Choosing an older dog rather than a puppy or a very young dog, and carefully considering the breed, will help you find a dog that is the right fit for your golden years. Here are some tips for choosing a dog once your lifestyle has mellowed:
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| The sweet, mellow Japanese Chin. Photo source: Wikipedia |
Choose a breed of dog that isn't high energy and one that isn't going to drag you down the street during walks. For example, Huskies and Border Collies are strong, high energy dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Japanese Chin however, are much more mellow!
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| Siberian Huskies are strong, super high energy dogs that require LOTS of exercise! This breed is not for the faint of heart. They also shed like crazy, but I love 'em! |
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| My girl Phoebe, a Havanese/Lhasa Apso mix is a total cuddle-bug! She was about 5 years old or so when we adopted her |
If shedding and the cost of grooming are a concern, look for a dog that's lower maintenance. The Keeshond is a good choice. They are a fairly mellow breed with a wonderful temperament. Looking at a Keeshond, you'd never know that they shed very little and are surprisingly low maintenance.
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| My friend Paulette's beautiful Keeshond, Tebo. He and Isis are good friends and both are Therapy Dogs. Keeshond's are surprisingly low maintenance! |
Other dog breeds that have gentle temperaments, lower energy levels, and are easier to train are; the Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie), Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, and the Papillion to name a few.
If you are ready to find a senior Best Furfriend Forever, search for breed-specific rescue organizations as well as shelters. One of the benefits of rescue organizations is that they usually have a smaller number of dogs than shelters. Their dogs typically live in a home environment which helps rescue staff get to know each dog individually. They can typically provide a lot of information about each of their dogs and will help you select the right dog for your lifestyle. Refer to my list of 8 questions to ask before you adopt a dog, as you search for your new BFF!
Click here for more benefits of adopting a senior dog, and to read about my favorite senior dog adoption - a 10 year old blind dog adopted by a military Veteran!
There's a senior dog out there who needs you, so go out and fetch him!
Do you have a story to share about a senior dog you've adopted? Leave us a comment, we love hearing from you!
THIS IS A MONDAY MISCHIEF BLOG HOP!!
8 comments:
What great advice!!
Smileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Wonderful advice, especially the part about huskies! BOL! SO true!!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Bentley wanted you to put Basset Hound on your gentle breed list. I told him that I'd tell you, but you'd have to add him a a major shedder too. BOL! I love senior dogs. ♥
Thank you Dory! Glad you stopped by to visit today!
Thanks, Jenna. I always chuckle when I'm sharing Husky advice - they are something else aren't they?! LOL!
I don't know much about the Basset Hound in terms of energy level, etc. but I love them! I'm adding them to my list from now on. I didn't know they were big shedders, that's surprising. Thanks for reminding me of their gentle nature & thinks for stopping by today!
Senior dogs are great. I adopted my Golden Retriever when he was 9 years old and he lived until he was 17...and was very healthy all those years. I grew up with a Siberian Husky - great dogs!
That's wonderful! My first dog was a Golden mix and she lived to be 17 as well. She was an amazing dog, just the best. I love my Husky too - she's a handful but we adore her! Thanks for visiting the blog today!
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