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Dogs are social and affectionate animals that adore human company, great for a retiree who wants to receive and give love. Also, they are proved to be great for one’s emotional and physical health. A walk in the park with a dog can change your mood for the rest of your day, while also forcing you to do some exercise.
Science has already confirmed this hypothesis. In fact, a 2019 scientific study found that people with dogs were more likely to have better cardiac health due to the active lifestyle they’ve acquired with them, different from those with other kinds of pets or no pets whatsoever.
But, each dog is different, just as human beings. So, which are the best dog breeds for retirees?
The Bichon Frize breed is sweet and friendly and is often perfect for older people looking for companionship. They are great pets for first time dog owners. These low-maintenance pups aren’t difficult to potty train. An important tip: keep its snow-white hair looking fluffy, it needs to be groomed every five weeks or so.
Also,they are friendly and playful and get along well with other pets and children. Due to their size and weight they are easy to carry. Bichon Frizes do not require long walks to keep them happy, but are fine with 20-30 minute walks.
Breed Summary
Height: 24 to 26 centimeters
Weight: 2.5 to 3.5 kilos
Life expectancy: 14 to 15 years
It’s easy to fall in love with these guys big eyes and long ears. They are very friendly and are easily kissed and hugged. They have an eager-to-please personality, which makes them easy to train them. They also only require a moderate amount of exercise, which can be good for less active retirees. Beauty, of course, requires attention: you have to brush their hair once a day.
Breed Summary
Height: 30 to 33 centimeters
Weight: 5 to 8 kilos
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Miniature Schnauzers are one of the most adaptable dog breeds. Originally bred as a farm dog in Germany, they like both indoors and outdoors. Small, robust, hypoallergenic and cuddly, they are great for rambunctious grandchildren. And their calmness makes them excellent therapy animals. Miniature Schnauzers play hard and relax a lot. They need a moderate amount of daily exercise, but are also good at just lounging around while their owners watch TV or cook dinner.
Breed Summary
Height: 30 to 35 centimeters
Weight: 4 to 9 kilos
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Recognizable by their white mane and dark, almond-shaped eyes, West Highland White Terriers (also known as Westies) are friendly and loving companions for active seniors. Westies are still small enough to handle and make good apartment dogs, as long as they take their long daily walks. Westies really like to play. Westies aren’t soft, though: Beneath their fur is a well-muscled body. Bred to be rodent killers, Westies require little pampering and rarely shed. For retirees looking for a little excitement in their days, Westies are a great choice.
Breed Summary
Height: 25 to 27 centimeters
Weight: 7 to 9 kilos
Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
For seniors who love being outdoors and would like a boost to exercise more, beagles are a good choice. Energetic, active and sociable, beagles love to play and go for long walks. And unlike other smaller dogs, they don’t require a lot of attention. They are fine, even happy, to be left alone for a while. They are very low maintenance when it comes to arrangements. Younger beagles require constant exercise, so older people may find adopting an older beagle a less physically demanding option. Besides, their short, dense, wash-and-wear coat is great if you are not that into grooming.
Breed Summary
Height: 33 to 38 centimeters
Weight: 3 to 13 kilos
Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Anyways, dogs are awesome. Even if you want to adopt one, dogs will acompany you at the different stages of your life, whether your a kid or a grown up. And what best than sharing your new home with a new friend? If you want to be part of the active adult communities we have to offer, just contact us and we’ll give you a hand!