Expert QA

What are the most suitable dogs for seniors?

From the Editors of The Dog Daily

While each and every dog has its own unique personality and temperament, it's true that some breeds might be better-suited for seniors than others. According to the American Kennel Club, you should first mull over the following questions: How active are you and how much exercise are you willing and able to give your dog? What are your favorite activities? Where do you live? How big is your family? How much do you travel? Do you have the financial resources to care for the dog? Should you get a puppy or an adult? Where will you obtain your dog? Assuming you are ready to now take the adoption leap, you can then select your desired and appropriate breed or mixed breed based on the above considerations. I know very active seniors with roomy yards who have enormous, young and very energetic dogs. And then I have other elderly friends with treasured smaller dogs better suited to apartment living. For most situations, you usually can't go wrong with one of these breeds: American Eskimo, Boston terrier, Chihuahua, cocker spaniel, Maltese, Pekingese, Pomeranian, schnauzer, Scottish terrier, shih tzu, toy poodle, Welsh corgi and Yorkshire terrier. Remember that adult dogs have often already been trained and been given their primary shots. Dogs in their own senior years are often passed over for puppies, so you might save a canine's life -- and improve your own -- by adopting an adult dog.