A good companion breed for older folks

[MintyfreshSW]

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?

I don’t have dogs for the same reason I don’t have children - I’m scared they would be badly treated by me by accident. I’m no dog person which is why I suggested an energetic cat might be a better solution - cats tend to be self-sufficient and so if you’re having a bad pain or fatigue day you literally just have to feed them and clean out the litter tray, but if you’re having an energetic day they’ll want some playtime! Overweight labs aren’t ideal but are sadly the norm. Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world. I’d rather see a portly and well-loved Labrador seeing out their and their owners’ later years in peace than a stressed but fit one being put on a regime which really puts them on high alert. I know pet obesity is a problem but sometimes you need the lesser of two evils.

It might be worth checking with the Cinnamon Trust, they look for homes for dogs as 'long term foster' with vet bills paid and back up care available. These will be dogs previously owned by an older person who has become ill etc.

Miniature poodle. They are utterly fantastic dogs.

I'm a dog sitter so have experienced all sorts of dogs and I have two cavalier king charles myself - I would highly recommend cavalier king charles! They are very laid back, only require small walks or a decent garden to run around in. They are calm, loving and obedient and really suitable for any age. Another alternative would be an older rescue over the age of 5 preferably, they're a lot more chilled out when they get to that age. I look after a Jack Russell mix who's 10 and before minding him, I had a really low opinion of Jack Russell's, but he has changed my mind entirely and I wouldn't hesitate to adopt/rescue an old jack russell now.

We have a rescue Lhasa Apso and she is happy with a couple of strolls a day (she doesn't want to go out if its raining or snowy) and then likes nothing better than to be snuggled up on the sofa with one of her humans

I also think that an older rescue would be ideal. Puppies are exhausting. That or a a dashaund. Would certainly steer away from most spaniels, cute though they are.

I too agree with the older rescue plan, and I'd add that small-to-medium may be a better option than tiny-to-small. I don't know how agile your parents are but a tiny dog can easily get underfoot, and it's a long way to bend down to them.

There will be loads of older dogs in rescue who would be perfectly suited to a life of quiet luxury and fuss but they won't necessarily be particular breeds, I'd go along with an open mind.

That or a a dashaund.

I think a Dachshund would be a poor choice. They need a lot of walking and can suffer with severe separation anxiety and can often be quite reactive with other dogs, especially the miniatures.

I don't think it's a breed for older people at all, especially if they don't have experience of the breed.

Bichon frise would be ideal, only downside is grooming requirements. I keep mine clipped short/shaved as i don’t have a lot of time for brushing.

Throwing in a Boston terrier. They're not a sporting terrier so aren't as active as other terrier breeds. Very affectionate, not known for health issues, recommended as apartment dogs who like to laze around and relax in the sunny spots. I have two and they're a dream. They're small but stubborn and have bags of personality.

I know I’ve spoken out of turn on this thread, again, but I’m going to repeat my vote for a cat. Either an older rescue - domestic shorthair or some such who will curl up by the fire/in front of the telly with you or a younger, more energetic breed who will want play! Not all cats are aloof and mean, just take care not to get a bitey one if you’re on warfarin. You can choose to go for a walk or not if you feel up to it, the cat doesn’t need to come along, and if you feed them and clean their tray they will amuse themselves or be up for some play when you want. End of cat speech :)

My mum had a Bichon Frise when she was in her late 60s to early 80.

i’ve never had a yappy yorkie 🤷‍♀️. In 50 years.

they’re intelligent little dogs and work out very quickly what gets them attention.

i’ve had to train my latest one to bark at the door/when someone is outside. Other than that he’s a stealth dog.

I agree with most pp- cairn, yorkie, poodle- anything along those lines.

i will say my mum’s dog needs regular walking and this has kept her fit and active into her 80’s, so don’t rule out something that needs a bit of walking.

Doesn’t have to be a rescue greyhound, we rescued a lurched from Ireland and same- she often won’t leave her bed until the end of the day, and lives happily with a cat. Sometimes she refuses a walk if she isn’t in the mood.

an adult lurcher that has been housetrained would be perfect and slightly smaller than a greyhound.

WHY are people recommending cats when the op says they want to take a dog away in their camper van at weekends??

I second a Cav or Bishon Frise. Or a toy Poodle.

I would also suggest a Bichobn Frisé. Great little dogs.

@CeciledeVolangesdeNouveau but OP specifically wants a dog she can take away with her in her camper van 🫣

I'm really glad your cat has helped you - and I get it, I have three cats, but this is a thread about companion dogs!

but surely you can’t accept that not having had a happy yorkie in half a century is very much unusual given this breed

you have not just spoken out of turn

you have completely ignored what the Op is asking for

Sounds like the perfect scenario to rescue a slightly older dog.
They could look at/talk to a few rescues and find something laid back that just needs company.

Point taken.

A schoolfriend had a Lhasa apso who was admittedly very sweet and cuddly, but affectionately know as "the draught excluder" because almost all he did was lie in front of his favourite door and snooze.

I have a friend now with a Norfolk terrier, and he seems happy with whatever is on offer whether it's a long walk, a short one, a play in the garden. He was easy to train and generally good fun. He likes a cuddle too.

The other very sweet small dog I know is a Japanese Chin, but looking after the coat would put me off.

They need long walks. Otherwise they will get unhealthy and overweight. I had Cairns as a teenager, they do need lots of walks and stimulation. They were bred to do a job. Lovely dogs but I wouldn't recommend one to someone who isn't active.

Same to who recommended a Lancashire heeler, they are also very active dogs and very clever.

My great aunt has a miniature schnauzer who is such a good dog, really well behaved and sweet tempered, I think she had been a great help to her.

I second this.
We lost our lovely little Norfolk Terrier last year and I can honestly say he was THE best dog I’ve ever had the pleasure to own. Everyone loved him, he was truly delightful (miss him every day).

My friend has a Cavapoo, she is also a delightful little dog.