Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

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     If you're a senior citizen and are thinking about buying or adopting a dog, you should select a breed based on your activity level and your living space. If you live in an apartment, you'll want to select a smaller breed, as large breed dogs are usually not very happy when living in apartments. If you're active and have a large back yard, then a large breed dog may be for you. Either way, owning a dog can give you numerous health benefits and having a canine companion can be a source of joy in your life.

For a senior, owning a dog can bring numerous health benefits as well as emotional benefits. A dog can give you a constant companion, and can greatly reduce stress in your life. Pet owners often have better health, get sick less often and report having less stress than those who don't own pets. As you get older, it's important to consider your health more and more. Dogs are a great choice for seniors who feel isolated or who have recently lost a love one; the addition of a dog to your life can greatly ease the pain and suffering you may have gone through and do wonders to fill the void.

For seniors, it's important to take your needs into consideration when choosing a dog breed. Smaller dogs are a common choice; they're more ideally suited for apartments or condominiums and have lower activity requirements. Small dogs don't need to be regularly exercised like a larger dog breed would, which makes them ideal for seniors who may not feel energetic enough to walk or play with a dog every day. Common small breeds are Pugs, Pomeranians, Bichon Frises, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Poodles. One thing to watch out for is that some small dog breeds are noted for excessive barking, which will annoy your neighbors if you live in an apartment or condominium.

If you're an active senior with a large living space, a larger dog breed will be okay for you. In addition, large dog breeds can make good guard dogs, as they are more menacing than smaller breeds and more likely to scare away intruders or dissuade them from trying to break in. You should select a large dog breed with an easy-going temperament, such as a Golden Retriever or a Labrador. Breeds noted for occasionally being aggressive or having behavioral problems should be avoided, as they might accidentally injure you or your friends.

You may want to consider adopting an older dog rather than buying a puppy. Puppies are often quite rambunctious, and will need to be potty trained. Potty training a puppy can be a great deal of work, and you may not want to deal with that as a senior. Older dogs are usually already house trained and have a lower level of activity compared to puppies. They're also more likely to have a personality suited to seniors, and will be more laid-back. As another plus, adopting an older dog and giving it a loving home gives a dog another chance at life; most dogs in shelters unfortunately end up being euthanized.