Choosing a good dog for retirement can be both fun and challenging. You need to assess your own needs and wants before you decide on the particular breed of dog. Everyone has a unique set of preferences so the kind of dog that you choose need to match what you are looking for in a dog. Here are several breeds of dogs for retirement living that you can consider according to your preferences and needs.
Poodle
Poodles have extraordinary intelligence and highly trainable nature that make them good companion dogs. They can easily form a strong bond with their human family and are one of the best dogs for couples. Poodles are also gentle, sweet, and loving. They need a daily walk which is beneficial for active senior living but they are otherwise content with just lying on the couch with their human family. Poodles do not shed but they do need to be groomed once a month or so.
Boston Terrier
A smaller-sized dog breed is a Boston terrier. They are friendly, adaptable, and mild-tempered which makes them suitable for a retirement community. Boston terriers are also easy to train and they do not bark much. They also do not need excessive grooming since they have a smooth, short coat. Boston terriers do not thrive well in hot climates though so that is something for you to ponder on.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These are small dogs that are relatively quiet. They make good lap dogs for older adults who prefer a slow, quiet life. Spaniels get along extremely well with other pets, children, and older adults and they are playful and easy to train. They have a beautiful coat that requires regular grooming. This breed of dog does love to chase things, thus you are going to need a fenced yard or long leash.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis are lively and intelligent dogs. They are high-energy and often crave for human attention. Corgis are known as the favorite pets of Queen Elizabeth II and they have short legs and squat bodies. Corgis mostly weigh around 25 and 30 pounds which may not make them suitable for some pet-friendly retirement communities. To keep them healthy, you need to walk your corgi regularly as they love hiking and being outdoors.
Maltese
A Maltese weighs just about 4 to 7 pounds and it is commonly known as the quintessential lap dog. It is suitable for older adults who prefer to stay indoors most of the time. A Maltese is also extremely attentive to their human family and can feel comfortable with just short walks around the neighborhood or fast dashes within the house. A Maltese has a silky white coat that does not shed but requires daily brushing.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are tiny in size and they are always full of personality. They are known as the spunky breed and are preferred due to their loyalty. Chihuahuas are good companions for apartment complexes but they may need to be trained before exposing them to children and other pets.
