What kind of dog would best be suited for us? we're in our sixtys.?

Answer 1

You really haven't given us enough information to help you. This means that most people answering will be giving you *their* favourite dog, or will just be guessing.

You have to take into account many variables:

Activity level - are you both more sedentary or more active? A quieter household that walks only once a day would be great for something like an adult or older sheltie, but would be horrid for a Jack Russell. A High activity level would be great for a JRT, but horrid for a chihuahua.

Financial Situation - if you are on a lower fixed income, then grooming and care can become problematic. Dogs that tend to be injured and sick, like some toy breeds, would not be good. Heartier dogs like small mixes and even poodles might be better.

Size requirements - Do you want a big dog or a small dog? What kind of room do you have? Is the house a museum where a lab's tail may knock off your Tiffany Vase?

Children, grandchildren, and guests - do you have a lot of visitors who are children? If so, then a extra large dog like a Mastiff may not be a great idea, and neither would a small breakable dog like a Chihuahua. Do you have a lot of visitors who could possibly leave a door open? Then a Husky, Sighthound, or other 'runner' dog would not be a good match. Something sturdy and placid would be great - again, a Sheltie, a Poodle, a Spaniel (but watch their temper), or a Samoyed may be great.

Do you have a yard? If you don't, then a small dog will be better. If you don't have a fence, then having any type of 'running' or herding dog will be difficult.

These are just some examples.

I always recommend watching dog shows and getting a feel for some of the dogs. Write down those that interest you and visit http://www.akc.org and find the links to the national breed clubs. Many of these clubs will tell you about the demeanor and health history of the dogs and some will even have "tests" to see if they'd be a good fit in your home.

Next, talk to a rescue rep and find out why the dogs are given up. Potty issues? Too Big? Too much energy? Too forward? Too much barking? Ask yourself what happens if you get a dog like that.

Finally, find a good breeder or rescue group and find one that fits your needs. Good luck in your search. : )

Answer 2

It actually depends on how active you are and what kind of exercise will be given to the dog. If you are inactive you could get a dog that is older and laid back or a small breed. What you should do is research and find out what dog will fit in with your lifestyle. Since you did not give any details this is all I can tell you and others will suggest many different breeds but not all are right in their selection for you. Only you can decide by researching because what works for some people may not work for you.

Answer 3

there are so many breeds and different circumstances to consider besides your age. first, are you an active sixty something or no? do you live in an apartment or house and how big? do you have a yard? do not buy a dog based on your age but based on what you are able to give your dog. there a plenty of sites to help you and inform you what each breed requires and then based on what you feel you can accomodate you should get a dog based on that. in the end you both will be very happy.

Answer 4

an older dog would be best.. a pup will be too much work for you and its not fair to get a pet you cannot provide a LIFETIME home for... in your 60's I know isnt old but dogs can live 15-20 years.. and at some point you may decide to move into a condo that doesnt allow pets and nobody will take your pet at that time

so.. adopt an adult dog...
probably a lower intelligence breed so you dont have to keep it mentally occupied all the time.. like a Shih Tzu...( DO NOT GET A TERRIER OR HERDING TYPE DOG - they are TOO active and too demanding)
contact your local SPCA and see if they have anything or a waiting list you can be put on.. also contact the vet clinics.. often people who cannot keep pets contact their vets to see if the vet knows anyone looking for a dog

Answer 5

I recommend adopting a greyhound. I did 2 years ago and it is the best thing I have ever done. I have wanted one for 20 years ever since I saw a documentary on the need for adoption. She is so gentle and easy.. Laid back, patient, clean and sweet. My son calls her the perfect dog.. I am 62 and she is no trouble at all. It is a misconception that they need a lot of area to run. They are 47 mile an hour couch potatoes and if she does run in our back yard she will sleep for hours. She is retired afterall. A good walk everyday is good for them as well as yourselves.. They do not need bathing . only a gentle brushing weekly. Do yourselves a favor and seriously look into this sweet breed. You will not be disappointed. Instead you may find yourselves wanting another... Greyhound adotion on-line will help out tremendously .. or look in the yellow pages under greyhound adoption..

Answer 6

well since u r an older couple i might suggest an older dog. one that is around 2 or 3 years old and is already trained. personally i like rat terriers i myself have a rat terrier sheltie mix. he is the best thing that has happened to me.he can be playful and loveable at the same time. he will sit down and snuggle with u whenever u want him too. and he can tell when u r having a bad day. i really like these dogs but they arent for everyone. but they r for people that arent the most active. but check places like petfinder.com just type in ur zip code and search for dogs in your area. and check your local shelter. because getting a dog from a shelter is the most rewarding thing in the world

happy holidays

Answer 7

small - non-active breed - check local rescue groups - some allow for a foster to adopt program to see if a certain dog is good for your life style - Poodles - yorkies, maltese - bichons and other long hair breeds need grooming. short hair is very easy - but they tend to shed. Do you have children that visit - that is also a concern - as will the pet travel with you? Scotties are wonderful, pugs and boston terriers are also great. STAY away from Jack Russells or Fox terriers as they are quite active and need lots of attention.

Answer 8

just dont get one too big and/or rambunctious.irecently saw an elderly lady,very slight and frail,with a huge ,muscular gr8 dane pulling at the leash.i just kept thinking,if he pulled too hard and she fell,it would mean a broken hip,most likely.ur only in ur 60's now,but remember,u may have the dog 13-15 years or more(ive had 2 live to 17 and nearly) 18.so make sure the dog u can handle now,wont be too much to handle in a few years or so.good luck,and have fun.mini schnausers are good-ive had 2 as i find them easy to train,obedient and delightful.really,any mid-size breed or mix will do.shelters will interview u and try to find a dog that matches ur needs.breed rescue groups can help,too.

Answer 9

Something to consider outside of breed since you mentioned nothing of your living conditions, health, activity level, etc... adopt a mature dog. You could get a 5 -10 year old dog who's easily re-housebroken, you won't have to go through a puppy phase and a dog of that age will still give you another 5-10 good years of loyalty and love.

Answer 10

A Calm, loving dog. One that probably doesn't need too much exersice (unless, you are very active), is calm and not aggressive in anyway. Like a: Pug, Pharaoh Hound, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, or (I have a female; ver smart, playful, loving, calm. But, barks at unknown strangers--unless socialized early on.) a Plott Hound. Good Luck! I reccomend researching different breeds of dogs before getting one.