As a senior couple, or a senior who has lost a partner, or even in a home with family or your own, you may be seeking the joy and comfort that a pet can bring. A furry companion can provide you with not just comfort, but also a sense of purpose and something to care for.
Regardless of your circumstances, a dog is often a wonderful choice for an elderly person seeking a companion. Their loyalty, affection, and ability to provide a sense of security make them an ideal pet for seniors.
Certain breeds of dogs make much better companions and guard dogs for seniors than others
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Choosing the Best Dog Breed
Keeping up with a highly energetic dog can be difficult when you are older. Some dogs need plenty of training, space, and attention, which you may need help to keep up with.
Conversely, certain breeds require excessive and regular grooming or monthly trips to the pet parlor, which could also cost a pretty penny.
When considering a dog as an elderly person, it’s crucial to think about its role in your household. Will it primarily be a companion, or do you also want a guard dog? Understanding the dog’s role will help you choose a breed that best fits your needs.
Then again, you need to consider shedding. Some dog breeds shed considerably, while the non-shedding breeds need regular grooming and trimming from the parlor.
Lastly, please remember that every dog breed has certain health issues that are more prone in that specific breed, and you will need to consider this. When feeding your dog, always try to adhere to specific and recommended dog foods that will improve the health of the specific breed and help it live a long and happy life.
The Best Dog Breeds for Seniors
So here are my recommendations, based on research and personal experience, on dog breeds that are ideal for seniors.
You will still need to research after finding a breed you fancy.
Toy and Small Breed Dogs
Small, or toy breed dogs as they are called, make excellent little lap dogs and companions for an elderly person, and here are a few great choices for you;
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are feisty little dogs that can be protective and loyal to their owners. They are not a great choice for children and families, but they do make an excellent choice for older individuals who are calmer and more relaxed. They do need a good amount of your presence, and they are generally healthy dogs with slight anxiety issues. They are tiny and easy to handle and bathe yourself. You can get long- and short-haired chihuahuas, which typically shed very little.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is a tiny breed that does not shed at all, but it requires frequent bathing, brushing, and trimming from a professional groomer. They make an excellent small lap dog, and they are very alert should there be an intruder in your home. They are slightly more energetic. Another bonus is that they were initially bred to hunt mice so that they will keep your home pest-free.
Shih Tzu
Though not entirely a small breed, they still fall under the category of toy breeds. They are the most loving and calm dogs but extremely tough. Lovely with families and get along with all ages, even small children. They are quiet and sweet dogs, almost resembling small teddy bears when they are young. However, their hair has three layers that need frequent cutting and grooming. They are non-shedding, but I suggest keeping their hair shaved quite short as they also tend to overheat quickly. These dogs were initially bred in the Tibetan temples to guard the scared scrolls and as lap dogs for the Royal families. They are hard to potty train and are not the best dogs for leash training. I recommend only getting one at a time.
Poodles
Maltese or genuine French poodles make excellent lap dogs and alert little guard dogs for their elderly owners. They do require some grooming and monthly visits to the parlor, and they are non-shedding. The French poodle has a more sophisticated and extremely intelligent attitude, whereas the Maltese tend to be more friendly and playful overall. They are both generally calm dogs with few health issues.
Medium Breeds
Medium-sized dog Breeds are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. They make great lap dogs and are excellent dogs to walk with or as guard dogs.
Boston Terrier
One of my favorites for adults and elderly individuals is Boston Terriers, which I own and will choose every time. They are medium-sized dogs initially bred as fighting dogs similar to pit bulls. They do not have any tendencies of more dangerous breed dogs, and they are not temperamental or aggressive in general. They will, however, attack strangers and other dogs that they feel are posing a danger to their home or family; they are highly protective. What I love about them is that they are loyal and lovable companion dogs that are very well disciplined, easy to train, and can protect you against intruders, giving a nasty bite if needed. They do jump very high and are notorious for this. They do not have many health issues and are low-maintenance and low-shedding dogs. They are also, unfortunately, well known for their farting and snoring habits which can be quite offensive.
French Bulldogs
Little French Bulldogs are spirited, friendly, and cuddly, but they demand your attention and can have separation anxiety. They are very low shedding but have some health issues, especially because of their flatter faces. They are easy to care for and are quite chatty, making funny sounds.
Beagle
The beagle is likewise an intelligent and calm dog to have. They will enjoy outdoor walks more actively as seniors. They also have low shedding and need little grooming. The beagle is a scent-driven hunting dog and will run after strange scents and small animals. You will need to leash train them properly and make sure your home is secure so that they do not easily escape.
Large Dog Breeds
Larger dog breeds are more suitable for keeping outdoors and need some space. Also, remember, as an elderly individual, that if a larger dog jumps up on you, it may cause you to lose your balance. However, they are excellent guard dogs and companions that can keep you safe.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a large and extremely intelligent dog breed. They need training, exercise, and a larger space, making them more suitable for active seniors. German shepherds are excellent guard and companion dogs with few health issues. They do, however, need regular brushing, and they tend to shed quite a bit.
Standard Poodle
The standard-sized French poodle is an intelligent and majestic dog that will make a superb companion dog and a loyal protector of their owners. They do need to go to the parlor for trims and require some grooming. They can do with some exercise but are mostly calm and well-disciplined.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers
No, I have placed these two breeds together as they are similar. They are calm, friendly, and very even-tempered companion dogs. They are familiar to everyone and are usually chosen as dogs for children. However, they could have a similar calming effect on the elderly. They are quite energetic and will need some space to run and play. However, they have the loveliest nature. Remember, they shed quite a bit and will need regular brushing.
In Conclusion
To conclude, there is so much information on different dog breeds on the internet, and many individuals have opinions. However, I recommend you talk to a registered and ethical breeder who specializes in the breed for the best information on a specific dog breed. I suggest you opt for a purebred dog, as mixed breeds can be temperamental, and you sometimes need to figure out what to expect from them. You can purchase a pedigree dog breed from a registered breeder or contact a shelter that caters to specific breeds, as they may have dogs that need homes.
