5 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors
Dogs are among the best companions for people of all ages, including those in retirement age with time on their hands and a lot of love to give. Besides providing unconditional friendship, living with the man’s best friend can, for instance, raise a senior’s physical and mental health.
Although finding a furry friend suitable for your lifestyle can be an arduous task, keep in mind that adopting a patient and trained older dog is a conventional choice for seniors. Smaller breeds tend to thrive among those in their golden years as they are easy to travel with, but there are easy to care larger breeds that can also be a good option. Here are the 5 best dog breeds for seniors.
Shih Tzu, or translated from the mandarin “little lion,” is an affectionate dog who likes to spend time with its owners. Being mostly a lapdog, the Shih Tzu enjoys its daily walk, but it’s not too fussy if it has to spend the day at home once in a while. If you would like to have other pets in the house, choosing a Shih Tzu would be ideal as you wouldn’t have to worry as they are amicable towards other pets. This sociable breed is a great choice for when the grandchildren come to visit.
For more engaging seniors who enjoy the outdoors and explore nature, the Corgi is a great fit. The friendly breed has a fun character that makes children, adults, and the elder fall in love. They are dedicated to their owners and intelligent when it comes to watching the house for intruders. The Corgi requires several walks during the day, making the breed ideal for people looking to exercise more often.
The German breed of Miniature Schnauzers is joyful, well-mannered, and fearless. All of that, combined with their hypoallergenic fur, makes them a great companion for all ages. They are family-oriented and enjoy long strolls in the park. If you like to exercise with some company, a Miniature Schnauzer is a great alternative to consider.
A dog that was bred to race might not come to mind as a good choice if you want to have a calm life after retirement, but Greyhounds are the exception. They are clean and quiet around the house, and their devotion and intelligence make them great companions. Their short coat requires only sporadic brushing, but you will need a yard where the dog can exercise and take out all the energy the breed is known for.
Pekingese is the ultimate lapdog. This breed is well-suited for older people as they are not fond of rough play and are very affectionate. They used to be bred to serve as companions of Chinese royalty, so they can form deep bonds with humans. With short muzzles, Pekingese are not keen on extreme exercise and prefer quick walks and a short playtime. The most important task the breed needs is their daily brushing, as their soft coat needs to remain untangled.
When picking up a dog for adoption, it all comes down to preference and matching of personalities and lifestyle, but these 5 breeds are a good starting point in the search for your best friend.
