A companion dog for an elderly person

Is the dog for an elderly person? If so, a small dog can be a blessing. It will give the person a small pet that can be held and caressed while often making for an excellent little alarm system.

Unfortunately, the small breeds can also prove to be a hazard. Many dogs like to run around or through their owner’s feet. These can often cause falls resulting in broken bones. At the same time, a large dog can provide a great feeling of security but a large puppy can cause the same problems as a small dog. Once again you will want to check out the normal temperament of the breeds you are considering.

There are many breeds that are known to have calm dispositions once they mature past the puppy stage. These include Golden Retrievers, Collies, American Eskimos and Shetland Sheepdogs as well as many more. When choosing a dog, keep in mind the maintenance. Is the elderly person capable of maintaining a pet? Does the elderly person suffer from arthritis or some other condition that would make regular grooming a painful chore? If so, you will want to go with a shorthaired breed that requires minimal care.