There’s a lot to be said for what a dog can do for the quality of a person’s life after age 50. Study after study has shown that dog ownership increases survival rates after heart attacks, lowers incidents of depression and suicide, increases physical activity, and promotes more social interaction with other people of all ages. Dog ownership can lower cholesterol and triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, reduce stress, and help build self-esteem, increase mental alertness, and lift the spirits of people with Alzheimer's disease. More importantly, seniors tend to take better care of themselves when they own and care for a pet.
There’s a lot to be said for what a dog can do for the quality of a person’s life after age 50. Study after study has shown that dog ownership increases survival rates after heart attacks, lowers incidents of depression and suicide, increases physical activity, and promotes more social interaction with other people of all ages. Dog ownership can lower cholesterol and triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, reduce stress, and help build self-esteem, increase mental alertness, and lift the spirits of people with Alzheimer's disease. More importantly, seniors tend to take better care of themselves when they own and care for a pet.
While any pet will improve the quality of a senior’s life, small dogs seem to be the most preferred choice among seniors. Small breeds are small enough to be lap dogs without the weight and bulk that can overwhelm an elderly person. They’re easier to pick up, to groom, and to clean up after. They’re also less likely to knock someone over if they get excited, and they are less expensive to care for. They don’t eat as much as a larger dog, they live an average 3-to-7 years longer than a big dog, and most apartments and condos welcome smaller dogs more easily than they do larger ones. Since many seniors travel, smaller dogs also adapt better to car, plane, hotel or vacation stays, or RV travel.
Whether you’re a senior thinking about getting a companion dog, or you’re looking at small dog breeds for a parent, sibling, friend, or spouse, it’s important to consider the future owner’s living situation and their health. Do you want a dog that will force you to be more active — who needs walking and exercise every day or a dog who is content to go outside to potty then come back in and resume their spot on the couch?
Do you have grandchildren or children from your neighborhood who will interact with the child? Pick a breed that is known to be child-friendly, not nervous, agitated or snippy around children.
How much time will you be able to devote to grooming? Many small breeds require daily grooming, such as combing, and clipping, and regular nail clipping and shaving. Will the dog be professionally bathed and groomed, or can you tend to the dog’s grooming needs yourself? What kind of grooming budget do you have? Think about your lifestyle before you choose. Consider things like exercise, training, socializing the animal, walking it, cleaning up after it, and the amount of attention the dog will require. Some small breeds hate to be left alone for long periods of time. Can you take the dog with you when you shop, dine out, or travel?
Beagle https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle/
Height: 13 inches & under, 13-15 inches
Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Beagles are highly sociable dogs. They’re friendly, affectionate and patient. They enjoy the company of both children and adults. They’re very family oriented and tolerant of not-so-gentle touch from smaller children.
Bichon Frises https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Often used as therapy dogs, Bichon Frises love children. Alert and curious, Bichons make nice little watchdogs—but they are lovers, not fighters. They’ll bark, but then lick and love on whoever walks in the door. They love hugs and snuggles — making them great companions for anyone who lives alone and needs or wants frequent hugs and cuddles.
Maltese https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Maltese dogs are the original lapdogs. They have an even, stable personality that can make any senior smile and any heart melt. Smart, loyal and intelligent they love spending time with their owners. More than most breeds, how they’re raised and socialized will determine whether they’re friendly, approachable and humble, or arrogant and snippy with strangers.
Maltipoo http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/maltipoo#/slide/1
Height: 8 inches to 1 foot, 2 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 5 to 20 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
Although not really a breed, the Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle and has the best characteristics of both. Often referred to as a “designer dog,” they’re very affectionate and gentle. They’re easy to train, intelligent, and social animals. They make excellent therapy dogs. They’re also very hypoallergenic if you have animal allergies.
Mini Schnauzer https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-schnauzer/
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 11-20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Their almost human-like facial appearance, bushy mustache, and obedient personalities make these bright, friendly, dogs the perfect dog for seniors. They get along well with other animals and kids. They’re sturdy and family oriented, and they make great watchdogs.
Pomeranian https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pomeranian/
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
The Pomeranian is a great family dog. If your senior lives alone these brave little creatures make great watchdogs and loyal companions. They have huge personalities and love to learn and show off new tricks. Easily trained, they live to please and enjoy being cuddled. They love to give and receive attention, don’t require much exercise, and enjoy being around their owner.
Spaniels https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cocker-spaniel/
Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
You can’t go wrong with a Cocker Spaniel. They’re very laid back dogs and are rarely if ever, overwhelmed by anything. They’re famous for their big dreamy eyes, long ears, and adoring expressions. They’re very calm and quiet dogs and don’t require a lot of exercise, although as puppies they do enjoy playing.
Shih Tzu https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu/
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
These dogs don’t require much exercise other than walking around the yard to “do their business.” and are very, very good at what they were bred to do—sit in people’s laps. They are excellent with children and seniors, and not aggressive in any way. Think of them as Teddy Bears with long hair.
Yorkshire Terrier https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/
Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
If you are an active senior this is the perfect dog. Yorkshire terriers are big dogs in little bodies. They have a lot of confidence, attitude, and presence, and personality. They love to boss their owners around - if their owners let them. They are more active than most small dog breeds and they like to get out and socialize and meet new people and dogs.
When considering any puppy or dog for your home, consider what you’ll need when he comes home and how you will handle potty pad training both at home and while traveling. Try a free sample of WizSmart dog pads and see the difference the right pad can make!