7 Great Dog Breeds for Seniors

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Dogs make wonderful companions for pet parents of all ages. Having a dog as a companion can help reduce stress, improve or prevent depression and anxiety, and encourage an active lifestyle. Mobile seniors who have canine companions tend to take more care of themselves and feel a need to get out of the house and be social with their companions.

There are many dog breeds that are well-suited for seniors, but most senior dog owners do better with small dogs. Take a look at the list below for tips on what small dogs make for great senior companions.

1. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a happy, affectionate dog who makes a great companion. Bichon Frises are easy to train and other than periodic grooming of their fluffy and curly coat, they are low-maintenance. They weigh between seven to 12 pounds and enjoy daily moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy.

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2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a puppy-like small dog that loves to snuggle. The affectionate and adaptable breed weighs between 11 to 18 pounds and is easy to handle. Their medium-length silky, wavy coat does need regular brushing. The Cavalier is a friendly, intelligent, quiet, and a very patient small dog. They are well-suited for apartment living, as they know how to match the activity level of their masters.

3. French Bulldog

Seeing the cheerful face of the compact and muscular French Bulldog will put you in a happy mood. Weighing between 19 to 28 pounds, the Frenchie is an active breed full of energy. Moderate daily exercise is enough to keep Frenchies healthy, and they have minimal grooming needs thanks to a short coat. Frenchies may be sturdy, but they do have health problems such as brachycephalic syndrome and skin issues.

Dogs will need to see the veterinarian for routine medical treatment and preventative care, but some breeds are more prone to injuries or health conditions. Paying for vet bills out of pocket can get expensively quickly, but a pet insurance plan can help with the costs. Pet Insurance is like health insurance but for your furry friend.

iSelect.com.au helps pet owners compare accidental injury and illness policies from a range of pet insurance companies. Illness, emergency care, surgery, cancer treatment, preventative care, and more can become more affordable with the right comprehensive pet insurance plan. Compare pet insurance with iSelect to find the right plan to keep your furry friend healthy.

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4. Maltese

For a people-loving small dog who doesn’t like to be alone, a Maltese is a great senior companion. They are lively, fearless, and live moderately active lives from puppyhood through old age. The lapdog does need to have it’s silky white coat brushed daily to keep it looking nice, but they don’t shed much. The Maltese breed doesn’t mind being carried around in a bag, but they also enjoy short easy walks.

5. Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a well mannered and trainable small dog that is well-suited to a relaxed lifestyle. Bostons are easy to groom, like to layabout, but can be bossy and difficult to housetrain. These little dogs work well with pet owners who show leadership.

As a dog owner, teaching your dog how to walk well on a leash is as important as housebreaking them. A great way to train a leash puller is to switch over to the best no pull dog harness on the market. Joyride Harness offers high quality, veterinarian-approved harness for dogs that pull.

The simple design of the vest-style harness is sturdy enough to give complete control over strong pullers and will never pull on your dog’s neck. Unlike a regular harness, Joyride’s no-pull harness features a comfortable design that won’t irritate your dog’s sensitive underarms. The harness fits based on your dog’s weight class, ensuring a perfect fit for better control during your daily walks.

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6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi makes for a smart companion. Despite their tiny legs, Corgis are herding dogs by nature and need daily walks. Weighing between 24 to 30 pounds, Corgis require minimal grooming.

7. Poodle

The Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds and makes for a clever companion. The breed comes in three sizes: Toy, Minature, and Standard. They are adaptable, highly trainable, loyal, and affectionate. Poodles enjoy daily walks, barely shed, and only need professional grooming every month or two.

These are seven of the most popular dog breeds for seniors looking for the companionship of a furry friend.