Mitch86
Member
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
My am 87 and my wife is 83 and I'm interested in what breed you folks think we should get if we are interested in purchasing a dog?
What is the best dog breed for an elderly couple?
- Thread starter Mitch86
- Start date
hollydolly
SF VIP
- Location
- London England
Miniature Poodle..they're intelligent, don't shed, and are loyal to the max
Do you have a fenced backyard where dog can do his thing without supervision? Is it a walking dog on leash in street scenario?
Personally, I don't have the strength to care for a dog if it requires a lot of walking on my part. It would be unfair to the dog if I were its mama.
I have a cat, she should have me brush her. Besides that there is the daily cat litter cleaning. That's hard enough. Two months ago her brother died. Before then, the daily litter box was getting to be a pain. Feeding, of course, that's the fun part of chores on their behalf!
Who will care for the dog if you/wife can't? Do you have a plan?
Good luck! Can't imagine life w/out a pet.
Personally, I don't have the strength to care for a dog if it requires a lot of walking on my part. It would be unfair to the dog if I were its mama.
I have a cat, she should have me brush her. Besides that there is the daily cat litter cleaning. That's hard enough. Two months ago her brother died. Before then, the daily litter box was getting to be a pain. Feeding, of course, that's the fun part of chores on their behalf!
Who will care for the dog if you/wife can't? Do you have a plan?
Good luck! Can't imagine life w/out a pet.
I'd say NOT a young lab, my daughter has one of those and it has jumped their fence a few times and she has had to chase him down the block to catch him!
I'd think maybe whatever kind of dog you like as long as it doesn't bounce around and knock you over.
I had a 5 pound chihuahua and he was fun, always happy and thrilled to see me and at 5 lbs I could easily carry his carrier when he needed to go to the vet.
My mom used to need help to get her fat Sheltie into the car to go to the vet or groomers, but her german shepherd mix could hop up into the car on her own.
I'd think maybe whatever kind of dog you like as long as it doesn't bounce around and knock you over.
I had a 5 pound chihuahua and he was fun, always happy and thrilled to see me and at 5 lbs I could easily carry his carrier when he needed to go to the vet.
My mom used to need help to get her fat Sheltie into the car to go to the vet or groomers, but her german shepherd mix could hop up into the car on her own.
Raddragn
Member
- Location
- Washington State
Have you had pets before?
Personally, at your age, I would recommend a cat. They require a bit less care than a dog. There is the potty box issue, but if tended to daily, isn't that big a chore. A short hair cat requires little brushing.
If it must be a dog, much depends on your personality preferences and why you want a dog. Have you owned dogs before? What breeds?
I have a little Yorkie and two cats, but my daughter and my grandson live with me
Personally, at your age, I would recommend a cat. They require a bit less care than a dog. There is the potty box issue, but if tended to daily, isn't that big a chore. A short hair cat requires little brushing.
If it must be a dog, much depends on your personality preferences and why you want a dog. Have you owned dogs before? What breeds?
I have a little Yorkie and two cats, but my daughter and my grandson live with me
I would suggest a rescue that you can foster in your home for a short while to see if they are a good match for you. I would pick a small dog, older but necessarily a senior, that does not require grooming and is already house trained. Is easy to bath and be a lap dog. I love large dogs but as we age we can be knocked over easily. For that reason I would also pick a dog that is light in color, easier to see so we will not trip over them.
I also love cats but I am allergic. If you can go with a cat I would still do a foster to make sure the cat fits you home. Some cats like to cuddle and human interaction ,some cats do not.
I wish you success in finding a pet that will be perfect for you!
I also love cats but I am allergic. If you can go with a cat I would still do a foster to make sure the cat fits you home. Some cats like to cuddle and human interaction ,some cats do not.
I wish you success in finding a pet that will be perfect for you!
Lewkat
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey, USA
An older, settled dog is much better. I am partial to females as they listen more attentively. Definitely not a large one as they sometimes think they are lap dogs. lol.
I have a combination Welsh Border Collie/Rottie. Quiet, medium sized, short haired, loyal as can be. Never tries to get on the furniture and seldom barks. Guards you at all times. Easy to care for.
Combination of WBC and rottie, dobie or German Shepherd are considered ideal dogs for all families.
I have a combination Welsh Border Collie/Rottie. Quiet, medium sized, short haired, loyal as can be. Never tries to get on the furniture and seldom barks. Guards you at all times. Easy to care for.
Combination of WBC and rottie, dobie or German Shepherd are considered ideal dogs for all families.
Here in Central Florida, I follow two different canine rescue groups on Facebook, and they always have dogs for adoption. One of the groups favors Shih Tzus, and the other Poodles, but they both take in any breed. One thing I see a lot of is older folks having to give up their pets because of illness or, sadly, death.
I'd suggest you look in your area for similar groups. My experience is that small dogs work best for me, even though they can be "yappy". One of my favorites was Hoot, a 8 pound toy poodle, who was very well behaved. He lived to be about 16.
I'd suggest you look in your area for similar groups. My experience is that small dogs work best for me, even though they can be "yappy". One of my favorites was Hoot, a 8 pound toy poodle, who was very well behaved. He lived to be about 16.