Retirement is a big change in life.
Although many find it relaxing and fulfilling, many find it lonely and depressing.
What a better way to combat those feeling than by adding a furry friend to your life.
Dogs have been proven to reduce blood pressure and stress in humans as well as helping them
cope with depression.
But, not all dogs are created equal.
These are the Best Dog Breeds For Seniors And Retirees to have as Companion Dogs.
Shelter Dog
You don’t need a purebred dog to get the benefits of dog companionship.
In fact, a trip to your local shelter can pass the benefits along to the dog and to
the shelter.
When you are searching for a shelter dog, talk to shelter experts about your current
lifestyle and home.
They will use this information to guide you to a dog that will be compatible with your
lifestyle.
Don’t discount senior dogs.
These older dogs often have a kind and loving personality, and most are quite young at heart.
You’ll love spending time with a senior dog who is always ready for your next adventure.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their exceptional cuddling skills; they would
much rather be on your lap than alone.
Their smaller size also means they are well suited for apartment or condo living.
Just be sure you are ready to make frequent trips to the groomer; these little dogs need
regular grooming to stay healthy and happy.
If you’re not as mobile as you once were, most cities have groomers that will come to
you.
Goldendoodles
Varying in size depending on their type, Goldendoodles are excellent companions.
These adorable Poodle/Golden Retriever Mixes feature soft coats and look just like teddy
bears.
Even better, they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in most humans.
While they are not fully hypoallergenic, people with dog allergies can often cohabitate with
them without needing to take daily medication.
Goldendoodles are excellent companions and quite smart, which means you can spend some
of your newly available retirement time learning new tricks together.
As you know, you can teach old dogs new tricks.
Remember, if you are considering retiring in a senior living community, ensure they
are pet-friendly.
Your dog will love the extra attention and socialization they receive in a busy senior
living community just as much as you will.
Pug
A Pug may be the best small dog for seniors who would rather cuddle with their pooch in
an armchair than take it out hiking every day.
Pugs don't need much exercise and can't handle temperature extremes, so they spend much of
their time indoors.
Childlike, loyal, and affectionate, pugs are devoted to their owners and love to nap.
They aren't really barkers, although they tend to snore.
And Pugs require little grooming.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is an intelligent, obedient, and affectionate small dog breed.
They love to snuggle and are highly compatible with other household pets.
They also have a pleasant, cheerful nature and are perfectly content to spend much of
the day chilling indoors.
A couple of short walks each day is enough to meet their exercise needs.
They also don't shed, but they do require frequent brushing and grooming.
French Bulldog
If your idea of the perfect companion is a quiet, friendly dog who readily adapts to
apartment life, you may want to consider a French Bulldog.
Spirited but not yappy, Frenchies thrive on plenty of human contact.
They have low exercise needs and are happy with short walks or a bit of playtime in the
yard—but not when temperatures soar.
(These dogs are prone to heat exhaustion.)
Regular brushings are all the grooming that's required.
One caveat is they do have plenty of health issues.
Regular trips to the vets is often required with these otherwise chipper dogs.
Boston Terrier
If you like the Frenchie, but the potential vet bills might get a bit tough on a fixed
income, the American Gentleman, the nickname given to the tuxedoed Boston Terrier might
be the dog for you.
The Boston Terrier has been ranked highly on many lists of best dog breeds for seniors.
They cite the incredibly friendly and dapper nature and amusing, easy-going personality
as primary reasons.
Bostons are a friendly, low-maintenance companion breed that needs almost no grooming and little
exercise outside of a few walks each day.
They are friendly with almost everyone and generally love to meet strangers and friends
alike.
And, most importantly, they love to cuddle.
We often pick small dog breeds for seniors, because they can live in smaller spaces and
don’t have the exercise needs of many larger breeds.
Also, many small dog breeds have been bred to be companion animals, whereas larger breeds
were often bred to work and therefore absolutely NEED a job to do.
You’re retired.
A dog that doesn’t mind the retired life is probably best for you.
Shih Tzu Speaking of small companion breeds, Shih Tzus
always want to be by their owners' sides and are great small dogs for seniors.
This breed lives for cuddles and attention.
Shih Tzus are excellent lap dogs and have a welcoming attitude toward strange people
as well as other pets.
Playful but not overly active, these dogs get enough activity through short daily walks
and playful romps around the living room.
They are highly adaptable and can thrive equally well in a large suburban home or a small city
condo or maybe that little villa you’ve always dreamed about.
Chihuahua
Everyone knows that chihuahuas are some of the tiniest pups you can find.
That’s why they’re such a good dog for senior citizens.
Another advantage of the Chihuahua is that they are also one of the healthiest dog breeds.
Exuberant and lively, most chihuahuas only weigh about five pounds making them quite
portable for the senior.
You might be wondering: what’s the biggest perk of having a chihuahua as a companion?
First of all, they’re outstanding watchdogs.
Secondly, it doesn’t take much to keep them groomed and fit.
Plus, they’re known as extremely loyal, almost to a fault.
They can become quite possessive and protective of their human if not properly socialized
from a young age.
Pomeranian
A distinctive and popular dog breed for the elderly, the average Pomeranian is known for
its tiny size and scruff of fur around their fuzzy necks.
They’re extremely small, Pomeranians usually weigh no more than five pounds, which is awesome
for senior citizens.
Affectionate and lively, this pint-sized breed loves spending the day with its owner.
Also, Pomeranians are celebrated for being alert and smart.
Another bonus is that Pomeranians are naturally healthy pups!
There are plenty of more dog breeds for you to discover.
Here are a few more videos to start your journey.
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And as always, catch ya next time.