Best Dogs and Puppies for Senior Citizens

Puppies are just adorable; they also can give many benefits to senior citizens. First, pets provide companionship and relieve boredom. The old adage of "man's best friend" is certainly true if you can find a compatible breed. Secondly, dogs boost physical health by encouraging seniors to get outdoors, go on a walk and remain active. Even a fairly sedentary lap dog can promote physical well being, as petting the dog can stimulate circulation. Additionally, pets reduce stress, anxiety, and can even lower blood pressure; many medical studies provide evidence of pets promoting the emotional well being of their owners. Finally, dogs can provide some protection to seniors by acting as a watchdog or by alerting neighbors about a fall or accident.

However, an appropriate breed should be chosen to fit a senior's lifestyle. Small dogs are generally better because they're easier for seniors to handle. Toy breeds that have a quiet, sweet disposition and that require minimal exercise are called "lap dogs" because they are most content sitting in their owners' lap; these lap dogs are ideal companions for seniors. In addition, several small-to-medium-sized breeds make suitable pets for seniors. Below are some of the most popular of these breeds.

Pug- View puppies for sale

A compact little dog, pugs thrive on their owner's attention. They enjoy a long afternoon of playing as much as a long lazy afternoon nap. Pug dogs and puppies are outgoing, affectionate companion dogs. Among the largest members of the toy group, and with history dating back as far as 400 b.c., they are best known for their short muzzle and prominent eyes. They have a soft coat, in black, apricot, fawn, or silver, but always with a darkly colored mask. Pugs are loveable, even-tempered, and are eager to please, making them an excellent family pet. Averaging 14-22 lbs at maturity, Pugs require little grooming and make a nice indoor pet for seniors.

Schnauzer- View puppies for sale

Miniature Schnauzer dogs and puppies are small, intelligent, energetic companion dogs. Originating in Germany, they are best known for their bearded faces and friendly personality. Schnauzers get along well with people, children and other pets and are excellent watch dogs, as they are wary with strangers. They are loyal to their family and enjoy taking walks as well as playing outside. Their coat should be plucked but not trimmed. Schnauzers are good companions for seniors because of their pleasing personality, only moderate exercise needs, and strong desire for companionship.

Scottish terrier- View puppies for sale

Scottish Terrier dogs and puppies are curious, playful companion dogs. Averaging 15-22 lbs mature and originating in Scotland, they are best known for their bearded faces, short legs and for being the family dog of President George W. Bush. Scotties are a loyal family pet that gets along well with adults and children if properly socialized, and they can make good guard dogs due to their loyalty to their family. Members of the terrier group, Scotties enjoy outside exercise as well as being near their families indoors. This breed can be trained with consistency, patience, and praise.

Shih tzu- View puppies for sale

Shih tzu dogs and puppies are best known for their sweet dispositions and friendly expressions as an indoor companion dog. To avoid high-maintenance grooming, trim the dog hair in a short “puppy cut.” Shih tzus are ideal companion dogs for seniors and can weigh as little as 6 to 10 pounds although the breed standard is 9 to 16 pounds. Shih tzus derive from Chinese heritage, and the foreign name causes common misspellings such as shit zu, shitzu, shitzue, shitzoo, shit zoo, shit su, shitsu, shizu, and shi zu. A gentle dog, the Shih tzu enjoys an owner's companionship.

Yorkshire terrier -View puppies for sale

Yorkshire Terrier dogs and puppies are best known for their petite stature as a member of the toy group of “lap dogs.” Yorkies are less than 7 pounds at mature weight and make an ideal indoor companion. What little exercise that yorkies need can easily be satisfied by a jog around a small apartment due to its petite size, making him an excellent pet for seniors. Yorkies do require regular grooming.

 

 

Cocker spaniel -View puppies for sale

Content to lounge about, Cocker Spaniel dogs and puppies are cheerful companion dogs, making them an excellent pet for seniors. A member of the sporting group, they are best known for their flowing coat, which has a silky, slightly wavy appearance. They can be seen in brown and tan, black, black and tan, cream, dark red, and buff. Weighing between 22-28 lbs at maturity, Cocker Spaniels can not only be excellent hunters, but can become a good watchdog due to their protective instincts. They do well in a family setting with children if they have been raised with them. The Cocker Spaniel needs exercise and frequent grooming due to their long and wavy coat.

