If you've been a dog person all your life that likely won't stop when you get older. However, as you know, dogs can be hard to look after and keep up with, and some breeds are more challenging than others.
Fear not - you don't have to give up a furry companion just because you've gotten a little older. In fact, having a dog can actually improve senior health as experts believe owning a pup promotes exercise, and provides good company and unconditional love. While you might not be able to handle a dog as energetic as say, a Labrador, you can certainly find a canine suitable for your lifestyle, as there are plenty of dog breeds that fit the needs of older generations.
Before you begin picking your pup however, you need to consider your lifestyle. Ask yourself these questions: How active are you? What size home do you have? Can you afford a dog? Are you physically and mentally capable of caring for the dog? These are all important to consider because otherwise, the well-being of the dog is at risk. But after you've given yourself this mini assessment and have determined you would make a great dog owner, read on to learn what breeds make great dogs for seniors.
1. Beagle
Beagles are great for seniors because they're small and relatively low-maintenance dogs, explained Pet Breeds. They are sweet, fun loving dogs who are incredibly intelligent and therefore easy to train. They are also fairly independent so you can let them roam in the backyard on days you can't get to the park. On average, this breed lives up to about 14 years old, so they'll give you many years of love and friendship.
2. Poodle
Poodles vary in size, meaning they can accommodate most living situations. They are especially good for seniors in assisted living homes. These are also incredibly smart dogs so they're easy to train and perfect for seniors. Depending on the size, poodles can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
3. Corgi
The Corgi is a fun loving pooch with moderate energy levels, so they don't require an abundance of training. Pet Breeds specifically recommended a Cardigan Welsh Corgi because they're very gentle and affectionate. They are very smart dogs who can learn several tricks, so it might be entertaining to see what you can teach them! Corgis have a lifespan of about 11 years.
4. Pomeranian
If you love fluffy dogs then this is the dog breed for you. The Pomeranian is a portable people-pleaser. This dog require a little bit of extra grooming due to its thick coat - but there is no doubt you will both love the attention. This might not be the best dog for anyone living in assisted living, however. They can be little balls of energy and a tad noisy at times - though nothing is guaranteed and they are smart so you can train them to pipe down. The Pom tends to have a longer life of about 12 to 16 years.
5. Senior dogs
When looking to get a new dog, many people will lean toward puppies. But have you ever considered looking into senior dogs? These older dogs have been dropped off at shelters for a variety of reasons, but still require a lot of love in their old age, so its hard for adoption centers to see these animals spend their last days in a shelter as opposed to a loving home just because they have a few years on them.
Adopting a senior dog is also beneficial for older pet owners because then they don't have to go through the process of training or worrying about breaking stubborn puppy habits, explained Senior Dogs. This also means you don't have to worry as much about the size of the breed because they typically have slowed down a step or two.
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