The 6 best dog breeds for older people
From lapdogs to walking companions, experts explain which breeds may suit older owners – and how to choose the perfect pooch for your lifestyle.
From lapdogs to walking companions, experts explain which breeds may suit older owners – and how to choose the perfect pooch for your lifestyle.
Getting a dog later in life can be hugely rewarding. You’ll have a constant companion, a reason to escape the house every day and a new social network of other dog owners.
It may benefit your wellbeing, too. Studies suggest that owning a dog may support brain health, while regular walks can improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls as we age.
But getting a dog is a long-term commitment. “The perfect breed for you depends on your lifestyle and commitments, both now and in years to come,” says Jo Sellers, who runs Pippins Pets Dog Training in Surrey.
To choose a breed, Sellers suggests looking at what they were originally developed to do. Working dogs such as Border collies and German shepherds were bred for demanding tasks and often need lots of stimulation. Toy breeds, by contrast, were bred mainly for companionship, and are typically smaller and less physically demanding.
Before approaching a breeder or heading to a rescue centre, make a list of the traits you’d like in a dog, suggests Sellers, and decide which ones are off-limits.
It’s also worth remembering that breed isn’t everything. “Breed alone isn’t a reliable indicator of how a dog will behave,” says Dom Burke, behaviour policy officer at Dogs Trust. “Every dog is an individual shaped by their previous experiences.”
Ready to find your match? These are the top breeds recommended by our experts.
Best for: indoor companionship
“Bichons are often a good fit,” says behaviourist and trainer Jeanette Muldoon, who runs The Family Dog Club in Southampton. “They’re a toy breed, so they enjoy companionship.” Bichons also tend to be sociable.
The main catch is their coat, which needs brushing every day or two. “You need to ask yourself if you can commit to a lot of brushing,” says Sellers. If your hands become arthritic, regular professional grooming may become necessary.
Best for: engaging your brain
Toy poodles can suit allergy sufferers because they have a low-shedding coat.
The 'toy' part of their name refers to their size. They are still a working breed and need mental stimulation, explains Sellers. Puzzle feeders, scent games or short training sessions can keep them happy.
Best for: affection
Yorkies are one of the smallest dog breeds, making them easy to handle and suitable for smaller homes. They are often affectionate and sociable. “Yorkies can suit people who like to spend time in cafés,” says Sellers.
They do, however, have a reputation for being yappy. Muldoon says barking often happens because owners miss earlier signs that they feel uncomfortable. Their small size can also make them anxious outside, but training can help.
Best for: relaxing together
Gentle and eager to please, Cavalier King Charles spaniels are often happiest close to their owners: curled up beside them on a sofa or accompanying them on relaxed walks.
The breed is brachycephalic, meaning it has a flat face and squished-up nose. This can cause breathing problems and increase the risk of heatstroke. Ask breeders about testing for brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS), to reduce the likelihood of health problems.
Best for: long walks
Labradors (see main image above) are one of the UK’s most popular dog breeds. Labs tend to be friendly and affectionate, and love people.
As a working breed, they need training and play. However, like other breeds, labradors have working and show lines. “The working lines are your Olympic athletes – the show line is happier on the sofa,” says Sellers. They are more sedate.
All labradors, though, are large and strong. That matters because our balance and reflexes may reduce with age. Instead of a puppy, consider getting a young dog that has passed the hormonal teenage stage.
Best for: a calm presence
“Greyhounds are often thought of as high energy,” says Burke of Dogs Trust. “They’re not. They can suit someone who can manage a few shorter walks each day.”
Many rescue greyhounds spend time in foster care after retiring from racing, where they may be house-trained.
Poodle crossbreeds are hugely popular because they combine traits from both breeds. The cavapoo (a King Charles cavalier crossed with a poodle), for example, tends to be affectionate like the former, and intelligent like the latter. But it can also inherit health issues, from heart problems to hip dysplasia, says Sellers. Check that they've been tested for genetic conditions.
The cockapoo (a cocker spaniel cross) adds a splash of liveliness into the mix. “I love them, but they can be difficult to handle,” says Muldoon. “It can be a lot of work just to get a brush near them.”
Working breeds such as beagles, Border collies and German shepherds can require a lot of training and energy.
Puppies can also be demanding. “Puppies are all teeth and toenails,” warns Sellers, and their bites can be painful.
Rehoming an older dog can be a good solution. “A lot of older dogs want a quiet life and are easier to handle,” says Sellers.
Some end up in rescue centres simply because their owner’s circumstances have changed. “You might be able to give that dog years of bliss,” says Sellers. “It could work out really well.”
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