Best Dog For My Grandmother?

Question

Hello Everyone! My grandmother wants a dog. My grandfather passed away in Jan of 05, and she is quite lonely. She has had some dogs before, usually mixed breeds. My aunt recently got a yorkie puppy, and she just adores her. My grandmother is pretty active, can get around fine. She has been asking for us to look for a dog for her. We have a lab, she loves him, but says she wants a small dog. She has a fenced in backyard, and lives all by herself. She says she would like something my aunt's yorkie, but that it doesn't have to be the same. I was thinking of a Westie, a Yorkie, a Dauschund, something small, being petted, playing some ball, really being a companion. We're going to try the local shelters, but want to be set on a breed before we go so she doens't end up with a dog she can't handle. I've always owned larger dogs, labradors, dobermans. She's like somehting small that will keep her company and will be happy being a lap dog. Please let me know what you think!

Answer 1

I would say a Chihuahua, Pug, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Yorkie
Any of these breeds or any other toy breed would be fine. My favorite is Chihuahuas. They really bond with one person. They love to be held, and have short easy maintainance fur. They are very small and easy to carry. They can do well in a small apartment, and usually don't even need to be walked to get the exercise they need. They are absolutely adoreable, and are the best dogs ever. I think they are especially good for older people. If you do buy her a toy breed of any small dog please make sure that it gets proper socialization. She can take the dog to the park,to relatives houses, or just letting quest pet and hold the dog will help, because if small dogs are not socialized they can become snappy and yappy with everyone but their owner. They all can make great pets for the elderly. You just want to make sure they get socialized.
I also sugeest that you visit www.nextdaypets.com, and go to the dog breed section. There you will find a list of hundreds of dog breeds, and then research any that you find interesting. I do not suggest you buy a dog from there. You will want to find a local breeder, and go to their house, and see what kind of breeders they are. You can also try a shelter or rescue. I believe you can find local rescues at www.petfinder.com. I think a canine company will be great for your Grandma. I wish you both luck in looking for her perfect doggy companion. You must be a terrific granddaughter.

Answer 2

I've had many dogs in my life and my Yorkie is the best dog I've ever owned, besides a specially bred German Shepherd/labrador cross.
However, I have seen Yorkies that are snappy and downright horrible. And it seems as though the snappy ones are always owned by elderly people who pet them too much. My Yorkie was brought up with my children and is used to being played with. She has a truly lovely nature. They are very protective and excellent watchdogs. They do need quite a bit of grooming, not a problem if you're an elderly lady. I think have a good look at the dog's nature. I love my Yorkie.

Answer 3

Japanese Chin!!!

She will fall in love!
Japanese Chn people say that Chin are like potato chips. You can't have just one! People LOVE their Chin. Chin are smart lap dogs that are not yappy. They are a great toy breed and require very little coat care. They barley mat, although they do shed, but they are single coated so they have soft silky hair and no fuzzy under coat. They really are an excellent breed for your grandmother. Not a breed she can leave out alone for long. She would worry that a hawk could come a take off with a chin. They are really a charming breed.

This is a video of a full grown Chin. See how small it is compared to the lady's hand?


The second link is a Japanese Chin interview from the benching area at the Westminster dog show.

Answer 4

I would recommend looking into the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. They are small dogs that don't need too much exercise, and have a very affectionate personality. They also get along well with kids, strangers, and other pets. The downside is that they need a fair bit of grooming and they are prone to a lot of health problems.

Also look into the havanese. These are small dogs with a high-maintenance, non-shedding coat. They're bouncy, lively, and fun-loving. They can get along with anyone, and don't need an abundance of exercise.

You should also try your local animal shelter. Often the shelter will have small dogs that would make great pets. Ask the shelter staff to help you find small, well-mannered dogs. You can also give them your telephone number so they can contact you if one comes in.

Answer 5

hello, sorry to hear of your grandfathers death.
I have been thinking about what dog I would like to have when I am older and I think a papillon would be my choice, they are fun intelligent and trainable dogs which are also very pretty and don't suffer with the back and leg problems of daschunds. They are not known for being yappy either. I just love them, either that or a sheltie but thier coats may be a bit too much work.
I have a pyrenean mountain dog at the mo, and her coat is a major job!!
I hope you find something soon

Answer 6

Definitely go for a Dachshund! I have one, and he is the love of my life. He is so loyal, low maintenance, easy to exercise, small/petite, LOVES being patted and combed, will play ball at anytime, and like I said is VERY low maintenance and keeps me company all the time. Good luck on the quest for an awesome dog, I really think a Dachshund would be a good fit!

Answer 7

I would suggest not focusing on breed, but on age and temperament. If you go to a shelter and check out an adult dog, you will get an idea as to the dog's temperament, and also (usually) have a dog that is already potty trained. Shelter employees and volunteers in my area are very helpful in assisting you in locating a dog that meets your needs/requirements, and in some cases will watch for a dog that meets your needs as animals come into the shelter.

Answer 8

Try a Shih Tzu they are quite and playful mine loves to chase a ball or play with a toy but he also loves to sit on my lap and get a back or belly rub but u may not find one at a shelter so u can try ur news paper or finding a breeder online u can try this site

Answer 9

I have two dachshunds and I love them! I got dachshunds because I live in an apartment and they don't require a lot of exercise. Your grandmother can always take it for a walk, but she doesn't have to. I have two smooth hair dogs. They are good because I don't have to pay to have them groomed. Dachshunds are very low maintenence. They don't have a smell and they aren't bad on people's allergies. They are great lap dogs and companions.

Answer 10

Absolutely NO Pugs or Pekingese they have breathing problems later in life. Chihuahua's are way to yappy and possessive. Terrier's are high strung and need lots of exercise. Poodle mix is a great companion, very smart, quiet AND they don't shed.