What is the best breed of dog for an elderly person who has fragile bones and poor mobility?
My Mom and I live together and I will be primarily responsible for the dog. I will be walking, exercising, feeding, grooming, transporting it to the vet, etc., so that is no problem. However, I do work full time and my Mom will be alone with the dog for 9-10 hours a day/5 days per week. My biggest concerns are her being knocked down or tripped by a dog. Her mobility is limited and she is not too steady on her feet. We have owned several dogs in the past but have not had a dog in about four years (our last dog died of old age four years ago). We don't want a dog that is too hyper or barky. I plan on getting the dog from a rescue or shelter. I am looking for a mature dog, not a puppy, since I work. I do have pet birds in the house so I would prefer something with a lower prey drive.
Anonymous2006-08-26T15:24:13Z
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One thing I would suggest is not getting a really small dog - lots of elderly people are hurt tripping over them. Your idea of getting an adult is great. Since you're getting a dog from a shelter or rescuing, I don't think the breed is too important. You'll see the adult dog and shelter staff can tell you about the dog's temperament (keeping in mind they won't really be themselves while they're in a shelter). A rescue dog would be a great idea - in over 35 years of living with various breeds of dogs, I have to say a greyhound is the quietest dog I've ever had in the house. They're content to lay around for hours at a time, seldom bark, are not hyper (there are a few exceptions of course), easy to groom, healthy and with you exercising the dog, they'd be ideal. I live with 3 of them right now and they're one of the breeds that's often used as pet therapy dogs visiting hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
Another choice might be a newfoundland which is also a very gentle, quiet breed and the newfie club has a rescue program if you want to try them. Good luck finding a new companion!
I would think something in the 40 - 50 lb range if you have a fenced yard so that the dog can just go out or if your mom has to walk the dog I would go for one a little smaller. but little dogs tend to jump on people so that they are noticed. poodles are nice dogs but they need to be groomed every 5-6 weeks and that gets expensive.mutes are a great dogs because you get a mix of good dogs all in one package. go to your local shelter and meet with some of the dogs and no matter the size you will know when you find him good luck with your search
You know I don't think you will find them at a shelter, but you might be able to find a rescue league that would help, Great Pyranes (sp?) or Newfoundlands are great, gentle adult dogs. They have very sweet tempers and unlike small dogs would most likely not get wrapped up in your mom's feet when she is trying to walk. They also enjoy just laying around the house, they are wonderful dogs. Good luck! :)
A chihuahua is a wonderful dog for an elderly person. Very small so they will not knock her down. They are great lap dogs and can be a wonderful companion. Can be yappy, but you can find one that doesn't seem to be so bad. Adult dogs aren't as bad about barking usually as a puppy would be.
I have a Pomerainian mix, stay away from the full bloods, they are the hyper ones. Great lap dog, very smart, very loyal, small poops, loves dry dog food.