What type of dog is best for my older parents?
26 Mar 2010
My parents, both in their mid sixties, had to put their dog down a couple weeks ago. They are still grieving but are probably going to get another dog in the spring. Mom wants a dog that’s not too old but I can’t see them dealing with a hyperactive puppy. Their old dog was about 60 pounds but I think they will want a smaller dog this time. Does anyone have suggestions on which breeds are more laid back and easier to train and which ones they should stay away from? Thanks for your suggestions!
I suggest looking into a rescue dog because you can get an adult-geriatric dog that is housetrained and maybe even knows a few tricks! You can go to petfinder.org, type in the breed you want and your zip code, and it will tell you what is in the area. You get descriptions of the dogs from the foster families, and it will tell you the dog’s history, behavior, temperament, etc.
If it were up to me, I’d go for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Maltese, Bichon, or Shih Tzu, but I’m partial to toy breeds 
Whatever breed you want, I guarantee you can find a calm, adult-aged dog if you look into rescues….
20 Responses
2010 Mar 26
…those small …I think their Brussel type yorkshire like…mmm…dogs.Fun and loyal and loving.
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…Brussels griffon-female.
2010 Mar 26
I know a lot of older people who have bishons and shih tzu’s. Have no idea how they are with training, but look into those breeds. Maybe check out the local humane society for a laid back type dog?
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2010 Mar 26
Go to your shelter and see what they have many shelters don’t normally have to many pups for long so you should be able to find a mid-sized 3-4 year old pretty fast.
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2010 Mar 26
there are so many points to consider when thinking about a dog breed for young and old alike. Here is an excellent match up tool that will help:
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http://dogtime.com/matchup/start
2010 Mar 26
Have them go to their local Shelter or Rescue and pick out a Senior or Adult dog that best suits them and their lifestyle.
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2010 Mar 26
If they want to go smaller, consider a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Golden retriever-like personality, sweet, people friendly and in a 20-lb package. Easy to train too.
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I have goldens but my sister has two Cavs. Love this breed.
2010 Mar 26
SHELTER MUTT!
They are perfect candidates to save a senior dog from certain death.
Shelters sometimes waive the fee if seniors adopt senior pets. So, they could save a life and not pay anything for the privilege.
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2010 Mar 26
I’ve heard nothing but good about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Maybe give that breed some thought?
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2010 Mar 26
they could adopt a poodle, very smart6 and easy to train.
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2010 Mar 26
I think easy to train really is more about the person doing the training. My parents have had minature schnauzers since in their mid 50’s. They are in their 70’s now and love their little mini. They are sweet and affectionate, love play and also sit and cuddle. They don’t shed much and can go clipped or with longer fur. They are also alert to what is going on outside, which for me (I’ve also owned one) was a real plus in terms of security.
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2010 Mar 26
i would recommend a breed in the toy group but definately stay away from any breeds in the working or sporting group… they need the most exercise and have the most energy. and try to adopt from a shelter they usually have great dogs that are not puppys that will be put down if they do not find homes check out http://www.petfinder.com put in your zip code and put in small or medium size and see what there is in your area
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2010 Mar 26
take your parents to a shelter, walk around and pick the dog that makes them "sigh"
Seriously there is no "great" breed of dog, they all have unique personalities. How great would your parents feel to have a dog who’s life they saved!
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2010 Mar 26
Hi, I love jack russels ut all though small they are very hyperactive, and I know myself and others I know have had a hard time training them. The best dog I have had luck with was a shit-zu or a pomerain poodle. I mean it all depends on how they are raised and the puppy itself though. YOOU canraise it good but it may stil be hyperactive……good luck
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2010 Mar 26
Smaller dogs often live 15-18 years & larger breeds more like 12, they may want to take that into account. It’s always goo to have a back-up plan if they find they can’t take care of the dog as they age.
I would suggest using Petfinder to look at adult or older dogs, especially one already housebroken. I have adopted dogs 8 yo & they have still bonded tightly. It doesn’t take long to feel like y’all have been together for ever.
I would suggest staying away from very active dogs, if they aren’t very active. Examples would be setters, retrievers, spaniels, bird dogs, large hounds, hunting dogs, and many working dogs.
I would also avoid dogs that often need a strong hand (figuratively) because they are stubborn, head-strong, or more aggressive than other breeds, such as pit bulls, dobermans, rotweilers, kuvasz, etc.
I would suggest dogs that can do well with less exercise & smaller yards. Dachshunds, scotties, westies, maltese, pekinese, bichon frise, poodles, shelties, cockers, corgis, bassets, King Charles Spaniels, chihuahua, etc might be good choices.
My mother was concerned about size because she wanted a dog light enough to pick up to put on the bed with her but not so little that she was going to trip over it, and not so strong that it could pull over over when on a leash. Hair length could be another concern.
Do you parents know where they will be living in 5 or 10 years? Some retirement villages have size restrictions.
Don’t overlook mixed breeds; they are often healthier & have more balanced personalities.
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life
2010 Mar 26
no chihuahua, some may be cute (may be) but they are impossible to train. I would look at a yorkie or a toy poodle. My grandparents use to have a toy poodle and they loved her.
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2010 Mar 26
I suggest looking into a rescue dog because you can get an adult-geriatric dog that is housetrained and maybe even knows a few tricks! You can go to petfinder.org, type in the breed you want and your zip code, and it will tell you what is in the area. You get descriptions of the dogs from the foster families, and it will tell you the dog’s history, behavior, temperament, etc.
If it were up to me, I’d go for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Maltese, Bichon, or Shih Tzu, but I’m partial to toy breeds
Whatever breed you want, I guarantee you can find a calm, adult-aged dog if you look into rescues….
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Vet tech
2010 Mar 26
Pembroke Welsh Corgi.. shorthaired, so less grooming and real sweet personality. The Queen of England is older than them, so if they’re good enough for her, why not your folks?? Good Luck
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2010 Mar 26
bishons are nice, and so are poodles.
http://www.petfinder.com I think is the website…do a search by zip and find a dog that is not a puppy but not older.
Terriers are called terrors for a reason. If your parents are laid back you might want to stay away from them.
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2010 Mar 26
Breed really isn’t that important — it’s the dog’s personality that counts!
I’d head to the local shelter when they’re ready and take a look. That way that can find a dog whose personality, size, and age all fit in with their lifestyle. Fate will bring them together, and they’ll be saving a life.
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2010 Mar 26
I would say go with a Dachshund. They are laid back and loving and I think that they would work out very well for your parents. I have one right now and she is great. She has her times when she is hyper, but overall she just loves to be my be and sleep in fleece and hang out. Could it get any better? LoL Hope all goes well with your search. If you need any advice for training feel free to message me.
Here is a link to provide you more information:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/dachshund/index.cfm
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