Senior citizens require a lot of care from their loved ones. In the absence of a loving family, it is advisable to consider owning a pet so that you have a companion with you most of the time. But what kind of dog should you get? Well, there are some breeds out there that may be good for older people. Dogs for seniors should be less messy, deal with long periods of time alone without showing too much destructive behavior, be playful at the same time not require too much exercise. This is because older people do not have the energy of younger people and some breeds require way too much exercise and maintenance.
Best Small Companion Dogs
The best small breed to consider are:
1) Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs that have a lot of energy and love to play. They usually weigh just 7 pounds and are around 8 inches in height at the shoulders, which makes them perfect for older people who do not want a large dog. Yorkshire terriers need a lot of grooming as they have long coats so this is something you need to consider.
2) Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a very small breed with a maximum weight of 11 pounds and a height of around 8 inches at the shoulders. It’s basically a designer dog that was developed from Yorkshire terriers and soft-coated wheaten terriers. Its long coat needs proper grooming, but it is one of the cleanest breeds out there.
3) Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher has a maximum weight of 10 pounds and a height of around 10 inches at the shoulders. This breed is very intelligent, so training can be done with ease. It also needs minimal grooming so things are looking good for an older person who wishes to take care of a dog. The only downside is that this breed suffers from major anxiety problems without the owner around.
4) Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon weighs just 9 pounds and stands at around 10 inches at the shoulders. It has a long wiry coat that needs daily brushing, but other than that it’s perfect for older people. There are some health problems associated with this breed, but none of them are very big issues.
Easiest dogs to Care For
The easiest breeds to care for are:
1) Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises only need brushing twice a week and is perfect for seniors who cannot groom the dog every day. However, this breed is most known to develop bad habits like barking incessantly when left alone. It also sheds quite a bit so it will be hard to keep the pet hair under control.
2) Maltese
Maltese dogs only need to be groomed once a week and sheds very little so it doesn’t cause problems around the house. These breeds also suffer from separation anxiety and may bark when taken away from their owners. This can be challenging for senior citizens who live alone and cannot deal with excessive barking all day long.
3) Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus also shed very little and do not need too much grooming as well. They are well-known for getting separation anxiety, chewing, digging and licking. These issues can be solved by providing ample exercise and training the dog to behave properly under your supervision.
Most Low-Maintenance Small Dogs
The most low-maintenance small breeds are:
1) French Bulldog
French Bulldogs have a unique look with their bat ears and pushed in face. They weigh around 32 pounds on average, but they are very loving dogs that don’t require too much exercise. You can expect this breed to sleep the majority of the time behind your couch, but they are perfect for people who don’t have time to take their dogs out for a walk.
2) Poodle
Poodles look very elegant with their curly fur that can be anything from light brown to blonde. They are hypoallergenic so if you have allergies, this is the perfect breed for you. They require grooming once or twice a week, but besides that they are just as low-maintenance as other smaller breeds.
3) Pug
Pugs are chubby bundles of joy that do not require too much exercise and are good for seniors who are stuck inside the house almost all day long. They have short hair so grooming can be done in less than 20 minutes every week. This breed is very popular in the dog world, but it has one major drawback; they are known to snore terribly when they sleep.
See also: Small Dogs that Don’t Shed
And: Some Cute Little White Fluff Ball Dogs
Most Popular Small Dogs
1) Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are the most popular small dog breed for many reasons. They are suitable for individuals who live in small apartments and don’t have time to take their dogs out for walks daily. The Yorkie can mentally stimulate itself inside your home, but you must spend at least 20 minutes every day playing with it or training. This breed is suitable for seniors because it only requires grooming every 2-3 days, and the coat does not shed.
2) Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are very affectionate dogs that love to cuddle with their owners during the day. They only need brushing once or twice a week and can be taken out for a walk daily. However, this breed is known to develop bad habits like chewing the owner’s shoes or digging holes in the garden. These issues can be solved by training and providing proper mental stimulation for your pet so it does not get bored while you are at work.
3) Pomeranian
Pomeranians are the smallest breeds out of the most popular small dogs. They shed very little and can be groomed once a week to keep their coats shiny, but besides that they do not require much effort. The Pom is suitable for seniors who have problems walking or don’t have time to take their dogs for daily walks.
Small dogs are known to be low maintenance but they can still require some grooming and attention. If you’ve considered getting a small dog for your senior citizen loved one, here are what traits you want to look for in order to find the perfect pup that will suit their lifestyle. You also want to consider how much time they have available every day as well as any allergies or health issues before deciding on which breed is best. The more research you do now, the better prepared you’ll be when it comes down to picking out the right furry companion!
Featured image: Shih Tzu
