The 5 Best Dogs for Your Golden Years

Vet Street ^ | March 5, 2013 | Gina Spadafori

[afraidfortherepublic]

Photos at link.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Doggie and Corgi ping

[Sacajaweau]

The other guys dog. We have a pick up your poop law here. That’ll be the day....

[JoeProBono]

French-bulldog

[afraidfortherepublic]

This article is one woman’s opinion, or course. Nothing could have been easier to own and care for than my latest (large) Golden Retriever. And harder to lose when he passed at age 12. I did adopt him as an adult, but he was a gem. I sure miss him. It’s been almost a year now since I lost him to Pancreatic cancer. Just d—n!

[cripplecreek]

My corgi mix is the world’s dumbest dog.

I swear she spends her days trying to figure out what she can do to get the other dog to kick her butt.

[Paladin2]

"French Bulldog "

Drooly, low endurance, not that bright.

Best to find a young retriever adult at the low end of weights and keep them that way.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Thanks for posting the picture. Isn’t that a face?!

[afraidfortherepublic]

I agree.

[cripplecreek]

These days there is really only one kind of dog I would consider.

[Paladin2]

A poodle or poodle mix >40 lbs would be OK too.

[Uncle Chip]

And if you miss being bossed around get a dachsund

[fulltlt]

Is that a Jack Russell?

[Dr. Sivana]

Is that a rat terrier. We had one (who had to be rehomed when she moved.) She now keeps the floor clean for a family of 14 plus grandma. Great dog for kids and old folks. Not to bright, but means well. Fits in lap.

[cripplecreek]

Jack Russell. Big dog in a small package.

[trisham]

There's no way that I'm changing breeds.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Maltese are also the most portable — and fragile.

I don't know about that. The teacup variant is fragile, but my two normal-sized Maltese are pretty tough.

[Ol' Dan Tucker]

Retired racing Greyhound --the 45mph couch potato.

Very low-energy, relaxed, low-maintenance dogs. Most sleep 16-18 hours a day and don't require anything more than a simple walk every day. They are quiet and rarely bark. Retired racers are highly socialized and get along most most breeds and all people.

Their best diet is raw meat, which costs no more than regular dog food. When they're fed a raw-meat diet, their teeth, gums and digestive system remains very healthy.

[colorcountry]

Oh dear, I just rescued a 13 year old Maltese last Saturday. The dog does not understand ‘come,’ he isn't house trained, and he gets lost when he is outside - always running up to my neighbors house and barking to get in.

.....regardless he is an adorable little rat-dog with no teeth and his tongue hangs out. I'm beginning to love him.

[grania]

I don't think concern for what will happen in five or more years should be a concern. If one rescues an adult dog that would've been put asleep at the shelter if a less-tha-perfect situation didn't arise, that dog would have no years without you.

My golden retriever/brittany spaniel was three when I adopted him two years ago. He was getting sick in the shelter environment. He healed very quickly at home, and he's a perfect house pet. He's a bit headstrong about walking behavior, but that challenge is good....for me and him.

Summary....if a dog is right for you, the dog will let you know. If you're a dog person, having a perfect dog companion will keep you young!