What is a loving dog breed that needs little exercise for my dad that has depression?

Question

I think buying a dog for my dad would help him through depression. My dad is 68 years old and he does not get out of the house much. He is very unfit and I want a dog that will be a loyal companion, clean and with a bit of luck lift his spirits.
Hopefully there is a dog breed out there that fits the bill.
Please help me, help my dad, by suggesting a suitable dog breed.

Answer 1

I would definitely suggest asking your dad first before purchasing/rescuing as he might not want one. :) Or even just snoop around and ask innocent questions about dogs...if you want it to be a surprise. Just so you don't waste your time or money.

Anyway, Yorkshire terriers are small dogs, they don't shed a lot and they're perfect for apartments, as they can get all their exercise inside. (Which would be perfect for your dad as he doesn't get out much!) And they're extremely lovable. :)

I forgot to mention: You could buy him a slightly older dog from a rescue as they're usually settled down and enjoy things more slowly. :) And they've been spayed already. (I wouldn't suggest a new puppy.)

Answer 2

You are nice to be thinking about ways to help your dad.
Animal companionship can do wonders for people who are having a difficult time.

Why not take your dad to the local shelters, animal control/ASPCA. Look at petfinder.com.

There are links to your area shelters and rescue groups. You could include your dad in the process. A dog might choose him when you are looking.

An adult dog would be best, as puppies are A LOT of work and require a great deal of exercise, not to mention the task of house training and training in general (it's enough to drive someone into depression).

Many rescue dogs are already house trained, and you would be saving a life.

It's not so much the breed as the temperament of the individual dog. Some dogs are hyper, and some are couch potatoes but they all require at least 30 minute walks a day.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Your dad is a perfect candidate for a Miniature Pinscher. They need very little grooming, are very clean dogs, and have wonderful comical little personalities to entertain. They are loving and loyal, and will lay on the couch watching tv with you, or go to bed and sleep under the covers with you. They can be contented with toys in the house to play with, and are very smart and curious. They are also good watchdogs, as they don't think they are little dogs. They don't eat much, and are also good for small apartment living.
This is a dog that will bond with a person and be a best friend.

Check out this website www.minpinrescue.org

Answer 4

Between the St. Bernard, Pyrenees, and Bernese I cant pick, put I would say not to go with a Dalmatian. Its true that they are smart, extremely loyal, and often great guard dogs, especially towards children in their family and live stock. But they can have a protective streak that can often times be aggressive. Get the wrong dalmatian and your kids won't be able to have other kids over. My sister has a dalmatian and she's a WONDERFUL dog, but she would attack a child if that child even appeared to hurt my nephew. I think any of the other breeds would be a better fit in that regard.

Answer 5

First, you might want to see if he wants one. If he's depressed, having a dog to take care of might hurt instead of help. But, if you do decide on a dog, I would suggest a dachshund. I had them all the time growing up and they are very affectionate and very loyal and don't need alot of exercise. They seem to sense when you are down and will cuddle up with you to cheer you up. Plus, they are short haired and usually a very healthy breed. Good luck.

Answer 6

Greyhounds are really good for that sort of thing. They only need 20 - 30 minute walks and like to fall asleep in a favourite spot. They're generally very sociable and because they've been around other dogs (if they're ex racing dogs) they adopt a master quite easily.

They're also good with children and VERY friendly. Plus you'd be giving a retired dog a home.

For more see wikipedia

Answer 7

try a shelter dog, that is older, not a pup, usually the older dogs that have been in shelters really just want a home, and they love to have someone there to be with. we adopted from the shelter a 7yr old female dalmation who is just *wonderful*, she walks about 30 minutes a day, not too much, but enough to get you moving, and she is very playful and sweet and just loves having a good home. I would recommend a dalmation, but an older one, sometimes the young ones can be hyper and excitable. good luck to you!

Answer 8

i agree that you should make sure he wants one and will take care of it.
greyhounds are great for a short walk and lots of lazy time
shelter dogs are great and need homes so badly.
they might be a lil more active at first till they settle down
or get him an older dog from the shelter
they will make a great companion for him

Answer 9

I think it's wonderful that you're thinking about this, and I also imagine this must be hard for you to have to think of this, too.

Have you looked at dog websites yet? AKC, for sure, but don't make that your only one. I know there are sites for helping to pick dogs based on factors like this.

Have fun with it!

Answer 10

little dogs need less exercise than big dogs. they dont walk as far because they get tired easier than other dogs. i suggest if you get any dog do not a get a puppy because they take a lot of energy and older dogs are calmer and more relax. greyhound are good too. ( you should get a retired one in the case you get a greyhound)