What Type of Dog to Get

[jgoo]

Hi everyone, just trying to get some advice from the esteemed members here who are dog lovers.

 

I am looking to get a dog as a companion for my elderly mother (in her 80s) and would like some advice as to what type of breeds might be best for someone of that age. She has someone at home with her much of the time so there will be others to help care of the dog.

 

I was thinking a rescue dog, somewhat mature already and hopefully somewhat already trained. I've looked on line at the local places that offer pet adoptions for these types of dogs and all are mixed breeds which is fine but the choices and different mixes makes it quite daunting.

 

I'm thinking a calm dog that isn't too big would be great and probably not long hair so to keep grooming to a minimum. She hasn't had a dog in the past but does love the dogs that visit us, and loves to spoil them.

 

Thoughts? Suggestion? What else should I consider? Bad or good idea? Male or Female? Should I be thinking cat instead?

[Bosguy]

I am a huge fan of rescue pets so, for me, that would be # 1

Second, I feel you should be looking for a smaller dog. My buddy is a maltipoo about 18 pounds

Third, I think it is a good idea and I'm proud you've already taken the proper care of the dog into consideration.

 

I might suggest going to one of the shelters and talking to the qualified, concerned staff who will be glad to guide you in your choice. They all network so the mutually beneficial pairing will happen

 

Once you have decided what type is best, you might want to take Mom there to make the final choice. Rescue dogs bond extremely quickly with the first person to show them love and affection.

 

Good luck and I wish your Mom much happiness with her new found joy

 

Boston Bill

[robberbaron4u]

Airedale.

[MiamiLooker]

Hi everyone, just trying to get some advice from the esteemed members here who are dog lovers.

 

I am looking to get a dog as a companion for my elderly mother (in her 80s) and would like some advice as to what type of breeds might be best for someone of that age. She has someone at home with her much of the time so there will be others to help care of the dog.

 

I was thinking a rescue dog, somewhat mature already and hopefully somewhat already trained. I've looked on line at the local places that offer pet adoptions for these types of dogs and all are mixed breeds which is fine but the choices and different mixes makes it quite daunting.

 

I'm thinking a calm dog that isn't too big would be great and probably not long hair so to keep grooming to a minimum. She hasn't had a dog in the past but does love the dogs that visit us, and loves to spoil them.

 

Thoughts? Suggestion? What else should I consider? Bad or good idea? Male or Female? Should I be thinking cat instead?

 

A rescued greyhound

[bigvalboy]

I am with BB on this. I would absolutely do a rescue. For your elderly mother in her 80's, I would get a older dog that is small. They are more mature and would fit in nicely I think. Older dogs are rarely rescued, so that would be very nice also.

 

If the rescue operation that you get the dog from, says that the dog is house trained, that may or may not be the case. They will often say a lot of things to get you to adopt. Take it to a trainer right away to make sure.

 

 

Take the dog to a vet immediately, before you become attached, to make sure there are not medical issues. I have heard terrible stories of people finding out about very expensive medical treatment that some of these dogs need, a few weeks after the adoption. Once you fall in love, you most likely will opt for any additional care.

 

I would get a dog that does not shed hair. Some breeds do not and for your mother, it would mean less daily care to worry about.

[+ purplekow]

Shelter dogs, older. I had a cairn terrier that I got from a shelter and she was a great pet for many years. If you go to petfinder.com, there used to be a quiz to find out what dog best fits your needs. If that is still there, you can decide on a breed and then go to a rescue site for that breed or simply call the local shelters and see if they have anything similar. When I have rescued a dog, it has taken about 15 minutes for me to become attached so do take it to the vet and get it checked. I spent $3000 on surgery for Bonehead, my lab who needed both hips repaired though he was only 4 months old when I rescued him.

[+ deej]

Count me on the rescue dog side. I'd probably discount the choice of breed a little, though. What matters most is that the dog bond with its owner.

 

Our county shelter has a website with photos of the dogs up for adoption, but don't go just by photos. They're basically mug shots and of comparable quality. The day I went to the shelter there was one dog I had pre-decided I had no interest in just based on his photo. Bad angle. Bad lighting. Tail down, ears back. He looked all teeth and toenails. He's sleeping on my feet as I type this.

 

Take your mom to the shelter (if she's mobile enough) and let her meet the doggies. She probably won't pick a dog you'd want for her, but it'll be the one that's best for her.

 

Oh, and yes on older dogs. Our shelter actually waives the adoption fee for any dog over the age of six, too. But relatively few dogs in shelters are puppies. What you really want is a dog that's been turned in rather than found stray. Shelters are flooded these days with dogs people have turned in because of financial hardship, and you benefit from the previous owner's training efforts. They need forever homes! (The people too, but you can't adopt them.)

