6 best dog breeds for senior citizens

Please visit and LIKE our Facebook Page and share with family, friends and on your own Facebook page, and ask them to share further – it is only by working together and sharing knowledge and education that we can improve the lives of dogs and assist owners. We do not inundate you with posts – an average of 5 per week, and the odd Did You Know. Thank You!

6 BEST DOG BREEDS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Guest Post by Arslan Hassan
Author Bio:
Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics. He occasionally writes blog articles for Dynamologic Solutions.

Pic - Courtesy of Arslan Hassan - Shuttercock.com

There is no better feeling in the world than having a dog. As you grow older, you could use some companionship. However, it is important that you understand that you need strength to actually handle the dog, especially if you suffer from any age-related physical issue such as arthritis.

If you get a strong breed (even a Lab), you might not initially realize that it takes great strength to hold it. Many times, an older person took on an adult bigger breed, and the poor thing had to be returned to the breed rescue or shelter, which led to the dog experiencing physiological damage and a reduced chance of rehoming.

We have created the ultimate post to help point you in the right direction. It takes a close look at some of the best breeds for seniors.

1. French Bulldog

One of the best dog breeds for seniors is the French bulldog. You will never be sad when you have one. Considered the most cheerful dog breed, it is compact, active, and muscular. Since it only weighs around 19 to 28 pounds, you will find it manageable.

The Frenchie only requires moderate exercise. As for its grooming needs, you barely have to put in any effort. However, it experiences health issues such as brachycephalic syndrome. With a height of just 11 to 13 inches, the little fellow can live up to 12 years and has a smooth coat.

2. Maltese

Are you looking for cute hypoallergenic dogs? Then, you should consider getting a Maltese. It is the perfect breed for seniors as it only requires easy, short walks and prefers spending time sitting on its master’s lap.

As for its grooming requirements, you do not have much to do. You can simply rely on a professional groomer for maintenance. Besides, the Maltese can be easily trained. However, since it only weighs around 4 to 7 pounds, you will have no trouble handling it. In fact, you can take it with you wherever you go by placing it in a bag.

With dark eyes and white fur that tends to be silky, it has a height of 8 to 10 inches and has a single-layer coat. In addition to this, it can live for up to 15 years.

3. Greyhound

Can an older adult get a racing dog? A Greyhound is just what you need. Despite what you think, it is not a high-energy dog. Even though it enjoys going for a walk every day and occasional runs, it prefers being a couch potato and loves relaxing with its owner.

A great thing about Greyhounds is that they are easy to handle and respond well to training. Keep in mind that the breed can weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds. It is the ideal dog for seniors who prefer a larger dog that they can handle.

With a height of 25 to 30 inches, a Greyhound has a smooth coat in different colors such as white, red, blue, black, and fawn. It has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.

4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Do you want to own the cutest dog breed? The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of a kind. It is just the companion you need to make your evenings more fun. You can get a small to medium-sized Corgi for your home. It weighs 24 to 30 pounds and is quite small.

Training a Corgi is super easy as it is a smart breed. Their short and tiny legs make them quite adorable. Although it requires routine exercise, you can make do with daily walks. The best part is that it has minimal grooming needs.

Sporting a medium double coat, it has a height of 10 to 12 inches. Corgis are very playful and have a life expectancy of 13 years.

5. Pomeranian

The next breed that senior citizens should consider getting is the Pomeranian. If you want a small dog, a Pomeranian is a good fit for you. It is easy to handle and only weighs 3 to 7 pounds. You can carry it in your handbag.

Anyone who owns the breed will tell you just how affectionate it is. Pomeranians have a happy nature that will uplift you. However, it loves taking a nap. You will find it dozing off when you cuddle with it. Make sure to get your Pomeranian some toys as it enjoys playing.

A notable fact about the Pomeranian is that it can live for up to 16 years and has a long coat that could be just about any color, such as orange, red, sable, brown, blue, cream, and black.

6. Poodle

Lastly, the Poodle is also an excellent breed for seniors. As the smartest dog out there, you simply cannot go wrong with it. Instead, it comes in three sizes: a large standard Poodle, a small miniature Poodle, and a tiny toy Poodle.

If you want to get an affectionate breed, a Poodle is a right option. It is very loyal and learns things quickly. Besides, it adapts well to every type of household. So a daily walk is all it needs. So you just have to take it for professional groom every other month.

Weighing around 5 to 70 pounds, the breed's weight depends on the size you go with. It has a life expectancy of up to 18 years and has a curly coat that combines apricot, brown, grey, white, or black.

Takeaway

Owning the right dog will help beat loneliness and boredom. Now that you know the top dog breeds for senior citizens, you can decide which breed to get. Always go with a breed that suits your lifestyle to ensure that you experience no trouble.

In addition to the above breeds, you should consider getting a pug. It is a pup that grandparents love having. You can treat it like your grandchild and feed it lots of food as it loves eating. Besides, its intensely loving nature will keep you happy at all times.

Did we miss a breed that is perfect for senior citizens? Let us know in the comments!