Dogs are great companions for people of any age. Here are 10 of the best dogs for the older generation!
Just because we get older, it doesn’t mean the end of the road for canine companionship. Studies have shown that seniors being around animals can greatly improve their condition and mental state. One study actually compared the presence of a dog versus a “happy person” who visited seniors in a nursing home and how positively the residents reacted to their presence. It was found that residents were equally receptive to visitation from the dog as they were to the happy human visitor.
Everyone ages and with that may come changes in mobility, energy and health. Good news is that there are some dog breeds that make a good match for that situation. Keep in mind that dogs live 10-15 years and senior owners need to be sure that they can meet their dog's needs like exercise, grooming, and health care (no matter how low maintenance the breed is). And with that, here are 10 of the best dog breeds for seniors!
Breed group: Non-sporting group
Grooming: High - 2X weekly brushing and occasional hair cuts (These dogs may be considered “hypoallergenic” as they are a low shedding breed)
Size: Small
Energy level: Medium
Health concerns: Luxating patella (overall healthy breed)
Personality: Affectionate, playful, intelligent
Breed group: Sporting group
Grooming: High - low shedding, keep eyes and ears clean, consistent brushing and hair cuts are required
Size: Medium
Energy level: Medium
Health concerns: Cataracts, Luxating patella, Glaucoma
Personality: Affectionate, playful, cheerful, submissive
Breed group: Non-sporting group
Grooming: Medium (clean wrinkles and drool)
Size: Medium
Energy level: Low
Health concerns: Hip dysplasia, KCS, Brachycephalic syndrome, shoulder luxation, internalized tail
Personality: Stubborn, affectionate, goofy
Breed group: Hound
Grooming: Low
Size: Large
Energy level: Low. A racing dog is low energy, what?! Greyhounds like to go for a short sprint everyday and then spend the rest of the day as a couch potato.
Health concerns: Hip dysplasia
Personality: Quiet, calm, well-mannered
Breed group: Toy group
Grooming: Medium (occasional brushing)
Size: Toy
Energy level: Medium
Health concerns: Luxating patella, open fontanel
Personality: Gentle, bold, reserved with strangers
Breed group: Toy group
Grooming: Medium (occasional brushing)
Size: Toy
Energy level: High
Health concerns: Luxating patella
Personality: Bold, busy, playful
Breed group: Toy group
Grooming: Medium (occasional brushing)
Size: Toy
Energy level: High
Health concerns: PRA, Luxating patella, Legg-perthes, epilepsy
Personality: Intelligent, playful, responsive
Breed group: Toy group
Grooming: High - 2X weekly brushing and occasional hair cuts
Size: Small
Energy level: Medium
Health concerns: Retinal cortical hypoplasia, entropion, trichiasis
Personality: Affectionate, gentle, playful
Breed group: Toy group
Grooming: Medium
Size: Small
Energy level: Medium
Health concerns: Mitral valve disease
Personality: Sweet, gentle, playful
Breed group: Toy group
Grooming: Medium (high shedding, clean wrinkles)
Size: Small
Energy level: Medium
Health concerns: Brachycephalic syndrome, PRA, Luxating patella, Legg-perthes, epilepsy
Personality: Playful amiable, confident
A special mention goes out to any senior dog adoption. Old dogs deserve love too and a senior dog will generally fit into a low maintenance lifestyle no matter the breed. They may just require extra care when it comes to changes in health status.
References
AKC. "Types of dog breeds" (2021) https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
Kaiser, Lana, Linda J. Spence, Lily McGavin, Laura Struble, and Linda Keilman. "A dog and a “happy person” visit nursing home residents." Western journal of nursing research 24, no. 6 (2002): 671-683.
The Spruce Pets. "12 Best Dog Breeds for Senior Citizens" (2021). https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-dog-breeds-for-seniors-4138298
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