She would like a small dog, one that doesn't shed and one that doesn't have to be groomed a lot. Also good around small kids. Any suggestions? :)
Thanks!
2007-01-15 11:15:35 · 28 answers · asked by Ryans Mom 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Agree with torbay... there could come a time when caring for a dog of any kind will get to be too much for your mother. When anyone thinks of taking a dog on at this age, I always suggest that there is a plan in the event that the person can no longer do the care. Be sure to have someone that will be willing to take this dog in the event it is needed.
I'd also suggest considering a dog from rescue or shelter. Maybe one that's a little older and beyond the "hyper puppy years".
2007-01-15 11:27:30 · answer #1 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Toy Fox Terrier. All dogs shed, but this is a short-haired breed and shedding is almost not noticeable. As a toy breed, this is a good dog around kids -- or anybody. As a terrier, it is fearless with kids or anyone else, unlike many toy breeds.
They are more independent than many toy breeds, so do not expect it to want to come just because you want it to come. It must be trained for that, or it will come if and when it wants to come. Because of the short hair, they do like to cuddle up for warmth. Buy one that is at least 12 weeks old so it is adequately socialized before separated from mom. Mine barks only when someone is in the yard or at the door, but I have seen some poorly socialized specimens that yap almost constantly -- the socialization period is very important.
Grooming is basically unnecessary unless you intend to show the dog. Then it needs its nails trimmed.
That is what I would recommend based on what you said you wanted. With your mother being 75, you might want her to consider a German Shepherd that would protect her and could be trained to actually help her.
Good luck.
2007-01-15 19:26:57 · answer #2 · answered by Poetic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ONLY dog that doesn't shed is the Poodle ... and she can take it to a groomer every three months for a 'puppy cut' if she doesn't want to groom it, but should 'brush/comb' it every day no matter WHAT the breed. I'm 56 and have a HEDGHOG for a pet ... she lives in an aquarium and is extra clean and sweet, and my husband cleans her cage out about once a month. That might be a BETTER pet, but make sure your mom likes looking at a 'cardboard box' because that's where my Tiggy hides most of the day. Unfortunately, they're nocturnal. But, they are easy to keep ... mine eats DRY CAT FOOD ... she is 'on' an expensive 'diet brand' from a specialty store, but if your mom wants to take hers out and let it run around (in a BALL or it WILL get lost rapidly) every morning, regular cat food would do. Or, if she wants a pet she can hold, a bird or a rat would be good and a lot lighter than even the smallest dog. But ... poodle is it for dogs to meet your 'requirements' and they are not always good around small kids.
2007-01-15 19:32:14 · answer #3 · answered by Kris L 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am 75 and I have a Maltese. I am so in love with that dog that I can't believe it. He is totally devoted and so much fun. His hair does not shed, Maltese have hair like people. Very few people ever
are allergic to a Maltese. They need grooming if you want the hair long. I give mine short haircuts, I do it myself as I cant afford the
groomers but he looks great. He loves the kids and he loves the old cat we have. In fact he does not know enemies. If you want a mean watchdog this is not it. I think mine would invite burglars in.
I house trained him in 6 weeks by crate training. He is now 2 and weighs about 6 lbs. He keeps my husband company too and my husband has Alzheimer but they adore each other. Good luck.
2007-01-15 19:50:21 · answer #4 · answered by antiekmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree a Golden Retriever - but I have to say just get the lady a cat. Seriously, they are so calm and very good companions. I'm not saying a cat is better then a dog but they are fairly easy to take care of of, where a dog will need to play a lot especially as a puppy. And he'll want to go for walks and play fetch. And we don't want mom to run after Bruiser and break a hip. :'(
Good luck. :)
2007-01-15 19:28:50 · answer #5 · answered by +No longer a Yahoo answerer+ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local animal shelter and find a small dog that is friendly. It might be even better to get an older dog, because the dog can relate to her and make a good companion. She does not need a puppy!!!
2007-01-15 19:28:16 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Super_Colts_Fan♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She would probably like a little Chihuahua and may I suggest getting an older one so she won't have to deal with an active puppy. You might check out Chihuahua rescue to find one that also needs a home. Or even your local humane society may have a small older dog needing a good home.
2007-01-15 19:24:31 · answer #7 · answered by empresspekes 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unless your mother is able to take care of a dog, I would say not to get her one.
Another reason against getting a dog is that they do not understand not to get underneath an elderly person's feet. It has happened where people stumble over dogs or cats that don't know enough to get out of the way. For an elderly person to stumble over one would not be good.
Try to talk her into a bird instead.
2007-01-15 19:30:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would adopt. Go do small breed rescues or check local shelters. Small dogs go fast so you might have to wait. But, let the dog pick you
2007-01-15 19:28:36 · answer #9 · answered by ztns9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retrievers are very loyal dogs. They are very gentle and don't get too big.
They may shed a little more than you like, though. But most dogs do shed, you just notice it more with certain breeds than others.
2007-01-15 19:24:49 · answer #10 · answered by KarenGus 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