What is a good small breed perfect for living with the elderly?
Candie J asked:
I need to know a small breed thats good with elderly. Nice, quiet and calm.
I LIVE WITH THE ELDERLY OK? THERE IS 1 GRAMMA AND 1 TEENAGER, AHUSBAND AND A WIFE. WE ARE GETTING A DOG. THE GRAMMA WILL DO NOTHING. WE JUST NEED A QUIET DOG WHO WILL DO NO HARM.
Is a Shih-Tzu good?
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I need to know a small breed thats good with elderly. Nice, quiet and calm.
I LIVE WITH THE ELDERLY OK? THERE IS 1 GRAMMA AND 1 TEENAGER, AHUSBAND AND A WIFE. WE ARE GETTING A DOG. THE GRAMMA WILL DO NOTHING. WE JUST NEED A QUIET DOG WHO WILL DO NO HARM.
Is a Shih-Tzu good?
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August 25th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
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Any dog can be trained. But I like Pomeranians.
August 25th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
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To be honest, a bird is the perfect pet for the elderly. A dog needs to get exercise, socialization mental stimulation; things the elderly have trouble doing. I don’t know how elderly this person is but a small dog can live up to 15 - 18 years; will that person be able to provide for the dog that whole time? I think you need to rethink your pet for the elderly.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:57 am
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King Charles spaniels are wonderful for the older person. But buy one from a known reputable breeder, they do have problems (!!!)
Edit - yes, the age thing (in terms of the dog outliving the elderly owner) does need considering, but most elderly people have this in mind, and have more sense than to go into dog ownership later in life, if they cannot make arrangements for what happens to the dog after they have gone!! Life does NOT stop when you are getting up there in years …….. hopefully. Until you are actually dead.
August 27th, 2009 at 12:06 am
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their are a lot of breeds also mixed breeds are great.try the animal shelter and get to know the dogs personality that best suits for the person that you are getting this for.
August 27th, 2009 at 3:00 am
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the dog should be chosen based on personality, rather than breed.
i would suggest going to your local shelter and telling them that you need a dog who is gentle and sweet and that you live with an elderly person. my aunt has a maltese and she’s wonderful with people.
it’s all in the training and socialization of the dog, really.
only an adult dog would be quiet and calm, so it sounds like a shelter dog is definitely your best bet!!
good luck!!
August 30th, 2009 at 9:28 am
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Any of the Toy or Miniature Breeds.
You can also get an older, large breed dog that will work well.
Get one from a shelter. Don’t get a puppy.
The three of you should go to a shelter, or several shelters, check out the dogs, and get to know them. You can find shelters in your area with dogs up for adoption on here..http://petfinder.com/
August 31st, 2009 at 6:38 am
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Pugs have been really recommended for the elderly, as well as for those who live in small homes or apartments. They need very little excersise, they are in the toy-group, and are friendly with everyone- if you are worried about health problems what you can do is get a mixed breed like a 3/4 pug which is what mine is. Excellent family dog, and can be very lazy!
hope that helps.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
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a maltese is a lapdog. they were bred to be companions. they rarely bark, don’t shed, and are hypoallergenic. They are also small, usually 4-7lbs full grown. They would be a great pet for an elderly person since they love to be with their owner and can sit on a person’s lap for hours, just like a cat.
September 4th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
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There are numerous dogs that would be great.
Think more on the lines of a good dog for your whole family, as far a exercise, grooming needs, energy levels etc. Check with your shelters, the staff are there to answer all kinds of questions. If you plan on a pure breed it is always a good think to check into breed rescues in your area.
The nice and calm all comes with love, obedience and socialization. is always a good place to get breed descriptions
September 5th, 2009 at 11:18 am
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Before making any decision go to:
and take their test on the Best Breed for your Lifestyle.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:23 am
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Gah! Stop yelling. Go to the shelter and get a dog (not a puppy) that is about a year or two years old. They will be more calm. Breed doesn’t matter, personality does and the shelter will know which dogs would be appropriate for your living situation. There are puppies of every personality in every breed, so if you get one that is a little older, you will already have a pretty good idea about the dog’s behavior. Go to. You can search your local shelters and rescues for dogs by size and zip code. Good luck!
September 10th, 2009 at 10:26 am
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A Maltese . Their small. Good with people. and very loving
September 11th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
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a miniature dachshund is a great dog and i have one he is the best never barks never ever bites and the best part is that if you get an older dog the should already should be house trained i dont know where you live but you can change cities so go to the pets type in miniature dachshund and wa la you can start there i found my six year old on there for 50 dollars he is the sweetest thing ever
September 12th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
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an older dog is better with an older person - they require less play time.. you can ask your local shelter if they have any older smaller dogs - Shih Tzu are one of the better ones
Terrier MIGHT be okay buy only if older - they tend to be too active when young..
September 13th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
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Maltese are great,but really ,any dog that is trained,puppies nip so there’s training in that ,
I am glad you cleared it up,its just not for an elderly person,I am not saying cause they die,its the work involved,bending ,picking up toys,going for food runs and so on to much for elderly person,arthritis
even some young have bad arthritis
September 14th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
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Almost any of the toy breeds would be fine. I might lean a bit more toward a Shih tzu, Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Toy Poodle, or Havanese just because - in general - they are a bit more calm than some other toys.
The age of the dog is really a bigger factor, especially if Grandma is physically frail. Puppies bite and seniors tend to have thinner skin that is more easily torn and bruised by puppy teeth. An adult that doesn’t play bite will be a safer choice than a puppy.
September 17th, 2009 at 8:19 am
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Here is a list of breeds that are perfect for the Elderly!
September 18th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
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i would say a chihuahua. If gramma is home alone the dog will let her know if someone is driving up, the can hear very well, they will sit in her lap from dusk till dawn cause they like to be held by their owner, they are very sweet and she would probably love it.
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:53 am
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It depends more on the individual dog than the breed. Many of the toy breeds and smaller medium breeds would be a good choice. I would however, consider an older dog that already knows how to keep out from under your feet. Small dogs, until they learn to stay out of your way could potentially trip grandma. Personally, I love pomeranians. they are lively enough for the rest of the family, but would love to snuggle in Gramma lap and watch tv too. If socialized properly, they are gentle and sweet