This article is for dog lovers. Even if you are not one, you will love to give it try. Well, through this article we are going to talk about ten dog breeds that are best for senior citizens. So, you may find some valuable information here, if you are planning to gift a dog to your grandparents or if you want to get one for yourself. If you are one of them, you have stumbled upon the right place. We will discuss the best dog breeds for senior citizens.
Dogs are the great buddy for each age group of humans. Dogs develop a connection with its owner due to their personality of amity and trustworthiness. For seniors raising a dog can be a fortunate thing. Raising a dog or a pup can help them to spend their time without problems and evidently, while playing, a dog needs a constant person. So playing with a dog will help the seniors to build their psychological and physical capacity. Taking your pet for a walk not merely gives them cheerfulness but also them become quite societal and joyful.
The dogs we are going to share with you require very low maintenance. Moreover, what kind of breed is perfect for you depends upon your lifestyle and abilities. Because every dog has some basic needs like healthcare, exercise, certain food et cetera. You have to take all these factors into consideration. But don’t you worry we will let you know about certain breeds that do not require too much effort and are also great companions. So here is the list of best dog breeds for senior citizens,
Best Dog Breeds for Senior Citizens
1. Bichon Frise
It is a fluffy little animal and one of the most beautiful dog breeds that comes with a body full of white fur. It is small in size and is so cute that it almost looks like a soft toy. If we talk about its character traits, it is very affectionate and loving. And if you are looking for a companion in a dog then this one is the best for you. They require very low maintenance and are very easy to train. All they need is a strong emotional connection with their owner and a decent walk to keep them happy and healthy.
Bichon Frise is a great pet because of its lovable, gracious, and exquisite character. They necessitate very less grooming and can be taught effortlessly. Their snowy, white and feathery hair adds splendor to them. They are mischievous dogs and can acclimatize simply to their surroundings. They are so lightweight that they can easily be carried at any place. They adore sessions in the lap of their owners and the 20 to 30 minutes walk is plenty of exercise for them. Bichon Frise can grow up to 11 inches long and weighs 12 to 18 pounds with a life expectancy of 14 to 15 years.
2. French Bulldog
This french dog has the ability to uplift your mood instantly. You cannot feel low or drained if they are around you. Their innocent puppy face can literally melt your heart. Among all the dog breeds, they are one of the most cheerful ones. They are very energetic and strong too. They weigh between 19 to 28 pounds and are not heavy enough to manage. However, it is important to note that they need some exercise on a regular basis so as to live a healthy life.
The French bulldog is the second most popular breed in the US. Its adorable face, big eyes, and short legs are the main reason for attraction. These are very slow dogs and have gentle personalities making them suitable for old age people. Roaming in a small block is the only exercise they do in a whole day. They can be kept easily in compartments as they do not bark much. They are known for their loyalty, love, and friendly behavior. They can grow 11 to 13 inches long and weighs around 28 pounds with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This cute little creature is easily adaptable and affectionate. It loves to snuggle with its keeper and that makes it the happiest. They are small in size and are very easy to train and handle. Moreover, they are considered the best pets for apartment living. They have one basic requirement and that is they need regular brushing of hair and occasional hair grooming sessions. It is one of the popular dog breeds with floppy ears.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be a very pertinent alternative for older people. This dog simply falls in love with its owner and in return demands barely love kisses and cuddles. These dogs can be without difficulty trained according to a person’s wish. Its long lavish coat adds beauty to it and needs to be brushed once a day. It does a limited amount of exercise and its big and long eyes and ears add beauty to it. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can grow 12 to 13 inches long and weighs 13 to 18 pounds with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Image Source: Wikimedia
4. Greyhound
Some people say that this dog loves to race around the house. I understand, you might be wondering then how is it good for senior citizens? In reality, these dogs are not highly energetic. They may roam here and there but are actually couch potatoes. They are very easy to train and take the instructions quite seriously. They are large in size but are not difficult to manage or handle. They would love to loaf with you on your bed.
Greyhounds are well identified for their athletic capabilities and are the fastest dog breeds. They have a lean body, long legs, and flexible spines. They do not need customary grooming making them one of the appropriate dogs for seniors. Old Greyhounds are usually preferred and can be the most excellent choice for keeping as pets because young dogs prefer running rather than interacting with people. Greyhounds can grow 27 to 30 inches long and weighs 60 to 70 pounds and love to play on couches. Greyhounds have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
5. Pomeranian
If you are looking for a tiny dog, then this one is best for you. Another cute fluffy soft toy-like dog. It weighs between 3-7 pounds. It is very easy to manage this dog and you can actually carry this dog in your purse. Interesting. Isn’t it? This dog makes a great companion as it is very affectionate and loving. You will like it’s not a dog but your small baby as it loves to sit on the lap and cuddle with the keeper. It also enjoys playing with the toys.