Welsh corgi- View puppies for sale

Welsh Corgi dogs and puppies are best known for their stocky appearance and friendly, confident personalities. Members of the herding group, Corgis are intelligent and capable of working with animals. However, due to their compact bodies and flexible personality, they also can be content indoors. Corgis mature at 25 pounds and are popular with horse and cattlemen as well as apartment dwellers and seniors.
American Eskimo. View puppies for sale

American Eskimo - View puppies for sale

Originally bred as a protector, the American Eskimo wants to create a close bond with his owner, making him a good choice for seniors. American Eskimo dogs and puppies are intelligent, alert companion dogs. Due to their ability to quickly learn tricks and commands, they were once used as circus performers, and are easily recognized by their dense and fluffy white coat. Members of the non-sporting group, American Eskimo dogs come in three different sizes depending upon their height. The toy Eskimo is 9-12", the miniature is 12-15", and the standard size ranges from 15-19" tall. Averaging 25-30 lbs at maturity, American Eskimos require not only frequent grooming to maintain their dense coat, but also frequent and consistent exercise. They are a loving, easily trained family companion dog that, due to their devoted nature, can become good watch dogs as well.

Boston terrier- View puppies for sale

Boston Terrier dogs and puppies are friendly, intelligent companion dogs. Members of the non-sporting group and originating in Boston, they are best known for their characteristic coloring and perky ears. Bostons are an ideal family pet that gets along well with adults, children, strangers and other pets. Averaging 15-25 lbs mature, Bostons require little grooming or exercise and make a nice indoor pet. In addition, this breed is easily house trained due to its intelligence and pleasing attitude. Their natural protectiveness and loyalty make Boston terriers a nice watchdog for seniors as well.

Chihuahua- View puppies for sale

Chihuahua dogs and puppies are small, intelligent companion dogs. Members of the toy group, they are best known for their small size (1-5 pounds), spunky personalities, and Mexican heritage. Chihuahuas are ideal inside pets, even in a small environment. They get along OK with other pets but usually bond with one adult. In addition, due to their intelligence, chihuahuas are fairly easy to train. A chihuahua can make an excellent watchdog for a senior due to their natural instinct to bark at noises and strangers.

 

Pekingese- View puppies for sale

Pekingese dogs and puppies are small, beautiful companion dogs. Originating in China and members of the AKC toy group, they are best known for their noble flowing coats and graceful countenance. Though small (8-14 pounds mature weight), Peks are courageous and dignified. Pekingese are affectionate though independent and get along well with other dogs and people but not with strangers or those that disturb their nap. Because of their low need for exercise, Pekingese make ideal inside dogs as well as a good watchdog for seniors. They do need regular grooming.

Toy poodle- View puppies for sale

Poodle dogs and puppies are intelligent, friendly companion dogs. Poodles get along well with other pets and people. They are good for allergy sufferers, as poodles do not shed. The miniature poodle is 10 to 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. The toy poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Because of their small size, only moderate exercise needs, and no shedding, poodles are a popular choice as an inside companion for seniors. Poodles love to be showered with attention and pampered, making them an excellent pet for seniors.

 

Maltese- View puppies for sale

Maltese dogs and puppies are friendly, gentle companion dogs. Members of the toy group, they are best known for their small size (4-6 pounds) and flowing, white coats. Maltese are ideal inside pets, making them a good choice for seniors. Their coats do not shed but do require daily grooming, and they usually enjoy the pampering. With its docile personality, Maltese get along well with people and other pets; in fact, they are extremely affectionate and crave human companionship.

Pomeranian- View puppies for sale

Pomeranian dogs and puppies are small, intelligent companion dogs. Originating in Germany, they are best known for their beautiful, double-coated manes and coats, which make these little dogs resemble cuddly teddy bears. Members of the AKC toy group, Poms weigh 3 to 7 lbs upon maturity, making them an excellent lap dog for seniors. They get along well with other pets and dogs; however, they prefer the company of adults over children. Pomeranian dogs and puppies can be easily trained due to their keen intelligence. They are ideal inside pet for seniors due to their low need for exercise and small size. Grooming is not intensive; in fact, over-grooming may cause damage to their coat.

The information for this article came from PetPlace.com. For the entire article, see this link:
"Top Dogs for Seniors"
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For related information and additional tips on compatible living with a pet in an apartment, see these articles from PetPlace.com:

"How Pets Help Senior Citizens"
http://petplace.com/

"Top Lap Dogs -- Breeds that Enjoy a Quiet Life"
http://petplace.com/