The companionship of a furry friend can help you get the most out of retirement. But choose the breed carefully to ensure the best experience for you and your dog.
6 Best Dog Breeds for Retirement Communities
Retirement living can be the perfect time to have a dog. Dogs provide companionship and stress-relief. They also give you purpose and rhythm as you offer them care. If you live in a retirement community such as Blakeford, the bright, clean, and social surroundings create an ideal home for a dog.
When considering a pet for senior living, keep in mind size, need for exercise, and grooming. Think about the dimensions of your apartment when choosing a dog. Also, are you or a friend able to walk a dog daily or do you prefer a dog who doesn’t need much exercise? Do you have allergies to dog hair (or allergies to sweeping up dog hair)?
As you reflect on these questions, consider 6 dog breeds that would thrive best in a Retirement Community setting, based on their size, personality, and level of care needed.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel, with its medium size and friendly disposition, is a great addition to Retirement Living. These dogs are smart, easy to train, and socially well-adjusted. Cocker Spaniels will make friends with anyone they meet.
Poodle
While Poodles can get large, their curly fur doesn’t shed at all, making them easy to groom, and requiring less vacuuming. Poodles are super-smart and friendly to both people and other dogs, making them an easy win in a Retirement Community.
Chihuahua
As the smallest dog breed in the world, the Chihuahua is perfect as a lap dog, or a purse dog. These friendly, though sometimes yappy, canines can be long-haired or short-haired, giving you options for what kind of clean up your lifestyle can manage. Also, due to their small size, Chihuahuas get plenty of exercise just running around your home and don’t require extensive walks outside.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are friendly and funny. They love to be silly and cuddle with you while you watch TV. Faithful to the end, these small dogs are perfect on the lap and around the home. They’re also unfailingly cute.
Bichon Frise
Known for their spunky personality and white-as-snow fur, Bichons are excellent retirement companions. Bouncy, fun, and friendly, these dogs don’t shed, maintaining their dashing good looks and low-maintenance vibe.
Basset Hound
With their droopy ears and short, but thick, bodies, Basset Hounds are hard to classify. Not small dogs, or large dogs, these are loyal dogs. They require love and attention, but not a lot of exercise. Interested in a dog with a face that’s got more personality than most human people? The Basset Hound might be your next best friend.
Choose a Dog and Feel at Home
“Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” George Eliot
If you’ve experienced the rich friendship of having a dog, continuing to live with a pet will be a priority for retirement. Blakeford at Green Hills welcomes dogs in its Independent Living Apartments. Your canine friend will quickly become part of a close family of neighbors, giving you joy and reinforcing that particular magic by which pets instantly turn living spaces into homes.