My mother has told me that she wants to buy a dog. We are both currently researching a breed that would fit best with her lifestyle, and I was wondering if anybody could help us.
Because of my mother's declining health, she will not be able to take care of a dog that needs to be walked more than once a day. We are looking for a dog that would be content just playing indoors or keeping her company. Also, I don't want a dog that is big enough to knock her over.
We were thinking about getting either a whippet or a boston terrier. Does anyone have any better suggestions? Thanks.
2006-11-20 04:39:57 · 16 answers · asked by decemberistgirl 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
A Shitzu.very loyal,lazy,loving dogs that do not need much exercise just love.usually 15ibs or less and excellent hearing.mostonly bark when theres a knock on the door or a boom of thunder.easy to clean up after and only real medical problems is there eyesight later in life.love laps and car rides.easily spoiled however
2006-11-20 04:47:09 · answer #1 · answered by foreveryoung 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Whatever you are willing to take care of when she passes on. Yes this is something to consider. Two of my elderly relatives died in the same year, both had dogs that had to find home with family members. A small mixed breed older dog from the pound would be ideal...already potty trained, better temperment than a purebred dog, also it may have the same lifesplan as its owner.
A puppy eill pee and poop all over the house and she will have a hard time cleaning it...just get an older dog from the pound you will be very happy.
Who is going to WALK the dog every day? If nobody is you may want to consider getting her a fishtank or something low maintenence for her.
2006-11-20 12:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by JJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahua's have a natural affection for the elderly. They do not require walks (usually jaunting around the house or apartment on their own is fine). They do not require doggie companionship, though they need someone around (like your mother) so they can snuggle up and feel close to.
I never liked them until I got my own, now I have a deep admiration for the breed. They really are very special dogs.
On a side note, most animal shelters waive the adoption fee if a senior person adopts a senior dog (older than 8 years). That's the way it works in my city. I think it's a great way for an elderly person to save an elderly dog, and to avoid the burdeon of having to place a broken-hearted dog if it's owner should pass away.
My advice, check your shelter, get a Chihuahua, and make it an older dog so your Mother doesn't feel it necessary to teach it all the rights and wrongs. It'll come sort of pre-programmed. :)
2006-11-20 12:49:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does she have a yard? Dogs need to go outside more than once a day!!!
Consider adopting a senior citizen dog. There are many out there for adoption, are harder to find homes for, and will have much of the puppy rambunctiousness gone. Almost every breed has a rescue group.
Consider a Welsh Corgi -
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has an endearing and delightful personality. This breed is highly intelligent, sensible, alert, and courageous. They thrive on human companionship and are deeply devoted to their family. They are wary of strangers and will guard and protect their family and territory. This breed is best suited for a family with older considerate children. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi gets along well with non-canine pets and with other Corgis, but has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs. Caution, care, and control must be used with this breed to keep them safe from harm when they are in defense mode. As members of the herding group they will attempt to perform this task with everyone and anything that moves.
Attached is a great site for information on breeds, breeders, etc.
2006-11-20 12:47:37 · answer #4 · answered by kramerdnewf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe a Clumber Spaniel or a Chihuahua. I think you would want a small dog...The best thing to do is check out your local animal shelter or SPCA. I work at the SPCA and its very important that you find a dog who matches your mother's personality and needs, and sometimes this is not totally dependent on breed! Look into pugs, Bichon Frise, etc. Bichon will need grooming every 3 weeks and this can be $50-$70 each time. Let your mom meet some dogs at a shelter or SPCA and hopefully she will fall in love with one. They will also be adult dogs so she wont have to worry about potty training or a hyperactive puppy (although some adult dogs can be quite energetic.) Good luck.
2006-11-20 12:45:48 · answer #5 · answered by ultra _ girl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Any puppy is going to require a lot of exercise. Might I suggest an older dog? Try the humane society or dog rescues in your area for a small, middle aged or older dog that doesn't require as much exercise. With that said, a whippet is usually more of a couch potato than the boston, so my pick is for the whippet. But try a loveable mixed breed at the Humane Society first.
EDIT: also, try for a short haired breed, longer haired dogs require grooming and bathing or more expense for frequent trips to the groomers.
2006-11-20 12:49:18 · answer #6 · answered by Astro 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Terrier mix but not Jack Russell
They are the loveliest little dogs and very hardy
I suggest you get an older dog from the Humane Society that is House trained and she does not have to train a puppy.
We got our Terrier Dalmatian mix from the Humane Society when he was 2 years old. He sort of slipped up on house training for a week but he has been so delightful that we cannot imagine life without him
The can be active and need a good walk each day but they also like to snooze a lot and make wonderful companions.
Here is a photo of my baby:
http://tinyurl.com/uzbjq
2006-11-20 12:49:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Think small! Whippet's are a little larger than I would recommend and they are also very athletic dogs. Personally, I like Dachshunds. They do not require a tremendous amount of exercise and it can be accomplished in a yard of moderate size if she cannot walk it long distances. I am not saying they are better than other breeds of similar size, they are simply my preference.
2006-11-20 12:44:09 · answer #8 · answered by DJL2 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A yorkshire terrier sounds like it would be the best bet for your Mum.
I suggest you try a rescue kennel for a dog that's already housetrained though, you don't want a puppy if you're Mum's heath isn't too good
2006-11-20 12:46:52 · answer #9 · answered by abbeyville39 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
AKC.org has a breed selector quiz that can be helpful. It takes many factors into consideration and gives a list of dogs that match your needs.
2006-11-20 12:55:38 · answer #10 · answered by meggs4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