John Woods is the founder of All Things Dogs. A publication built to educate over 40,000,000 dog owners on how to care for their dogs.
6 Dog Breeds Perfect for Seniors
Studies have shown that having a dog in the home helps reduce stress, increases your exercise, and keep you safe from any robbery attempts. It is no wonder why many families add a new member by adopting a dog, they are wonderfully loving and loyal to their owners without hesitation. This is why it is also important for the older population of society to also enjoy the benefits of owning a pet; they make amazing companions and with the right breed, make life a little bit easier to manage.
Here are some breeds to consider when adopting a new friend for the home…
Pomeranian
Quick Facts
- 3 to 7 lbs
- Nickname: the Pom
Despite their small stature, the Pomeranian believes that they are a large dog stuck in a tiny body. Incredibly loyal and protective of their territory and family, they make amazing watch dogs for those that lack the space for a larger canine. They are an extremely intelligent and self aware breed that likes to please their owners, making them easy to train. They shed seasonally, require weekly brushing, and should see professional groomers to avoid developing mats in their fur. Because of their big personality and small size, the Pom tends to get themselves in sticky situations with larger animals and people. It is important for them to know their come command to avoid being trampled.
Yorkshire Terrier
Quick Facts
- 7 lbs
- Hair on their heads must be kept up so they can see properly
Much like the Pomeranian, the Yorkshire Terrier is a lot of dog packed into such a small package. While they can be stubborn and proud, the Yorkie is intelligent and willing to please their trainers with a little bit of incentive: treats. Their charismatic, friendly personality makes this breed a joy to be around and offer a lot of love to everyone around them. Yorkies were bred to hunt down rats, so they love to give into the chase when a small ball or toy is thrown for them to retrieve. The breed sheds very infrequently, however the trade off is that they must get professional grooming due to their coat being very similar to human hair.
Bichon Frise
Quick Facts
- 12 to 18 lbs
- Known as a “personality breed”
A breed known for their unique and loving personalities, the Bichon Frise is a dog for those who love to socialize. Very responsive to training, they make very well behaved companions that love to play and cuddle with their owners after a long walk. The Bichon Frise is placed on the hypoallergenic list of dog breeds due to their lack of shedding, however they need to be taken to the groomers to avoid mats in their top and under coat. They are very adaptable to change and take it in stride.
Lhasa Apso
Quick Facts
- 12 to 18 lbs
- Associated with the Dalai Lama
This breed sort of resembles a larger Yorkie with their floor length fur, but they a much more reserved dog who’s loyalty lies with their owner. They can be a tad difficult to train due to their independent personality however they will respect their trainer and owner when they establish who is the boss in the relationship. They enjoy walks, a complex dog puzzle to search for treats, and individual players, making them very self sufficient in their exercise. They also make a great choice for owners with allergies because they shed very infrequently than other breeds.
Boston Terrier
Quick Facts
- 12 to 25 lbs
- First American breed to be developed
Known as America’s Gentleman, this lively breed brings fun and excitement to any families’ lives. They are so friendly to a fault that other dogs see them as the annoying younger child that just wants to be everyone’s friend while human children are absolutely enamoured by them. Very intelligent and eager to please, the Boston Terrier excels at learning and following commands. Their short, single coat also allows very minimal professional grooming.