Best dog for my Mum in her mid 70's
Discussion
Hi All,
All suggestions appreciated:
My Mum is thinking about getting another dog. She has had everything from a Yorkshire Terrier to the most recent rhodesian ridgeback, who we had to put to sleep at 11 years old, a couple of years ago.
Mum is fit and healthy and lives in a dog friendly house with a beautiful enclosed garden and the dog would get two 15 minute walks off the lead in open countryside each day, although this may reduce over time. Mum would like a puppy (we suggested a "Hearing Dog" that failed it's final, but this was a no).
If anything happens to my Mum or she is no longer able to look after it, we would look after it (we already have a couple of cocker spaniels one is a working type, the other a non working type :-)
Requirements:
The Dog:
A) cannot be too small or big (think cocker spaniel size).
B) should not have any known issues.
C) would hopefully be easy to train.
D) would need a good degree of common sense.
E) Would be a best friend.
We think a male dog would be best.
Any suggestions and reasons for the suggestion would be appreciated.
Thanks you, GF15
All suggestions appreciated:
My Mum is thinking about getting another dog. She has had everything from a Yorkshire Terrier to the most recent rhodesian ridgeback, who we had to put to sleep at 11 years old, a couple of years ago.
Mum is fit and healthy and lives in a dog friendly house with a beautiful enclosed garden and the dog would get two 15 minute walks off the lead in open countryside each day, although this may reduce over time. Mum would like a puppy (we suggested a "Hearing Dog" that failed it's final, but this was a no).
If anything happens to my Mum or she is no longer able to look after it, we would look after it (we already have a couple of cocker spaniels one is a working type, the other a non working type :-)
Requirements:
The Dog:
A) cannot be too small or big (think cocker spaniel size).
B) should not have any known issues.
C) would hopefully be easy to train.
D) would need a good degree of common sense.
E) Would be a best friend.
We think a male dog would be best.
Any suggestions and reasons for the suggestion would be appreciated.
Thanks you, GF15
I wonder if you should make enquiries with the Cinnamon Trust.
They often have smaller middle aged dogs that have been used to living with older people needing long term foster carers. They pay vet bills etc and will take the dog back into their care should ill health become an issue, factors that often worry older owners.
Otherwise I would suggest a Bichon Frise as an ideal breed or a small sized whippet (no regular grooming involved then!) in fact the whippet would be calmer than the bichon and less likely to be yappy!
They often have smaller middle aged dogs that have been used to living with older people needing long term foster carers. They pay vet bills etc and will take the dog back into their care should ill health become an issue, factors that often worry older owners.
Otherwise I would suggest a Bichon Frise as an ideal breed or a small sized whippet (no regular grooming involved then!) in fact the whippet would be calmer than the bichon and less likely to be yappy!
bexVN said:
I wonder if you should make enquiries with the Cinnamon Trust.
They often have smaller middle aged dogs that have been used to living with older people needing long term foster carers. They pay vet bills etc and will take the dog back into their care should ill health become an issue, factors that often worry older owners.
Otherwise I would suggest a Bichon Frise as an ideal breed or a small sized whippet (no regular grooming involved then!) in fact the whippet would be calmer than the bichon and less likely to be yappy!
Either this ^^ or look into a rescue dog. There are plenty of middle-aged or older dogs in rescue through no fault of their own.They often have smaller middle aged dogs that have been used to living with older people needing long term foster carers. They pay vet bills etc and will take the dog back into their care should ill health become an issue, factors that often worry older owners.
Otherwise I would suggest a Bichon Frise as an ideal breed or a small sized whippet (no regular grooming involved then!) in fact the whippet would be calmer than the bichon and less likely to be yappy!
There is also a rescue specifically for older dogs, who would appreciate the type of life your mum can offer:
The Oldies Club http://www.oldies.org.uk/
A Barking Mad dog www.barkingmad.uk.com become a host.
You can get all sorts and only when you want one. Ideal for those who don't want to commit to another 15 years of dog ownership. Also good for trying different breeds.
You can get all sorts and only when you want one. Ideal for those who don't want to commit to another 15 years of dog ownership. Also good for trying different breeds.
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