A dog can make an excellent companion for an elderly person, but it is important to choose a suitable breed for your needs. Some dog breeds are more boisterous than others and may not be suitable for elderly people and their lifestyles. Having a dog as a companion can bring much joy and comfort to older people. Studies have shown that elderly people who have dogs are more likely to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and greater social lives. Professionals recommend certain breeds for elderly people wishing to get a dog, for various different reasons, as outlined below.
Pug
A Pug is one of the most commonly recommended dogs for the elderly. Pugs are known to be loving and loyal companions. Due to their size and nature, Pugs are often happy living in apartments or condos, which suits the lifestyle of many elderly people. Pugs are very devoted, easy to please, gentle-mannered, and primarily chosen as a companion dog.
Maltese
This breed of dog is known for their devotion to their owners, opting to go wherever their owners go, often following closely behind. Although this breed of dog is quite small, they can be very protective, offering a feeling of safety and security to elderly people. Maltese require very little exercise and adapt well to indoor living, making them great pets for the elderly.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is an independent dog, who will adapt well to the confines of an apartment or condo. Although the Yorkshire Terrier has a beautiful long coat, they do not shed hair, making them a great choice of pet for allergy sufferers and the elderly. This breed of dog is most commonly chosen to have as a companion and is a very popular choice with the elderly.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog, known for its friendly nature. This non-shedding dog has a beautiful coat and displays great levels of loyalty to its owners. The Miniature Schnauzer adapts to all types of living conditions easily, making it a great choice for elderly people living in homes, apartments or condos. Schnauzers can sometimes be demanding of attention and so it is important that the owner is able to devote some time to their canine friend.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small dog that is known to be alert, with a sturdy build. The Pekingese will show great respect and loyalty to their owners, sometimes known for being quite protective in nature. This breed of dog is good natured, lively and affectionate, making them the perfect companions for families and the elderly. The Pekingese adapt easily to all kinds of living conditions, with you dwell in a house, apartment or townhouse, again suiting the lifestyle of many elderly people.
There are a number of dog breeds that are very well suited for elderly people looking for companionship, it is just important to do your research first and make sure that the breed you choose will suit your lifestyle. Dog obedience training is also a great way to ensure that you and your dog can maintain a good relationship, with minimal amounts of stress involved.
Eric works in Aged Care and is a lover of all animals. He says that smaller breeds of dogs are most popular with the elderly and dog obedience training is important because they don’t want a dog that they can’t control. Outside of work, Eric enjoys taking his family to the beach and going to the movies.