[Boner]

The day I went to the shelter there was one dog I had pre-decided I had no interest in just based on his photo. Bad angle. Bad lighting. Tail down, ears back. He looked all teeth and toenails. He's sleeping on my feet as I type this.

 

Good photos aren't just for escorts anymore!

[JT Brooklyn]

I am a huge fan of rescue pets so, for me, that would be # 1

Second, I feel you should be looking for a smaller dog. My buddy is a maltipoo about 18 pounds

Third, I think it is a good idea and I'm proud you've already taken the proper care of the dog into consideration.

 

I might suggest going to one of the shelters and talking to the qualified, concerned staff who will be glad to guide you in your choice. They all network so the mutually beneficial pairing will happen

 

Once you have decided what type is best, you might want to take Mom there to make the final choice. Rescue dogs bond extremely quickly with the first person to show them love and affection.

 

Good luck and I wish your Mom much happiness with her new found joy

 

Boston Bill

 

Definitely the way to go! You might not find the Right Rescue Dog for your situation on your First Visit..But you will in time! Best of Luck...

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

For a small dog (one who can be in bed next to your mom or sit on her lap) our family has always enjoyed Miniature Schnauzers. However, my grandmother preferred having a dog who could sit next her chair and she could pet. (For her the weight of a pet was too much for her arthritis.) She always had Norwegian Elkhounds - until her death at 98. They were obedient and kind dogs.

[+ Charlie]

I have owned all sorts of dogs over the years, from Greyhound showdogs to little terrier-type mixed breeds. Generally speaking, I would look for a dog that doesn't require much grooming, unless your mother might actually enjoy doing the grooming herself. Many short-haired dogs which don't require much grooming do shed prolifically, which can also be a problem, not only for cleaning up but also if she or her household help have allergies (though no matter what breeders may say, there is no completely allergy-free dog or cat). For an old person, small dogs (under 30 lbs.) are definitely best

 

Some breeds tend to be one-person dogs, who might be too protective if they bond too strongly with just your mother, although all dogs are individuals and don't always exhibit the behavior typical of their breed. With a mixed-breed, you can pretty much ignore the supposed typical behaviors--see how the dog interacts in the household with your mother and others, and don't forget that the dog might bond instead with someone else in the household who feeds or walks it most of the time.

 

I would agree with those who recommend an older rescue, though many rescue dogs have problematic histories, so be careful and ask lots of questions. Shelters can vary widely in their knowledge about the dogs and their carefulness in offering adoptions. If they don't want to know a lot about you, don't insist on neutering, and don't charge you anything for the adoption, they probably are just trying to move the dogs out, not match you up carefully with the right dog. Another source of rescues, if you want a purebred, is breed rescue groups, which you can find through the AKC website; they are generally pretty serious about protecting the dogs in their breed. The Greyhound rescue groups are very well organized, but remember that no matter what they may say about Greyhounds being couch potatoes in the house (it's true), they are big animals who need a lot of outdoor exercise to stay healthy. Whatever you decide on, make sure your mother actually meets the dog and has a chance to experience her own reaction to it before you make any commitment to it.

 

MY present dog is a mini Poodle that we adopted from a no-kill private shelter when he was nine years old. I never thought I would want a Poodle, but when we encountered him, it just clicked. Poodles tend to be very smart but can also be neurotic; we found the first to be true almost immediately, but it took awhile before the second started to manifest itself--older rescue dogs often don't show their full personalities until they settle in and are sure they are in a permanent situation. The shelter we used required us to keep the dog for a one week trial before we committed to adopt him, which I think is an excellent idea. The Poodle's reputation as a non-shedder that has no doggy odor seems justified, but they do require regular professional grooming that can get expensive (we pay $52 for a professional grooming about every six weeks).

 

If you have specific questions, please PM me.

[BostonPhil]

I love the idea of getting a rescue dog. If you get one from a no-kill shelter or an actual dog rescue they often have a policy of taking the dog back with no questions if for some reason it is not working out. I would contact a few places and ask if what their policies regarding this are. Ask about if they use a foster system rather than kennel. I have preferred the foster system as you will often meet some nice volunteer who has lived with the dog for a while and can tell you a little about the personality. They will often have pictures for you too look at and you can tell them what type of dog you are looking for (demeanor, age, breed etc) and then they arrange for you to meet the dog, most likely at your residence.

 

You can always tell a good dog rescue/shelter by the number of questions they ask about yourself and about your home. Some even require that before you adopt they inspect the home. These rescues/shelters care enough about both the dog and owner to make sure everything goes smoothly.

