What Is The Best Dog Breed For A Senior Citizen?
Dogs, without any doubt, are great companions for humans of all ages. They are best to beat your loneliness and stress.
Dogs will keep you engaged and happy. And yes, when people get older and retire from their job, it is definitely hard to keep themselves engaged and beat away the blues of boredom from their life.
A canine company can do wonders in such people’s life. But, do you think senior citizens can handle all breeds of dogs? Definitely, not. The right dog breed for a person depends upon his or her activity level and lifestyle. And what most senior citizens prefer is a small, easy to groom, and easy to work with dogs.
Some of the most recommended dog breeds for senior citizens include Pug, Poodle, Maltese, Boston Terrier, and Shih Tzu.
So, this article will help you find the right breed for a senior citizen.
First of all, we will find out what factors to look upon a canine company for a senior citizen. Then, we will list out some most recommended dog breeds for senior citizens.
What to Look Upon in The Canine Company for A Senior Citizen?
There are numerous reasons why senior citizens should start considering petting a dog. A canine company will help senior citizens and retirees beat the loneliness. Actually, that is not the only reason why seniors should consider petting a dog.
Apart from the mental or psychological benefits, dogs will keep the senior citizens active and help them stick to a routine. Various studies have proven that a canine company will help senior citizens control their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Some pieces of research also say that a canine company will help senior citizens maintain a healthy heart. Petting a dog will obviously improve the cardiovascular health of older people and retirees.
Senior citizens are actually encouraged to pet a dog to improve their well-being by reducing the chances of stress, lack of sleep, and loneliness.
But, all breeds of dogs don’t fit well into the life of senior citizens.
And also, age isn’t a barrier to raising a canine friend. There exist many dog breeds that are perfect for seniors and retirees.
However, there are some factors you should consider while buying a furball for a senior citizen.
Here are some factors you should consider while choosing a canine company for a senior citizen:
- Obviously, ask the person whether he or she would love the company of a dog. Talk with them and understand their needs and likes.
- The mobility level of the senior citizen should be compatible with the energy levels of the dog.
- Most senior citizens and older people prefer small-sized dogs.
- The dog breeds that are easy to groom are highly recommended for senior citizens.
- Senior citizens usually have low energy levels. So, it would be better to choose dog breeds with lesser requirements for exercise.
- The age of the dog should also be considered. Older dogs with low energy levels are mostly recommended for senior citizens rather than young and high-on energy puppies.
- Well-trained dogs are perfect for senior citizens as they may not have the health or patience to train a dog.
- Also, the dog should be child-friendly if senior citizens have grandchildren visiting frequently.
Being discussed the factors to consider while choosing dogs for senior citizens, we will now list out some breeds of dogs that qualify the title and these factors.
10 Best Dog Breeds For Senior Citizens
As said earlier, not all breeds of dogs are for senior citizens. Many factors have to be considered before choosing a dog for a senior citizen.
However, some breeds of dogs are popularly recommended for senior citizens.
So, here are such ten breeds of dogs that would make a perfect fit into the lives of senior citizens.
#1 Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy, and cute dog. The breed makes great companions for kids, adults, and seniors as well.
Most Bichons are a bundle of joy and affection. They are the perfect canine companion for senior people.
The small size and low-maintenance hypoallergenic coat make the Bichons easy to handle for senior citizens. They also require only a little or moderate exercise.
Bichons are also relatively easy to train. They adapt pretty well to different people and places. The people-pleasing characteristic of Bichons makes them a good company for seniors.
#2 Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is another popular small dog breed in the United States. They are loving, affectionate, and gentle, but a little stubborn too. The stubbornness of the Shih Tzu can be easily tamed with proper training.
The Shih Tzu breed is known for their gentle, affectionate, and outgoing personality. They get along well with children.
Shih Tzu makes perfect interior or apartment dogs. Their exercise requirements include daily walks.
The low shedding habits, extreme cuteness, and loving character make them perfect for senior citizens.
#3 Pug
Pugs are small, charming, and loving dogs. The breed easily gets along with kids as well as senior citizens.
Although Pugs are easy to groom, they have a heavy-shedding coat. They only require moderate exercise.
The Pugs are quite healthy in moderate temperatures. They are mostly seen as happy and charming. Pugs are easy to train as well because of their people-pleasing character.
The small size, ease in grooming, and loving character make Pugs ideal for senior citizens. Pugs are a great pleasure for the eyes as well as the mind.
#4 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loving, gentle, and graceful dogs. The breed easily gets along with children and other pets.
The silky coat of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would demand regular brushing. Regular brushing is essential to keep their fur tangle-free and lustrous.
Cavaliers are small dogs that make perfect snuggling companions for senior citizens. Their small size makes them easy to handle.
Cavaliers are people-pleasers and thus very easy to train. They are excellent therapy dogs that would shower lots of affection to its master.
Cavaliers only require moderate exercise.
#5 Poodle
Poodles are smart and affectionate dogs. The breed comes in three different sizes.
Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat. Thus, they are easy to groom. However, it would be better to brush their coat daily and keep it short.
The higher energy levels of Poodles demand a fair amount of exercise daily. They can thrive with long walks as well.
The Poodles are quite intelligent, and thus, training them is not a big deal. They pick up lessons quickly and adapt well.
#6 Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are friendly and bright dogs. They make great companions and can easily adapt to the relaxed life of senior citizens.
The people-oriented Boston Terriers might be too sturdy for house training. But, they can be tamed well with proper leadership.
The small size of the Boston Terriers makes them extremely easy to port. They only require weekly brushing and are relatively easier to groom.
#7 French Bulldog
Frenchies are super cute furballs with the superpower to keep people happy and entertained. They are playful and adaptable.
The French Bulldogs are too affectionate. The alertness of the breed makes them good watchdogs.
Frenchies are very friendly to people of all ages and other pets. They don’t bark much.
The shedding habits of French Bulldogs are minimal. Therefore, they are pretty easy to groom.
Frenchies don’t require a daily amount of outdoor exercise. They make good interior dogs.
#8 Pomeranian
Pomeranian is an easy to handle, bold, and lively little dog. They make great family dogs.
Pomeranians are intelligent and alert. Therefore, they are pretty easy to train. They also make good watchdogs.
The breed has a double coat, which is one of their distinguishing features. Their coat thus requires frequent brushing.
Although Pomeranians are quite active, they don’t necessarily require outdoor exercise. They do well even with short walks and play across the interiors of your house.
#9 Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are charming and graceful. The tiny breed comes with a great personality.
Chihuahuas possess a big-dog attitude, although they are too small in size. Their smaller size makes them ideal for interiors.
The coat of Chihuahuas is relatively easier to groom. They only require short walks in the interiors to maintain their health.
The people-pleasing personality, intelligence, and alertness make Chihuahuas easy to train.
Chihuahuas are the right choice if you are looking for a lapdog for senior citizens.
#10 Maltese
Maltese are gentle and playful. They get along with people well and make great companions for people of all ages.
Maltese are small little creatures with silky coats. Their coat is low-shedding but would require regular brushing to keep it beautiful.
The breed adapts well. Maltese are good watchdogs with their high alertness. They only require occasional exercise, although they are full of energy. Indoor walks or daily walks with their master makes up their exercise requirements.
Conclusion
We hope this article will help you choose the best breed of dogs for senior citizens. It would be better to choose the right breed of dog considering the mobility, health status, and lifestyle of the senior citizen rather than simply choosing a dog.
We have listed out some breeds of dogs that are most compatible with the lifestyle of senior citizens. However, we advise you to look after the likes and dislikes of the senior citizen as well before you choose a dog.
