Best Dogs For Seniors

Dog Breeds for Seniors

Dogs can make great companions for older people.  They provide companionship, a purpose in life and quite a bit of enjoyment and love.  But older people do have particular concerns when thinking about choosing a type of dog to adopt.  Some individuals have their own physical health issues and limitations that can affect the care they can provide for a dog companion.  Some people may have trouble giving their pet the amount of exercise it requires, and another individual may have difficulty handling a large, rambunctious animal because of its strength or energy level.
Seniors are more suited to a dog companion that has a gentle temperament and is less vigorous than some other dog breeds are famous for.  For instance, a docile Labrador retriever may be more suited to a senior than a frisky terrier might be.  The Labrador may be larger, but in addition to typically having a docile temperament, they may be able to be trained to assist the senior in certain tasks as well (such as picking up objects, opening doors, etc.)
Another thing to consider is that female animals tend to be more docile than males.  They have a reputation for being more home-bound, with less wandering traits, and are not as territorial.  Animals that have been spayed or neutered are also reputed to be more docile.
Here is a short list of dogs that have calmer dispositions and may make more suitable pets for seniors:

1. Newfoundland
2. Papillon
3. Japanese Spaniel
4. Maltese
5. Italian Greyhound
6. Beagle
7. Great Dane
8. Golden Retriever
9. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
10. Greyhound
11. Cocker Spaniel
12. Boston Terrier
13. Bichon Frise
14. Shetland Sheepdog

As mentioned, a smaller dog may also be more suitable for an older person, especially one who cannot physically handle a larger breed, or for a person who lives in a smaller dwelling and does not have the room or yard for a large dog.  Smaller dogs may be easier for an older person to manage.  They require less room for exercise.  They can be bathed easily in a kitchen sink without the person having to stoop over a bathtub or having to lift a large animal into a tub.  Also a small dog can easily fit into a person’s lap for a closer relationship, especially if the person is in a wheelchair.

Here is a list of smaller dogs that seniors may consider as a dog companion:

1. Toy/Miniature Poodle
2. Maltese
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Pomeranian
5. Chihuahua
6. Basenji
7. Whippet
8. Boston Terrier
9. Scottish Terrier
10. Dachshund
11. Pug
12. Lhasa Apso
13. Tibetan Terrier
14. Shih Tzu
15. Bichon Frise
16. Pekingese
17. Miniature Schnauzer

Each dog breed has a temperament that may be suited to one individual more than another.  A senior may not only be looking for companionship in a pet (with a strong owner-dog bond), but may want a dog for protective purposes or utilitarian purposes as well (such as a seeing-eye dog or a dog trained to help with the needs of a disabled person). 
Other dog types are ‘one-person’ dogs who bond strongly with one owner.  Although these dogs may exhibit protective behavior towards their owner or separation anxiety when away from their owner, these dog breeds tend to be extremely loyal and faithful, making them ideal for certain seniors. 
Some examples of ‘one-person’ dogs are.

1. Bernese Mountain Dog
2. Chihuahua
3. Chow Chow
4. Doberman Pinscher
5. Irish Water Spaniel
6. Komondor
7. Pekingese
8. Pomeranian
9. Pug
10. Rottweiler
11. Schnauzer
12. Scottish Terrier

Seniors have special requirements when considering a particular dog breed for their companion.  Choosing the right breed for their needs will make the relationship with their pet a loving, enjoyable and rewarding experience.