 

Growing up I had many many many dogs of different breeds. Whippet, Beagle, German Shepard, Rottweiler, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso and a few mutts. All were great dogs but I would try to stay away from anything purebred. Far too many of them have health problems later in life. A lot of the smaller breeds have quite a bit of energy, which isn't a bad thing. It can motivate her to get out and walk several times a day. And there is always the anecdotal health benefits for the ill or elderly that come with having a pet.

 

The last thing I would consider is if she is on a fixed income, the annual cost of owning a pet. The last thing you want is her worrying about paying to feed Fido. The ASPCA has a good cost chart here http://www.aspca.org/Home/Adoption/pet-care-costs to check out. And also a good article here http://www.raisingspot.com/adopting/cost-of-owning-dog

 

One last thing for those of you interested in large dogs that are already trained:

If you live in a large city you can often inquire about adopting a retired police dog. They come with the price of knowing their hips are going to give out but they can make some of the best pets, trained to be docile and usually very good around people but also able to protect when needed. Unfortunately many people are scared to adopt them and they end up living out the end of their lives roaming police training ranges.

 

OK and one last thing! (I know, I know) IT IS HOT OUT!

Don't walk your dogs in 100 degree heat! Tempertures this hot can cause pavement in direct sunlight to rise above 125 degrees! Fry an egg in 3 minutes and your little buddy's pads in less than one. Be careful and don't forget to bring a bottle of water just for her.

 

Alright, that is my PSA for the day.

 

Best of luck and I hope you both enjoy your new friend.

[BostonPhil]

I would agree with those who recommend an older rescue, though many rescue dogs have problematic histories, so be careful and ask lots of questions. Shelters can vary widely in their knowledge about the dogs and their carefulness in offering adoptions. If they don't want to know a lot about you, don't insist on neutering, and don't charge you anything for the adoption, they probably are just trying to move the dogs out, not match you up carefully with the right dog. Another source of rescues, if you want a purebred, is breed rescue groups, which you can find through the AKC website; they are generally pretty serious about protecting the dogs in their breed. The Greyhound rescue groups are very well organized, but remember that no matter what they may say about Greyhounds being couch potatoes in the house (it's true), they are big animals who need a lot of outdoor exercise to stay healthy. Whatever you decide on, make sure your mother actually meets the dog and has a chance to experience her own reaction to it before you make any commitment to it.

 

Oh oh I forgot to mention the ask questions about where the dog came from. I got a dachshund once that had been a gift for three teen aged girls. He was a wreck! They had tortured poor little Willy Wiener Dog by dressing him up and doing what ever girls do to the little toy dogs they bought as gifts. He could not stand women when I got him. He was so aggressive that I had to cross the street when walking him if a woman were on the street. If one of my friends came over and she were on her period, all hell broke loose. He was a great dog around guys but man, I cannot imagine what those poor girls did to him. So make sure you ask for their background before you decide to adopt.

[robberbaron4u]

Prudent advices. Some years ago, I accepted an Afghan Hound from an acquaintance who was locating abroad. The dog required more attention in the way of grooming than a Gabor sister, and, it required far more space for exercise than Ihad to offer. Eventually, I found it a good home with a family who made their home on a large farm in the country, the proper place for a hunting dog.

[+ deej]

Oh oh I forgot to mention the ask questions about where the dog came from. I got a dachshund once that had been a gift for three teen aged girls.

 

There's a big need for this kind of adoption now, though. Shelters all over the country are suffering under the "Paris Hilton Effect".

 

When Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, etc., started carrying their little doggies everywhere, little girls all over the country suddenly HAD to have a little doggie accessory of their own. Once the fad wore off, shelters all over the country were flooded with small/toy breeds and a lot of them have been terrorized like yours.

[unsub2O17]

