Having a dog can provide many emotional and health benefits. The most important advantage of dog companionship is it can relieve stress and anxiety. You need to stay fit, especially in old age, so having a dog is a great way to stay healthy and active. When you are interested in purchasing a dog, you have to keep lots of factors in mind, such as the dog’s lifestyle and care. As a senior citizen, it won’t be easy for you to take care of your dog. Here we will discuss the best dog breeds for senior citizens.
Top 5 Dog Breeds for Senior Citizens
Seniors need to buy low maintenance dogs. Below-given are the best dog breeds for seniors.
1. Bichon Frise
This little dog is the affectionate and best companion for seniors. This small breed dog is easy to handle and has an average weight of 8-12 pounds. Training of bichon is easy, and they need periodic maintenance. Many senior dog owners prefer to take their bichon to a professional groomer after one or two months. Just a moderate exercise is required to keep your furry friend healthy and fit.
2. Poodle
Poodles are excellent companion dogs for senior citizens because of their highly trainable nature. They can establish a strong bond with more than one person in a family. The poodle is a gentle and loving animal. The only issue that seniors will face is they have to take the poodle for a daily walk. Their beautiful and soft coats require occasional bathing and periodic grooming. They don’t shed much. Poodles are available in three sizes, such as miniature, toy, and standard, and you can choose according to your lifestyle.
3. French Bulldog
French bulldog keeps you happy always. Frenchie is the most cheerful dog breed. They are compact and active dogs. Their weights are more than other dog breeds but still manageable for seniors. French bulldogs are usually energetic, but they lack endurance. Therefore, for this dog breed, daily exercise is required. They don’t need much grooming but be careful about health concerns. They can face various skin issues.
4. Maltese
It is another lightweight lap dog. It is ideal for senior citizens because Maltese loves to sit in the owner’s lap. Their grooming needs are similar to bichon, and they require periodic grooming. They only weigh 4 to 7 lbs, and their training is easy. These dogs are easy to handle, and you can carry it during traveling.
5. Shih Tzu
It is an affectionate and gentle dog. Shih Tzu looks sturdier and ready for a daily walk. It doesn’t shred much and requires daily brushing. Most of the dogs are quiet and best for senior citizens. It is a small breed dog, and weight ranges from 8 to 15 lbs. the only problem with Shih Tzu is they are prone to skin issues.
These are the top 5 best dog breeds for senior citizens. Almost all of them are easy to maintain and train. So, if you are a senior citizen and want to purchase a dog, you can buy any of the above-mentioned dog breeds.