Not only do senior citizens tend to have more time and attention to devote to the care of their pets; those who own a dog have been shown to have lower blood pressure, increased social interactions and healthier exercise habits.
Several lifestyle factors should be considered before choosing a dog. Take into account your activity level, living situation and the amount of care you are able to provide.
The following 10 breeds are excellent choices for seniors, but they certainly aren’t the only ones! Whether you choose a puppy or an adult; a purebred or a mutt; what matters most is that your personalities and lifestyles are in sync and that there is plenty of love between you!
1. Poodle
Poodles are highly intelligent and fiercely devoted to their families. They are known to excel at agility competitions, but they also shine in more mellow roles as service or therapy dogs. Another benefit to the Poodle is that they come in 3 distinct sizes from Toy to Standard to suit any lifestyle.
2. Maltese
Don’t let the Maltese’s playful nature and energetic spirit fool you. These dogs love nothing more than to be the cherished lapdog of their favorite human. They were extremely popular among royalty and the wealthy elite in 20th century Europe. Happy to go for a rejuvenating walk or simply bask in your adoration, the Maltese is a diverse and loving companion.
3. Shih Tzu
These fluffy cuties aren’t so small as to get under your feet, nor are they too big to pick up and snuggle! Shih Tzus are the full package for seniors. They love to lift your spirits with their playful, clownish antics, but they are also content to curl up with you while you read or watch TV. Shih Tzus live to make their humans happy and tend to be highly trainable.
via Whisker Therapy