Best dog for those who like a clean house: Groodle

Best dog for those who like a clean house: Groodle
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A cross between poodles and golden retrievers, groodles (or goldendoodles), which weigh between 22.6 to 40 kgs, are known for possessing the best traits of both breeds. They’re loyal, obedient and loving. For seniors with allergies, or those who prefer to avoid daily vacuuming, groodles, who mostly don’t shed and are hypoallergenic, make great companions. You don’t need to have been an experienced pet owner to adopt one: Groodle’s intelligence and easy-going temperament make them easy to train. Groodles do love exercise though, especially swimming. Bonus points if you’re a senior that lives by a body of water!

Breed Overview

Height:           48 to 61 cms

Weight:           13.6 to 20 kgs

Life expectancy:          10 to 15 years

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Best for active seniors: Westies

Best for active seniors: Westies
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Recognisable by their white mane and dark, almond-shaped eyes, the West Highland white terrier (aka Westie) are friendly, loving companions for active seniors. At 5.8 to 9 kgs, Westies are still small enough to handle and make good apartment dogs – as long as they get in their long, daily walks. Westies really, really like to play. Westies are no softies though: beneath their coat is a well-muscled body. Bred to be rodent killers, Westies require little pampering and they rarely shed. For seniors looking for a little bit of excitement in their days, westies will be sure to keep you on your toes.

Breed Overview

Height:             25.5 to 28 cms

Weight:           6.8 to 9 kgs

Life expectancy:          13 to 15 years

Check out these revealing secrets your dog knows about you.

Best dog that doesn’t bark: Shih Tzu

Best dog that doesn’t bark: Shih Tzu
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The name Shih Tzu means little lion, but the most fierce thing about this breed is their love for the owner. Shih Tzus bond very quickly with humans, making them great choices for seniors looking for a close canine companion. Weighing an of average 4 to 7 kgs, Shih Tzus, known for their long coats, pack a lot of personality in their small frame. They are a confident, happy-go-lucky breed with a bit of a stubborn streak. But they are less demanding and less yappy than other smaller toy dogs, making them a good choice for seniors who live in apartments. They are also not very energetic and only need a couple of short walks a day, making them perfect for non-active seniors.

Breed Overview

Height:             23 to 26.5 cms

Weight:           4 to 7 kgs

Life expectancy:          10 to 18 years

Easiest dog to care for: French bulldog

Easiest dog to care for: French bulldog
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With their big eyes, adorable scrunchy faces, and short legs, there’s a reason why French bulldogs are increasing popular today and one of the easiest dog breeds. Their gentle personality and low energy make them one of the best dogs for seniors with a less active lifestyle. These dogs are not big athletes, a walk around the block is all the exercise they need for the day.

French bulldogs’ small size (they weigh about 8.5 to 12.5 kgs) and the fact that they are not big barkers or yappers also make them one of the best apartment dogs. As an additional bonus, they are also excellent cuddlers and incredibly loyal.

Breed Overview

Height:             28 to 33 cms

Weight:           Under 12 kgs

Life expectancy:          10 to 12 years

Best guard dog: Pomeranian

Best guard dog: Pomeranian
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At 1.4 to 3 kgs, Pomeranians look like tiny puffballs. Their small size and affectionate personality make them easy to love. And their ability to remain calm in busy situations also makes them one of the best emotional support dogs, Dr Kinscher-Juran says. Pomeranians – whose hair comes in a variety of colours from white to black to cream – don’t seem to realise their small size. They are very alert, with a tendency to bark, making them excellent guard dogs for seniors. Though Pomeranians are lap dogs, they also have an independent streak, so active seniors don’t need to worry about Pomeranians clinging, like a barnacle, to them all day. Sometimes it’s good to have space!

Breed Overview

Height:             15 to 17.5 cms

Weight:           1.4 to 3 kgs

Life expectancy:          12 to 16 years

Best dog for seniors with a backyard: Beagle

Best dog for seniors with a backyard: Beagle
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For seniors who love being outdoors and would like an impetus to exercise more, beagles are a good choice. Energetic, active and sociable, beagles love to play and take long walks. And unlike other smaller dogs, they don’t require a ton of babysitting. They’re fine – content even – being left alone for a while. For seniors who don’t love playing beautician, beagles, with their short, dense, wash-and-wear coat, are a good choice. They are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Younger beagles require consistent exercise – so seniors might find adopting an older beagle a less physically demanding choice, Dr Kinscher-Juran says.

Breed Overview

Height:             33 to 38 cms

Weight:           9 to 13.6 kgs

Life expectancy:          10 to 15 years

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Source: RD.com

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