Comments on: What type of dog is best for my older parents?

By: Red_09

Red_09 — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:25:59 +0000

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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By: Lola

Lola — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:50:59 +0000

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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By: LuckyLash7

LuckyLash7 — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:34:59 +0000

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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By: Michael E

Michael E — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:07:59 +0000

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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By: Dig It

Dig It — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:23:59 +0000

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

By: Britney

Britney — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:18:59 +0000

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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By: maggie l

maggie l — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:50:59 +0000

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

By: nandicebear

nandicebear — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:00:59 +0000

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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By: NatrGrrl

NatrGrrl — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:22:59 +0000

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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By: huntybup

huntybup — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:51:59 +0000

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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