If you’re in the market for a new dog, there are a lot of things to think about and consider; especially if you are a senior. If you are a senior, it’s important to think about the kind of dog that is right for your lifestyle and your capabilities; often seniors will adopt or buy a dog without doing the proper amount of research and will choose a dog that isn’t right for them. If a senior chooses a dog that is too hard to take care of, the dog will likely end up in a shelter, an action that is hard to overcome for not only the dog but also the senior that needs to make the choice to surrender the pet.
If you’re a senior thinking about getting a dog in the near future, this post will give you some breed suggestions that are great for the typical senior lifestyle.
What Breed of Dog is Right For Me?
In order to provide a happy life for your new furry friend, make sure to choose a dog that is best for your living situation and physical capabilities. Here are some of the best breeds of dogs for seniors.
Maltese
Maltese are one of the most popular breeds of dogs for seniors because of the size and lack of physical activity that they require. Maltese are small, usually weighing under 12 pounds, and do not live an active lifestyle. This breed is ideal for seniors that may be physically slower than they were in their younger days, or for seniors that have a hard time getting around due to age.
Additionally, this breed does not like to be left alone so are ideal for seniors that are retired. In fact, these dogs make up a majority of the pet population in independent senior living centers.
Pug
Pugs are another small breed that does not require a lot of attention or activity to live a quality life. Like Maltese, pugs are typically small so are easy to take care of and train. Seniors should gravitate towards breeds that are small enough for them to pick up, walk, and bathe; pugs are a great option.
Pugs are also a great choice for seniors because they are one of the healthier small dog breeds. Seniors are often living off of their retirement money so expensive vet bills can be detrimental to their finances; pugs will keep vet bills low.