Not only have I had dogs all my life, but I have personally raised 5 puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind as well as stewarding for all kinds of breeds at dog shows as well as being quite involved with our local Labrador Retriever Rescue group (which involved dog evaluation as well as potential adopting owners evaluation). So, those are my credentials. You have gotten some excellent advice here, and I actually don't have much to add. I just want to emphasize some points. Do try the "what dog is right for you?" question sites on the internet. They will often bring up a consideration that you haven't thought of (like do you have a fenced yard). Do balance the significant grooming costs of "dogs that don't shed" against the brushing and combing needs of dogs that do. My rescue group regularly toured the shelters (especially the ones that euthanized), and we adopted the dogs that we thought were place-able. Age was usually not a factor. Disposition and health were biggies. Much to my surprise I was amazed at how mild mannered and just plain sweet the Am. Staff. Terriers were at the dog shows. They were incredibly sweet, loving, and well behaved to a dog. The catch is that they were raised by loving owners while most pit bulls (which is what you know them as) are not!!! So, when it became time for me to consider a smaller companion dog, I went for one that didn't shed, was known for companionship and sweet disposition, AND had no known hereditary defects. I did take the online tests and wound up with a rare breed dog called a Coton de Tulear. He weighs 15 lbs., adores me but is not aggressive to anyone, and he's about to turn 17 and still going strong. Which leads me to my last point. Make sure your mother does not have to worry about the dog's fate if she does not outlive him. Promise her that he'll always have a good and loving home while he lives. Oh, like BP, I do have a couple of extra things. Almost anything mixed with a poodle seems to make a great pet. I know that it started with cock-a-poos (cocker spaniel and poodle), but it has since spread to almost any mix. And double check on the spay/neuter issue--an absolute must on your VERY EARLY vet visit. You have a wonderful idea here. Best of luck.

[+ Charlie]

Make sure your mother does not have to worry about the dog's fate if she does not outlive him. Promise her that he'll always have a good and loving home while he lives. .

I'm sure unsub meant to say "if he outlives her." My mini Poodle rescue was at a shelter at age nine because his elderly owner had died, and he was obviously in shock at the sudden change in his life, when a relation of the owner had given him to a shelter. One reason we decided to get an older dog was because we are older, too, and a puppy could very well outlive us, or outlive our ability to take care of him. You, too, should think about what you would do with the dog if he were to outlive your mother, or if she should need to move to a an assisted living or nursing facility where dogs are not allowed.

[+ WilliamM]

 

 

I'm thinking a calm dog that isn't too big would be great and probably not long hair so to keep grooming to a minimum. She hasn't had a dog in the past but does love the dogs that visit us, and loves to spoil them.

 

Thoughts? Suggestion? What else should I consider? Bad or good idea? Male or Female? Should I be thinking cat instead?

 

I also like the idea of a rescue dog. Only your mother and you would know if this is too much for a woman in her 80s, who has never owned a dog before. Has she expressed a strong interest in having a dog?

 

My mom lived to be 91 years old, but by her 80s I would have picked a two or three year old cat for her instead of a dog.

[rvwnsd]

...I am looking to get a dog as a companion for my elderly mother (in her 80s) and would like some advice as to what type of breeds might be best for someone of that age. She has someone at home with her much of the time so there will be others to help care of the dog. ...

 

Have you asked your mother if she wants a dog and, if so, what kind she would like?. You might also want to determine whether her caretaker is allergic or afraid of dogs.

[unsub2O17]

I'm sure unsub meant to say "if he outlives her." My mini Poodle rescue was at a shelter at age nine because his elderly owner had died, and he was obviously in shock at the sudden change in his life, when a relation of the owner had given him to a shelter. One reason we decided to get an older dog was because we are older, too, and a puppy could very well outlive us, or outlive our ability to take care of him. You, too, should think about what you would do with the dog if he were to outlive your mother, or if she should need to move to a an assisted living or nursing facility where dogs are not allowed.

 

I cannot emphasize enough how important this issue is. I will probably outlive my present dog, but I'd be very leery about getting another one for just this reason. Even though most people who know me just can't see me without a dog, they just don't realize how much my love for "this" dog would worry me about leaving him alone. My own mother had two older miniature schnauzers that she just adored. In her will she left $10,000.00 to the dogs' breeder for their care for the rest of their lives (1994). She went to her grave feeling secure about these dogs' fates. Well, the breeder waited exactly 8 hours after she received the money and the dogs to have them both put down (and keeping the money). There was nothing I could do. I just hope that my mother never knew.

[+ Charlie]

I cannot emphasize enough how important this issue is. I will probably outlive my present dog, but I'd be very leery about getting another one for just this reason. Even though most people who know me just can't see me without a dog, they just don't realize how much my love for "this" dog would worry me about leaving him alone. My own mother had two older miniature schnauzers that she just adored. In her will she left $10,000.00 to the dogs' breeder for their care for the rest of their lives (1994). She went to her grave feeling secure about these dogs' fates. Well, the breeder waited exactly 8 hours after she received the money and the dogs to have them both put down (and keeping the money). There was nothing I could do. I just hope that my mother never knew.

 

My mother came to live with me when she was 89, so I got a cat, because I thought she would enjoy the companionship when she was home alone, which she did. As it turned out, she outlived the cat by eleven days, but she spent the last eight years of her life in an assisted living/nursing facility, where personal pets weren't allowed. So I ended up with a cat for eight years. I hope to outlive my current dog, but like unsub, I probably will not get another one.

