Best breed for older people

[FruHagen]

Hi all,

I am looking to get a dog for my Mum who is 80 but active. Anyone have any input on good breeds that enjoy constant company, short daily walks (30 mins x 2) and are good lap dogs?

She has a nice house, garden, loads of time and can walk daily but not for really long hikes/walks.

Ideally we would like an older dog - out of the puppy phase as that would be too much for her.
4 years and older.

Any thoughts welcome

I would imagine it's more the individual dog that would be suitable or not rather than a breed.
Are there some rescues you can contact and speak to and tell them what your mum and you are able to offer and see if any are suitable?

Sorry to be a cliche but retired racing greyhounds are awesome as quiet pets.

Our neighbour has a miniature long haired dachshund, she's absolutely beautiful and such fantastic company. She had her from a pup but managed just fine (she's in her late '70's). She has a couple of short walks a day and loves to cuddle up on the sofa with her. She sleeps on the end of her bed. Loves company but is happy to be left alone when she pops out for a couple of hours.

Rescues will rehomed older dogs (usually because their former owners have unfortunately died) to older people and it's usually a huge success. My neighbour has a 10 yo wee terrier cross who has brought her so much joy, it makes me smile every time I see the two of them pootling up the path and back again.

Cavalies, pugs

@FanOnCurtainsClosed

Sorry to be a cliche but retired racing greyhounds are awesome as quiet pets.

Agree

Someone I know had a permanent foster from the cinnamon trust , he was a bedlington who was used to living with an elderly person . Might be worth trying them .

Since when were greyhounds lapdogs?

Since when were greyhounds lapdogs?
I know but it wouldn't be mumsnet if a retired greyhound wasn't recommended.
How about a bichon frise or a shih tzu? Or a cross like a zuchon or cavapoo? All lap dogs that can have shorter walks

True

Bichon?

I'm not going to post a photo but I can guarantee greyhounds are sofa dogs. I agree not lapdogs however we are all known as chin rests in this house

Also agree with retired greyhound

I grew up with them, very chilled out dogs who love to sleep and happy with a short walk .

I don't have them as a adult as we are a active family but they definitely are suited to a sedate life style

I wouldn’t think a greyhound would be suitable for an older person. They are huge strong dogs and many have a strong prey drive which can be difficult to manage. Definitely a small companion breed like a bichon or shi tzu (maybe not a cavapoo in case you end up with something with a poodles energy/need for stimulation)

Oooh thanks for all the suggestions.

I do love a Greyhound myself but my Mum needs a small dog I think.

So I have some ideas now, thanks!

The next question is, where do I get an older dog for example? It seems like there's only puppies available to buy. We have cash to spend and I am inclined towards spending on a dog who is right for her. We have rescued many dogs in the past but at her age she cannot handle any behavior issues.

If you can find a very good Cavalier King Charles breeder, that would be the ideal breed imo. Unfailingly gentle and sweet dogs. There are a few breeders who are working hard on producing healthy animals.

There are rescue centres that are rehoming dogs without behaviour problems. People lost jobs, relationship breakdowns etc. It's a case of contacting centres with requirements.

Problems with buying a dog (not a puppy) is there's no real back up. No way to know if the owner is telling the truth.

We did actually have a very successful private rehome of a collie a few years ago and it worked perfectly but I wouldn't do it again because people lie.

You can 100% find a dog without behavioural issues from a rescue. Q

Try the cinnamon trust as suggested. They might have something.

Call up your local shelter, they will know which are best

Greyhounds absolutely can be lapdogs - ours appeared to have no idea how big she was and would get as much of herself on your knee as possible. She would even sit on DCs small laps if they let her. They do curl up really small and don't take up as much room as you might think they will.

@FanOnCurtainsClosed

Sorry to be a cliche but retired racing greyhounds are awesome as quiet pets.

Totally agree, not lap dogs but fit all the other criteria and are generally very chilled and quite lazy

The popular choice round here appears to be the Westie, often in pairs. Unfortunately they yap.

Baring in mind some small dogs are extremely yappy that might send your mum around the bend. So I'd check that out first. If anything ever happened to your mum would you take the dog in? Something else you might want to consider when choosing a breed.

@Gladimnotcampinginthisweather took me so long to write that that it sort of cross posted