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The doghouse

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Original poster

A good companion breed for older folks

134 replies

MintyfreshSW · 29/12/2023 17:55

My parents are in their sixties and tbh not the most active. They had an Italian greyhound for 16 years but as she got older she didn’t require lots of exercise.
They were heartbroken by her passing and a year later are starting to consider if they would like another dog.
They would be suited to a smaller breed as they love to take their camper van away at weekends with the dog, and one that’s a good companion/lap dog who doesn’t need hours of walking a day.
Any recommendations?

OP posts:
whenlifegivesyou · 29/12/2023 17:56

Cavalier King Charles spaniel

rochethenut · 29/12/2023 17:57

whenlifegivesyou · 29/12/2023 17:56

Cavalier King Charles spaniel

they might not need it

but mine bloody loves it

defi · 29/12/2023 17:58

Lancashire heeler best money you'll spend

Ylvamoon · 29/12/2023 18:31

Tibetan Terrier if they are up for the busy puppy stage!
Exercise is second to their need for companionship.

muddyford · 30/12/2023 13:10

Papillon.

Whaleandsnail6 · 30/12/2023 21:49

I know its a mumsnet cliche and Not small but would they consider a retired greyhound? They dont require hours of exercise, are gentle and usually calm, love to snuggle on the bed or settee, generally good travellers due to being used to it and in spite of being tall and lanky, can fold themselves up small. Ive had 2 and think they are fantastic dogs

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 30/12/2023 22:01

I’ve got cavs and I do think they do need a good hour or so a day. Much less and they are very unsettled and annoying in the house.
Shi tzu, bichon or a yorkie?

RuthW · 30/12/2023 22:41

Greyhound

Phoenix76 · 30/12/2023 22:43

Having had 4 yorkies I can 100% say they'd be a fantastic match. Happy to lay on laps for long periods, although we take ours out a lot they often make it clear they'd rather stay in. As long as their needs are met they'll be very happy.

wetotter · 30/12/2023 22:44

One of the less obstinate small terriers: Norfolk, Norwich, Cairns, Border

All smashing little dogs, can go all day, but also happy on a lap

ilovepixie · 30/12/2023 22:46

Lhasa apso. Small and loves cuddling up on your lap and doesn't need much exercise.

rochethenut · 31/12/2023 05:38

Phoenix76 · 30/12/2023 22:43

Having had 4 yorkies I can 100% say they'd be a fantastic match. Happy to lay on laps for long periods, although we take ours out a lot they often make it clear they'd rather stay in. As long as their needs are met they'll be very happy.

the yapping though!!!

OzziePopPop · 31/12/2023 06:10

Bichon Frisée, cute, small but not tiny, loves people and is cuddly. Ours was easy to train and reasonably intelligent but not ‘sharp’

doodlepants · 31/12/2023 06:21

W have a jack russell chihuahua cross and I'd recommend the breed to anyone. Very cuddly and sweet natured and doesn't need very long walks because of the chihuahua side. His favourite activity is sitting on the sofa and cuddling.

CeciledeVolangesdeNouveau · 31/12/2023 06:25

I don’t know much about dogs but Labrador. I know this isn’t the world’s most ethical advice but they can get nice and fat and have a patter round the block when it suits the owners. Or a cat! A sleepy breed like an English shorthair or a weird one like a Siamese or Bengal (our little Bengal entertains herself, has a little play in my bed and sleeps the rest of the time). They aren’t as all-out affectionate as dogs but cats can love and do so.

Hellohah · 31/12/2023 07:27

CeciledeVolangesdeNouveau · 31/12/2023 06:25

I don’t know much about dogs but Labrador. I know this isn’t the world’s most ethical advice but they can get nice and fat and have a patter round the block when it suits the owners. Or a cat! A sleepy breed like an English shorthair or a weird one like a Siamese or Bengal (our little Bengal entertains herself, has a little play in my bed and sleeps the rest of the time). They aren’t as all-out affectionate as dogs but cats can love and do so.

Labradors shouldn't get fat, that's the problem.
Every Lab I know is overweight and every single one of them is on regular medication for dysplasia and arthritis. They seem to live in a world of frustration and pain with no real quality of life :(
A good weight, healthy lab will need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.

TootenCarMoon · 31/12/2023 07:31

My 10 yr old Lab is a restless hooligan if he doesn’t go for 2/3 walks a day.
I agree, they shouldn’t be overweight and I’ve been told mine is too small because he doesn’t have the Lab waddle.

Black ones seem to be less prone to be bigger, all the black ones I know and walk with are athletic.

TerfTalking · 31/12/2023 07:34

CeciledeVolangesdeNouveau · 31/12/2023 06:25

I don’t know much about dogs but Labrador. I know this isn’t the world’s most ethical advice but they can get nice and fat and have a patter round the block when it suits the owners. Or a cat! A sleepy breed like an English shorthair or a weird one like a Siamese or Bengal (our little Bengal entertains herself, has a little play in my bed and sleeps the rest of the time). They aren’t as all-out affectionate as dogs but cats can love and do so.

God no, took DSs two year old lab out for two hours yesterday and he still dragged me home. My arms are out of my sockets today.

TootenCarMoon · 31/12/2023 07:35

A Greyhound is a good choice but you have the settling in period which isn’t always easy.

Freysimo · 31/12/2023 07:36

Whaleandsnail6 · 30/12/2023 21:49

I know its a mumsnet cliche and Not small but would they consider a retired greyhound? They dont require hours of exercise, are gentle and usually calm, love to snuggle on the bed or settee, generally good travellers due to being used to it and in spite of being tall and lanky, can fold themselves up small. Ive had 2 and think they are fantastic dogs

I agree. My auntie adopted a beautiful rescue greyhound in her late 70s, dog was 5. Dog didn't require masses of exercise, was happy to potter in garden and sleep after a short run. Dog had to be pts aged 12 and auntie died 6 months later. It was such a happy union.

RichPetunia · 31/12/2023 07:42

All dogs need exercise. I have a Frenchie who gets at least two hours exercise a day. She's inquisitive and happy. Anything less and she'd be so bored.
I am very surprised and dismayed at some of the suggestions here. Please, please research fully otherwise you'll have a very, very bored dog.

Greycottage · 31/12/2023 07:47

If “little exercise” is the top requirement, then retired greyhound is probably the best option. Never known a dog to love the sofa so much. Two 20-min walks a day and they are fine. Mine will hold his pee for
like 18hrs to avoid going outside. Really so lazy.

If it has to be small, then a shih tzu. I always see them with older people, very soft and affectionate.

useitorlose · 31/12/2023 07:49

I have a maltipoo whose favourite position is horizontal, preferably on or next to us. He loves a walk but happy to go slowly and sniff everything and generally does all his business in the first ten minutes.

Dragonbed · 31/12/2023 07:55

Fgs not a Labrador! They are ridiculously strong and need plenty of exercise.
Id second the bichon frise idea

margotrose · 31/12/2023 08:09

I don’t know much about dogs but Labrador. I know this isn’t the world’s most ethical advice but they can get nice and fat and have a patter round the block when it suits the owners.

What the actual fuck? Angry

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