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Best Dog Breeds For The Elderly

Choosing the Best Dog Breeds For The Elderly

Some dog breeds make excellent companions for the elderly and love nothing more than to sit on a warm lap. Depending on preference as to what dog breed best suits their lifestyle, when choosing the best dogs for any elderly person, compare the potential elderly owner's residence, health status and physical strength with the pet's physical traits, personality and routine care requirements. Size and temperament of the dog are important considerations as well since the elderly need a dog they can manage easily. The list below will give you a good indication what dog breeds are best for any senior person.

Benefits of Seniors With Dogs

Companion dogs can be very comforting and can bring much joy to any elderly person. Studies have proven that overall well being of seniors can be improved when sharing love with a four-footed friend. Dogs can provide more than just affection. They also offer all kinds of health benefits for senior folks. Studies have shown that these faithful companions can:

     Lower blood pressure
     Lower cholesterol levels
     Lower triglyceride levels
     Decrease feelings of loneliness
    Encourage activity in seniors
    Offer sense of security and safety
    Enhance social activities
    Offer affection and unconditional love
    Ease the loss of a loved one
    Offer sense of feeling needed and wanted
    Offer fun and entertainment
    Decrease feelings of isolation

Selection: Adopt an Older Dog or Puppy?

The decision of selecting a young versus adult animal also is important for an elderly owner. A puppy requires time, energy and house training, while an adult pet is fully grown and is usually house trained and may be better behaved. Understand there are many senior purebred dogs waiting for adoption and inevitably may already be trained. Remember... each breed has a respective rescue organization. Adopted dogs make wonderful pets!

Generally, small lap dogs tend to make the best companions as most need less exercise, have lower activity levels, and are very adaptable to apartment or condominium living spaces, making them ideal companions for the elderly.

Below we have listed what we find to be the best dog breeds for senior folks. Keep in mind, there are exceptions to every breed and it helps to know the breeder or anyone that has owned the particular breed. Spending some time researching the list of best dog breeds for seniors below will help ensure a better match and minimize any poor fit for both dog and senior. Good luck with your search!

BEST DOG BREEDS FOR THE ELDERLY

Affenpinscher
Australian Terrier
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Brussels Griffon
Cairn Terrier
Chihuahua
Cocker Spaniel
Dachshund
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
English Toy Spaniel
Fox Terrier
French Bull Dog
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Llasa Apso
Maltese
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Schnauzer
Papillon
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Pug
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Toy Poodle
Welsh Corgi
West Highland Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

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There is much to consider before choosing a dog. Keep in mind that grooming can vary between these dogs for the elderly. Knowing what the senior person's restrictions are can often dictate their abilities and restrictions for owning a dog. Having a dog around is one of life's true enjoyment! If you are a senior, we hope you, too, will be able to enjoy a new companion in your homelife!

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