Best Dog Breeds for Senior Citizens
Getting a dog as a pet is always a consideration which calls for some long-range thinking.
Getting a dog as a pet is always a consideration which calls for some long-range thinking. This is particularly true once we have lived long enough to be considered a senior, in our 60s, 70s, 80s or beyond. Many of us are living alone, and having a four-legged companion sounds like a good idea in terms of alleviating a periodic sense of loneliness and isolation. Even if we live with someone, pets can provide the same uplifting of our spirits. But those little critters need a fair amount of care from us. And they create issues in our homes which we would do well to not think about. Remember that cats can be left alone for a day or two, with food and water. Not so with dogs. But cats are hard to take for a walk…
Well, Dear Reader, below I’ve provided you with my thoughts about a number of dog breeds for you to start with. There are, to be sure, many dozens more to choose from, but I’ve stuck with the ones best known to most of us. It is always worthy to consider having a dog in our lives as we get older, whether we live alone or with a spouse, partner or family. Choose carefully, after giving due thought to the responsibilities which come with having a dog. And should Fido or Fifi or Rex or King or Charlie the Chihuahua come into your life, live well and enjoy the company.
10.Beagle
9. Cairn
8. West Highland White Terrier
7. Pug
6. Corgi
5. Golden Retriever
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4. Labrador Retriever
Black Labs, Golden Labs, White Labs – all are great dogs for any age of owner. For seniors, they can be one of the best in that they are loyal, friendly and eager to provide company. This is another breed of dog which is useful
if a person is single, and has in mind to meet someone new while going out for a walk. Labs are congenial and easy for a stranger to pet while you are engaged in conversation out on a walk. These dogs do shed quite a bit, and require a lot of exercise. At home, however, they are quite content to lie around in the same room as their owner or family. They are big dogs, so take this under advisement if the owner is frail and unsteady on her or his feet, particularly while walking the pooch outside.
3. Greyhound
Greyhounds are best known as racing dogs. They are tall and often quite heavy, up to 70 or 80 pounds. And they are amazingly gentle and affectionate. Many people have greyhounds which are retired from racing, and the new owners are surprised at how lazy, or couch-potatoish the dogs can be. If you are looking at a large dog, this is a good one to consider.
2. Bloodhound
These are very large dogs, a little over two feet tall and weighing up to 105 pounds or more. Though these guys look sleepy and lazy, they require a good amount of exercise, and long walks on a sturdy leash are a must. Walking with them off-leash is not advisable. These are hunting dogs and once their nose picks up a scent, they can be off for the hunt. They also drool quite a bit. Bloodhounds do well in a large fenced yard, but they like to dig so the fence must be a secure one. Their faces are distinctive to everyone, with their sad eyes and baggy skin. Striking up a conversation with someone new is easy to do once they get a look at your pet’s face.
Featured PUP
1. Papillon
Papillion makes our list as number one. These playful dogs are really cute and really small. They have oversized ears, which grow long poofy hair, as does their neck and shoulders. They are highly intellegent and easily trainable. Although they have high energy and demand a lot of walking, they are also great dogs for small homes or apartments, as they know how to chill. If you have grandchildren then there is no need to worry about the little ones playing with these fur-balls. Papillions are super kid friendly and great with strangers. These little pups are sure to keep you in good shape and also your spirits high.
Considerations to Ponder
- How much exercise does the dog require?
- How much hair does the dog shed?.
- Do we have a yard for Fido to use as his or her bathroom?
- Will we mind it if they do not wipe their paws after being outside?
- Do we have the strength and energy to walk or run the pooch?
- Can we bend down and clean up after them, at home or in public?
- Are we willing to be home enough during the day to take care of them?
- Can we afford their medical care?
- Can we afford to feed them?
- Do they have long tails which might get underneath our rocking chairs?
- What kind of disposition does the dog breed generally have?
- Are they small enough to trip over, or large enough to pull us over?
- If you garden in your backyard, will you forgive the dog’s digging in the garden?
Those are just some basic considerations to ponder, before looking into bringing Fido or Fifi or Rex or King or Charlie the Chihuahua into our home and our lives. The upside of having a pet around often far outweighs the added work that they require.
Upsides to Having a Dog at Home
- They can be great companions.• How much hair does the dog shed?
- They can be an added level of physical security at home.
- Dogs are wonderful conversation-starters with people when we take them for a walk.
- Dog owners generally are open to talking with other dog owners when we meet them.
- Having a pet provides us with another purpose and reason to carry on with living.
- Dogs greet us at the door with enthusiasm, even if we have been out for just a minute.
- Dogs clean up food we drop on the floor while cooking.
- Dogs provide lots of exercise and increase overall health
I’ve listed some things to be mindful about while we contemplate getting a dog. No doubt there are other notions I’ve not listed, but at least you have a place to start.
Written by Aaron Berlin