What breed(s) of dog would be best for an elderly woman, as a good, low-maintenance companion? Read details.?

Question

My fiance's grandfather just passed away very unexpectedly, and his grandmother is starting to get pretty lonely. Her mental health seems to be diminishing quickly as well. Everyone in the family is taking turns spending time with her and helping her out as much as possible, but she needs a good, full-time companion for when nobody can be there for a few hours. (The dog was her idea, by the way, I am not trying to a push a responsibility on her).

I love dogs and have 2 of my own, but unfortunately I'm only familiar with the size, temperament, and personality of a handful of breeds. Is anybody out there really familiar with a large number of breeds or has anyone been in a similar situation and has some helpful recommendations??

Requirements:
-SMALL... But not too tiny and yippy, you know what I mean? No more than 1 ft tall full-grown.
-SOCIAL... But not too hyper and won't require a tremendous amount of activity since she can't get around very well (she will not be able to walk it, but she does have a reasonable-sized, fenced yard and a big house)
-LAP DOG... Not too heavy to move when she needs to get up though.
-LOW-MAINTENANCE... Not so hairy that it will shed and get knots all the time or anything...
-GOOD WITH A CAT... She has a 4 year old, very shy, declawed cat.
-CALM... She has a lot of breakables, antiques, and other valuables. The house can only be dog-proofed so much. So nothing too rambunctious and jumpy. And also one that won't bark too much and disturb her or her neighbors.
-CLEAN... Good sense of cleanliness and won't poop all over the house until it gets fully trained.
-INTELLIGENT... Won't run in front of her when she's walking or using a walker or wheelchair, and will be able to learn quickly to go outside if we install a doggy-door.


PS: For now, I'm just trying to get some ideas and facts together before we consider it too seriously... IF we decide to get her a dog, we'd most likely go to an SPCA to rescue one, and preferably find one that's maybe a year old so that it's past the incredibly hyper "puppy-years".

Loki my springer! · Accepted Answer

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

This will be the perfect little dog. They are calm and quiet, not very energetic but always ready to go on a walk. The coat is not as long as it looks in some picture though it is a medium.

Really...believe me about the coat on this one. These were the two I used to have
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29735570@N08/2775165721/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29735570@N08/2845972193/

Cavaliers make the perfect breed for lap dogs and are very social and friendly. Please read more about this truly wonderful breed at these sites.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cavalierkingcharlesspaniel.htm
http://www.pedigree.com.au/breeds/?b=48&p=C&pp=
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100067/

Shan-Lizziie-x · Answer

The best thing would be to buy a bit more of an older dog. Around 3-4years. 
I would suggest a cavalier king charles spaniel. 
They are smallish. but not too small. Calm Sweet and intelligent.They are easy to house train and can be very friendly. They are happy to sit around or to go for a walk. 
This is a cavalier;
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images16/CavalierKingCharlesSpanielDaphne.JPG

Sad · Answer

Maybe something like a West Highland Terrier, they're very sweet..  Definitely go to the SPCA and also check www.petfinder.com and look at the rescue organizations too.  There is probably a West Highland Terrier rescue (or other small breed of your choice.)  I would also recommend an adult, a puppy would be too crazy for her!!

cameo&#39;s Mom · Answer

Best place to start is looking at the SPCA and take Grandma along of course.  Tell her you plan on going at such and such a time convient for her and that you can go look anytime she wants.  There will be so many dogs that the people who work there can steer you in the right direction.  Dogs that have already been companions for sr.s and family couldn't keep etc.  Just ask ahead and then go...Thanks for looking out for Grandma.....

Add:  They have dogs of all ages at the SPCA,  I am sure that Grandma will find just what she wants if she looks.

John B · Answer

You'd really want an adult(like 3 years) because 1 year is still in the puppy stages

as for clean, all dogs will poop in the house unless trained not to, unless you adopt a housebroken adult

I would have said shih tzu but you wouldnt like the hair.... you can get a puppy cut i guess

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Anonymous · Answer

Best Lap Dogs For Elderly

panache · Answer

An adult poodle would be good,less grooming than a cavalier and easier and cheaper to find

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What breed(s) of dog would be best for an elderly woman, as a good, low-maintenance companion? Read details.?

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