Pomeranians are small, smart, friendly, and highly affectionate cutest dog breeds in the world. This dog breed required great love and affection which the seniors are able to give. They look extremely cute as they are quite fluffy. Their fluffy coat needs to be brushed many times a week to keep them shiny and healthy. They weigh only 3 to 7 pounds and look like tiny balls. Pomeranians are usually white, black, or cream. These dogs are highly alert and can sense the danger and can be an excellent guard for seniors. A Pomeranian has a life expectancy of 12-16 years.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This dog can be a great buddy. Its size varies from small to medium. A very convenient handle for a dog with a loving nature is a perfect combination for people who are old and cannot run around with dogs. Moreover, these dogs are very smart and they learn very quickly what is being taught to them. They have small little legs and big eyes which makes them look so adorable. They don’t have a lot of grooming needs but they need some kind of exercise on regular basis.
7. Toy Poodle
I am sure you must have seen this dog in various TV shows as it is one of the most popular dog breeds. They come in three sizes, that is, tiny toy poodles, small miniature poodles, or larger standard poodles. They are very smart and loyal. Plus their level of affection is unmatched. They are quick learners and can be easily trained. They can adjust in any kind of household. An evening walk is sufficient for health. It is important to note that they have to be groomed professionally once every month.
Poodles are awfully intellectual and can grasp the directions very simply. They can be taught effortlessly and are proved to be actually excellent companions. They are adoring, compassionate, and humorous dogs. Poodles just stipulate a walk on a daily basis or else they adore playing or lying on their couch. Poodles need constant grooming every month and they love to be pampered. The poodle is known to be the national dog of France because of its highly admired breed. A toy poodle has a life expectancy of 10-18 years.
8. Pugs
One of the most loyal dog breeds. They are foodies for life. They can eat much more than their capacity. You will get tired of feeding but they will not stop eating. This is why Pugs generally become overweight. And weight issues can have an adverse impact on their health. Otherwise, this is a very loving dog. It loves with the bottom of its heart and its energy levels are fairly good. Their lifespan is around 13 to 15 years.
9. Shih Tzu
It is a small, hairy and toy-like dog. It is a quite famous dog breed. Their weight varies between 9 to 16 pounds. It can be trained quite easily as it is smart enough to grasp what is taught to it. There are two important requirements to have this dog. Firstly, they need walks on daily basis for their well-being. Secondly, since they are quite hairy, they need proper grooming sessions once every month. Rest, they can serve as a great friend.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer is one of the best dog breeds for senior citizens through they are not that good looking they are very low-maintenance dogs. Despite the fact that they are very hairy, they shed very fewer hairs. Moreover, they are grey in color which makes them quite different from other dog breeds. They are pretty small in size, so you can easily take them on walks. They live up to the age of 12 years. This breed is a good match for people who are active.
The miniature schnauzer is one of the most adapted breeds of dogs because of their nature. Their calmness, friendly nature, and love make them loved by humans. They are excellent therapy animals as they can easily handle the mood of humans. They love both playing and relaxing by exercising as well as playing on the couch. Miniature schnauzer can grow up to 14 inches and weighs 11 to 20 pounds with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
11. Golden Doodle
Golden Doodle is a precise breed dog of poodle and golden retriever. It has the persona of both breeds. Many people desire dogs that entail less grooming and are hypoallergic. So, Golden Doodle is the most suited pet for them as they do not cause allergy and require very less grooming as they do not shack much hair. These are delightful, devoted, and adoring animals and can be skilled effortlessly. Golden Doodles like swimming and exercising. It grows 19 to 24 inches long and weighs up to 45 pounds with a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
12. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the therapy dog breeds as they can easily sense the emotional needs of humans and help them keep calm, happy, and relaxed. They can be trained easily and are friendly and kind in nature. They can easily adapt to any lifestyle and love running, swimming, and hiking. Golden Retriever is one of the large dog breeds and can grow up to 24 inches and weighs 55 to 75 pounds. They are big not only in size but also have big hearts and can easily mix up with seniors. Golden Retriever has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
13. Maltese
Maltese is one of the best miniature dogs and looks like a toy. Its trustworthy, sweet, composed and forthcoming nature makes it one of the best dogs to be kept as pets. It hurriedly adapts to its surroundings and loves its owners. It is so minute that it can be easily taken anywhere in apartments, homes, cars, and markets. Its long, silky white coat adds beauty to it. You can easily make a bun out of its hair looking like a doll. It requires regular grooming sessions. It grows 7 to 9 inches long and weighs 4 to 7 pounds with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
These are the 10 best dog breeds for senior citizens. Kindly share and do post your comments.
