Posted on 01/16/2014 9:00:37 AM PST by afraidfortherepublic
Like many people in late middle age, I find myself wondering if my next dog will be different. I have long shared my life with retrievers — active, field-bred dogs who throw themselves with joy into every situation (and every puddle of water bigger than a dinner plate). Their boisterousness is infectious: My dogs make me happy. But in 10 years, or 15, or 20, will I be up to the demands of dogs like these?
Or will a nice, quiet little spaniel be the dog I need?
My answer may be different than others, even among people of similar age (55), health (reasonably good) and activity level (decent, could be better). I live in a rural pocket near an urban center, and I can always walk out my back door and engage a bored retriever in a heart-thumping game of fetch in my horse pasture. But I won’t always be able to lift a sick or injured 70-pound dog, and that’s an unchangeable truth. These types of concerns explain in part the increased popularity of small dogs as baby boomers like me approach retirement age.
Smaller May Be Better
So, yes, size does matter when you're choosing a canine companion for your golden years. But so do energy level and health history. Energy level is important, because if you choose a small dog thinking he’ll be easier to keep exercised and entertained than a large one, chances are you don’t know anyone who has a Jack Russell. And the health history is important in choosing any dog, but especially so when you’re on a fixed income, as most retirees are. The health history may tell you about any preexisting health conditions that your dog may have, but of course, it's not a guarantee that the dog won't develop health issues in the future. An easygoing or at least kid-tolerant temperament is also a must, especially if you have grandkids over regularly.
Before I start suggesting specific breeds, I have two other recommendations. First, get an adult dog. With an adult dog, you are more likely to have a good idea of health history and temperament, and you’re past the time and money involved in raising a puppy. Second, check out shelters and rescue groups to get a great pet — breed mixes may often have fewer health problems than their purebred counterparts. If you want a purebred puppy, be sure to find a reputable breeder, because if you don’t, you may end up with a poorly socialized dog or a dog with health issues who doesn’t measure up to the full potential of the breed. (You may also be supporting puppy mills if you choose the wrong source for your pup, and you don’t want to do that.)
French Bulldog
Martha Stewart is one of an A-list of celebrity fans of the French Bulldog, a stylish small spark plug of a dog with a solid disposition. While the Frenchie is a brachycephalic breed with all the baggage that comes with that, if you take the trouble to avoid casual or puppy-mill breeders, you’re likely to have fewer health problems. (And do take the trouble: Poorly bred French Bulldogs can have their respiratory systems so compromised by their flat faces that they need surgery to survive.)
A healthy French Bulldog is a solid companion, especially if he can be with you all the time. While not exactly known for their athleticism (they tend to overheat easily), if kept fit and trim, the Frenchie is a wonderful walking partner. Sharing the bed may take a little getting used to, though, since these dogs tend to snore. But in the eyes (and ears) of those who love them, that just makes the Frenchie more endearing.
Poodle
There’s a reason why Poodles have remained popular decade after decade, especially with older people. They’re personable, easy to train and have a lively sense of humor (they laugh with you, not at you). They are also relatively clean, low-shedding dogs who are easy to maintain as long as you keep regular grooming appointments (or learn to maintain a short “puppy clip” yourself). The Poodle is part of the original popular crossbreed, the Cockapoo, and the “poo” influence is seen in the names of many others, including the Labradoodle, the dog that kicked off the modern cross-breed craze.
The Toy Poodle is very popular with people who want a fun tiny dog, but the miniature may be a better pick if you need a dog who’s a little sturdier and more capable of a good long walk. Trick training is usually a breeze with these dogs, and once trained, Poodles seem to live to keep you laughing.
Schipperke
One of the more long-lived dogs, the Schipperke is a sturdy little breed with an easy-care coat and shoe-button eyes that are always asking, "What next?" If you live with a Skip, the answer could be, “Anything.” Take up kayaking, or buy a sailboat — heck, move onto a sailboat and head for an around-the-world adventure. Equipped with a life-preserver in case he goes overboard, your Skip will love you, because after all, this breed was developed for onboard living, as a ship’s ratter from Belgium.
Want to stay on terra firma? That’s fine too. Put in a dog door so your Skip can patrol the perimeter, and plan some long hikes. The Schipperke may be small, but he’s indefatigable. But always keep the leash on: He’s fast, and always ready to show the squirrels just how fast — even if there’s a busy road between him and them.
Maltese
If you want a dog who sheds the least, get a small, long-haired dog and keep your pet clipped short. The Maltese fits the bill here perfectly. Although the Maltese in the show ring is a perfectly groomed, shimmery wave of floor-length white fur, the same fur goes easy-care when the dog is kept clipped short.
That’s not the only benefit of the breed, by far. Maltese are in the same general family as many dogs developed solely as companions and lapdogs, such as the Bichon Frise, Havanese, Bolognese and Coton de Tulear. The Maltese and its related breeds (as well as cross-breeds with these breeds in them) are incredibly attentive and tuned in to their owners. As one of the smallest breeds on this list, Maltese are also the most portable — and fragile.
Thinkstock
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
If you’re on the more active side, and comfortable with a dog who’s smart, determined and strong-willed, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi might be a good fit. Long known as the dog favored by England's Queen Elizabeth (who also fancies her Dorgis, a double dose of short-leggedness that’s the offspring of a Corgi and a Dachshund), the Corgi’s strong will is kept somewhat in check by the limitations of those little legs.