[BostonPhil]

There's a big need for this kind of adoption now, though. Shelters all over the country are suffering under the "Paris Hilton Effect".

 

When Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, etc., started carrying their little doggies everywhere, little girls all over the country suddenly HAD to have a little doggie accessory of their own. Once the fad wore off, shelters all over the country were flooded with small/toy breeds and a lot of them have been terrorized like yours.

 

Oh I know, it is better to be prepared for it than not. And gifting a tiny dog to teenage girls is bordering on abuse.

[JoeBlow]

jgoo, my elderly mother has a rescue dog that is a female Shih Tzu. The dog is small in stature. She is very calm and laid back, with a sweet little personality. She's also very loyal to my mom--she sits right next to my mom throughout the day and sleeps at her feet every single night. They are constant companions. I'm pretty sure mom loves her "angel" (the dog) more than any of her children! Haha.

[jgoo]

Many many thanks to everyone who responded. Such great suggestions and ideas, so many that I had not even considered or even thought about but will now. I spent like 12 hours yesterday on line looking at all the dogs available in my area. They are all so very adorable and at the same time I felt a bit sad that I couldn't take them all. I honestly had no idea how many dogs are in foster care and pounds (and I just saw what is just within 50 miles of me so it is unfathomable to think the totality of those that are out there).

 

Seems like a great deal of the dogs are in foster care which is great because I think the foster parents can give some great insight into about the dog's personality. Makes it a bit more challenging to find the right dog but worth the extra effort.

 

I can pretty much see that most everyone thinks a rescue dog, small to medium and somewhat older (not a puppy) would be best. I agree totally.

 

Here are some of my other take aways that I will use in helping me in the process:

 

1. Go to the shelter to talk to qualified staff. I plan on doing that this week.

2. Involve mom in the process. I was going to "surprise" her with the dog but now I realize that would be a mistake.

3. Take adopted dog to a trainer and vet right away. I will line up both in advance so I can do that.

4. Consider the annual cost (especially grooming). That was very helpful and I learned there is doggy health insurance, who would have thought. Is that part of Obamacare? lol

5. Understand the history of the dog. I noticed a lot of dogs I viewed on line are strays so not much history but I will certainly ask.

6. Take into account the questions that the agency asks about us. I think that is a great insight and I will definitely be looking for that.

7. Long Term care consideration. Excellent point and I will take the dog if he/she outlives my mom.

8. I took that evaluation of what type of dog is best for her. Here is what it came up with: German Pinscher, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel

 

I'll let everyone know what I finally end up with. Btw, I also learned a few things about some breeds of dogs I had never heard of before. Again, thanks everyone for the help.

[seeker630]

Many many thanks to everyone who responded. Such great suggestions and ideas, so many that I had not even considered or even thought about but will now. I spent like 12 hours yesterday on line looking at all the dogs available in my area. They are all so very adorable and at the same time I felt a bit sad that I couldn't take them all. I honestly had no idea how many dogs are in foster care and pounds (and I just saw what is just within 50 miles of me so it is unfathomable to think the totality of those that are out there).

 

Seems like a great deal of the dogs are in foster care which is great because I think the foster parents can give some great insight into about the dog's personality. Makes it a bit more challenging to find the right dog but worth the extra effort.

 

I can pretty much see that most everyone thinks a rescue dog, small to medium and somewhat older (not a puppy) would be best. I agree totally.

 

Here are some of my other take aways that I will use in helping me in the process:

 

1. Go to the shelter to talk to qualified staff. I plan on doing that this week.

2. Involve mom in the process. I was going to "surprise" her with the dog but now I realize that would be a mistake.

3. Take adopted dog to a trainer and vet right away. I will line up both in advance so I can do that.

4. Consider the annual cost (especially grooming). That was very helpful and I learned there is doggy health insurance, who would have thought. Is that part of Obamacare? lol

5. Understand the history of the dog. I noticed a lot of dogs I viewed on line are strays so not much history but I will certainly ask.

6. Take into account the questions that the agency asks about us. I think that is a great insight and I will definitely be looking for that.

7. Long Term care consideration. Excellent point and I will take the dog if he/she outlives my mom.

8. I took that evaluation of what type of dog is best for her. Here is what it came up with: German Pinscher, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel

 

I'll let everyone know what I finally end up with. Btw, I also learned a few things about some breeds of dogs I had never heard of before. Again, thanks everyone for the help.

 

Even tho topic this had nothing to do with escorts, I think this thread shows the Message Forum at its best - thoughtful, concerned, asnd helpful!

 

Gold stars to all who responded!