What dog should you get at 60?
The dog breeds for a 60-year-old senior are: the Cavalier King Charles, the Bichon Frise or Maltese, the Pug, the Poodle or the Coton de Tuléar. These small dogs are also breeds very close to their owners, and they easily adapt to apartment living.
Why adopt a dog when you are a senior?
Here are 3 good reasons to adopt a dog when you are a senior:
- Counter loneliness: a dog is more than an animal, it's a true life companion who needs you to fulfill its needs and who livens up your daily life!
- Stay active: whatever its size, a dog needs regular walks to stretch its paws, sniff out smells, and meet other dogs. This is an opportunity for you to walk and stroll regularly in your neighborhood.
- Socialize: having a dog at 60 facilitates meeting other dog owners. Discuss your furry friend's personality, grain-free or grain-inclusive kibble, or the best walking routes in the neighborhood!
Is it good to get a dog when you are old?
Yes, it can be good to get a dog when you are old, provided you measure the responsibility and daily constraints: training, education, and outings. A dog is a living being who needs you to fulfill its needs: hygienic, nutritional, and fundamental (chewing, thinking, olfactory, etc.).
Dog breeds to absolutely avoid after 60
If you are looking for a calm and docile four-legged companion, here are the dog breeds to avoid after 60:
- working dogs: Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, Husky, Malamute, etc. because their needs for physical and mental exercise are significant.
- large dog breeds: Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Cane Corso, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, etc. because they are physically imposing and may require a certain physical strength to be kept on a leash.
Despite its small size and jovial character, avoid the Jack Russell Terrier after 60. This small energetic furball proves to be demanding. It needs daily physical and mental stimulation.
⚠️ ATTENTION Our recommendations are based on natural predispositions linked to breeds. Each individual is different and unique. A Border Collie can turn out to be a real couch potato, while a Poodle can show an overflowing thirst for learning!
Choosing a dog breed at 60: the criteria
Physical and mental activity
To properly choose a dog breed at 60, start by analyzing your lifestyle. Sedentary or active? Are you looking for a calm companion to accompany you daily? Are you approaching retirement, do you like to walk, and do you want a furry friend to brighten up your weekends in a camper van?
Opt for a dog breed that stays small to accompany you everywhere:
- Maltese
- Bichon Frise
- Shih Tzu
- Cavalier King Charles
- Poodle
- Coton de Tuléar
In addition to being easy to transport, they are allowed in most museums or public places if they are in a carrier bag or backpack. You will be less limited in your activities than with a larger dog!
Are you 60 or older and athletic? If you run several times a week or enjoy long hikes, you might consider a more robust companion like a Cocker, a Spaniel, a Labrador, or a Golden Retriever. But be careful about the size! Labradors or Goldens can weigh up to 35 kg. Make sure you can hold your dog on a leash. Powerful, they could pull you off your feet at the sight of game.
Even if you go out a lot with your dog, remember to meet its intellectual needs. Mental expenditure is as important as physical expenditure, regardless of the chosen breed!
Coat, hygiene, and maintenance
Which dog to get at 60 to avoid constant cleaning? The Poodle, Maltipoo, or Bichon are dog breeds that shed little to no hair. However, they require some grooming to avoid hair matting, i.e., large tangled balls of hair.
Regular brushing, at least once a week, can be enough to prevent hair from tangling.
What is the ideal dog for a 60-year-old woman?
The ideal dog for a 60-year-old woman: Pug, Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, or French Bulldog. They require little grooming as they shed little hair. They also have a moderate need for activity, which will perfectly suit a semi-active life. They are the ideal companion after a divorce or to accompany you during bereavement.
Temperament and energy
A small breed dog at 60 is ideal because it has a reduced energy level compared to working dog breeds.
A Border Collie, Malinois, or Australian Shepherd needs a sharp, precise, consistent, and constant owner in their training. These energetic furry friends also need to go out and be stimulated daily, especially if you want to avoid the "dog barking at the gate all day, at everything that moves" effect.
After 60, you may long for a slow life, or more calm... Small dog breeds like the Cavalier King Charles, Bichon, Pug, or Poodle will certainly be more suitable. They are known for being close to humans and very affectionate.
Should you prioritize an already trained adult dog? After 60, choosing an adult dog can be a good idea, especially if you want to avoid the puppy stage! This phase requires significant investment for basic training. An adult dog, 3 years or older, already has its definitive character. There are fewer risks of behavioral variations than with a puppy.
Frequently asked questions about dogs after 60
Large dog for an elderly person: good or bad idea?
You can choose a large dog after 60 if you are aware of the constraints. If you want to get a large breed dog to protect your home, it is effective as a deterrent. But be careful, it is also physically stronger. On a walk, a dog weighing 35 kg or more that suddenly pulls on its leash because it saw a cat could make you fall or injure you.
Over time, your dog ages with you. In case of illness, injury, etc., you will need to be able to carry it to put it in the car and take it to the vet.
Which medium-sized dog to choose for a senior?
Some medium-sized dog breeds weighing between 11 and 25 kg are suitable for seniors over 60. With this size, the dog is reassuring by its presence but remains physically manageable on a daily basis.
- The English Cocker Spaniel: Do you like to walk one to two hours a day? The Cocker is an excellent hiking companion, in addition to being affectionate.
- The French Bulldog or the Boston Terrier: They adapt to apartment living and short neighborhood walks. They are very attached to their owners and require moderate physical exercise.
Consider medium-sized mixed-breed dogs available in shelters. By choosing a dog 3 or 4 years old, you will avoid the exhausting phase of puppy training and already know its definitive character!
Images by Magdalena and Jade (Pixabay)