minimal

Cocker Spaniel -
Medium sized dog that is friendly, energetic and keen to please. Good with children and other dogs the Cocker Spaniel makes an ideal family pet. Has lots of energy and can be trained with patience

Beagle -
Medium sized happy and lively dogs, alert with a tolerant nature, can show an independent streak and a desire to follow scents. A lovely dog with a gentle nature;

Schnauzer (Standard) -
Medium sized dogs that are sociable and playful although they can be very protective and have strong guarding instincts. Their coat requires professional clipping..

Yorkshire Terrier -
Small but feisty, tenacious and courageous.
Popular dogs that are intelligent and easy to train, learning commands quickly .They love human companionship without being too clingy Good with children and strangers
Very affectionate and loyal. Their long coat can be trimmed to a shorter length for ease of maintenance. They do not shed and are good low-allergy dogs.

 Lhasa Apso
A medium szed dog that is a very friendly and popular dog it is alert, reserved and vocal which can make them good watchdogs.Devoted and loyal to owners whilst remaing independent (likes to be his own dog).
Good with childre but often frightened of toddlers and babies. It does well living indoors, as long as it is walked daily. The Lhasa Apso sheds really heavily, though, so it needs to be professionally groomed every 8 weeks to prevent matting.

Miniature poodle -
Small dogs that are often the breed of choice for owners who want to pamper their dog. Poodles love attention and company of people, and are easily trained. They are handsome, intelligent and lively pets and companions.They need a moderate amount of exercise. abd their curly coats can be clipped short for ease of grooming with longer coats they hould be brushed every day although poodles do not shed and are a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Boston Terriers -
Small impressive looking dogs who often prefer the company of their owners to other dogs. Not demanding with a gentle demeanour. They are gentle and friendly dogs who are easily housetrained.


Pekingese -
Small affectionate little dogs with long silky coats and a shortened pug like face. They are affectionate but have independent personalities. Pekingese usually get along well with other dogs and people, but may be wary of strangers. They need regular grooming but require little exercise.

Papillon -
A small pretty and lively dog ideal as a companion or as a loving easily socialised dog for families Its beautiful coat is prone to frequent shedding and needs to be combed at least daily. These dogs make wonderful lapdogs, and they are relatively quiet, compared to other small breeds.The breed is also relatively hardy.


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