They don’t seem to be aware of the problem, though, which means you have to do your best to keep your Corgi from injuring that long back. That means stairs for the bed or couch, and ramps for the car. And yes, lifting: Although the Corgi is a relative small dog, he’s no lightweight, especially if you don’t watch his diet. But a better companion for an active life is hard to find, which is why Corgis are the darlings of the equine set, along with the hard-charging Jack Russell.
Again, these are just some general suggestions to get you thinking before you choose a dog who’s no longer a good fit with your current circumstances. We all age differently, with different abilities and expectations, and just as there will be people who take up mountain climbing in their sixties, there will be people in their seventies who do just fine with German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. But most of us will probably be happier with a smaller, less demanding dog to keep us company in the final decades of a dog-loving life.
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There is an edited version of EBWhite’s writings about dogs which is essentially about daschsunds.
A few years ago, my son found a Yorkie in a soybean field. Poor guy was covered head to toe with cockleburs. We looked for lost dog ads and placed an add w/ a pic . No one claimed him so, we kept him. He was a good dog and recently passed on. Smart, playful.
I rescued one of those (like the one on the left). He was my first dog and a real pain. I truly think that someone “threw him away” in our neighborhood knowing that some dummy (me) would take him in. Not an easy dog to live with — willful, sneaky, etc.
I used to confine him to the kitchen when I was out of the house and he could sneak through the baby gate so that he could poop and pee on the rugs. So, I would block his exit with my typewriter case. That little devil actually jump up on the kitchen table and pooped on the keyboard of my typewriter when I had to dash in to the newspaper to turn in my “copy” before deadline.
After he died, I had to have the bottom 8 inches of all of the mahogany furniture, including the piano pedals, refinished do to his “accidents”.
But, he was cute, as long as he was the center of attention.
One of the cutest dogs and very smart- but outrageously expensive
I agreed to look after someone’s dachsund for a week one time.
I was told in no uncertain terms to let him sleep in the house — only outside in his crate.
First night he howled outside all night and kept the entire neighborhood up.
Second night he slept in the kitchen doors closed and howled all night and kept the whole house up.
Third night he slept in a bedroom with someone but then spent all night trying to get up on the bed.
Fourth night he slept in the bed but kept demanding more space and pushing the other sleeper out.
Fifth night he had 3/4 of the bed but kept pushing for more space.
Sixth night he had the whole bed to himself.
Seventh night he went home and next morning I received a phone call asking: “What the hell have you done to my dog”.
He never slept outside again or anywhere else except a warm comfortable bed.
Needless to say I don’t get any calls to look after their dogs anymore.
For ease of maintenance I would recommend a spade short hair dachshund. For politeness and gentleness, but higher maintenance, a spade long haired dachshund.
However, small dogs are contraindicated if there are visual problems with looking down.
This is what I’m thinking of doing when our living situation can better accommodate a dog. I’ve read great things about greyhounds and I think they’d be a good match for us. But then, I know I love Goldens.
If you or someone else here is experienced with greyhounds, I have some questions:
How hard is it to find one that’s good with cats? I never worried about our kitties around the other dogs we’ve had. Would it always be a concern with a greyhound?
I understand that they aren’t watchdogs, but are they inclined to at least alert when strangers are at the door?
They don’t have a lot of meat on their bones. In a home with mostly hardwood floors, would a dog bed and a few area rugs suffice?
If there are any negatives to the breed, what would you say they are?
Approaching seventy-three, my concern is that I will die before they do, particularly the Akita mix, Princess. She is the most devoted. She seems to recognize my declining physical condition and tries to help. Every morning, when I have to descend three steps to go turn on the internet in my wife's adjacent art studio, Princess is there to help me. She stands still so that I can lean on her shoulders. I can still get down the stairs without her, but her efforts to help are comforting.
Should something bad happen to one of our dogs, whom I would be unable to carry to the car, we have a worker who could do so. Also, there is a vet with a truck full of medical and lab equipment who could come and render assistance.
Oh yes. Got one of those myself. Super genius and I can take him anywhere without a leash. He can sort of read my mind.
Yours is very cute!!
I have two chi and I love them both.
I can tell you about our greyhound but you should also call a local greyhound rescue and ask those questions.
She definitely alerts and can curl up into a very small ball at the foot of the bed. Mine has really no prey drive and is fine with an 8 lb wiggly chi that just landed here a few weeks ago.
I worry about bloat and feed her to avoid it.
Soooooo one evening while the parents enjoyed the theater Joe, instead of putting the wee ones to bed, spent the evening training them to sit, down, roll over, play dead on command. When the parenti arrived home in the late hours, the tired giggling children showed them the new tricks. And Uncle Joe was never never asked to baby sit again.
“I have no idea what “PFL” means. Please enlighten me.”
PFL means “Ping for Later” in Freeper code. It’s just a way of marking a post for further review/reply at a later time. I didn’t have time to reply to you earlier. My wife and I are very interested in acquiring a Sheltie. We love the breed, but want to make sure we have enough time to spend with the dog during the day as we both work. I have read that they need a lot of attention and we do not want to leave the dog alone for extended periods, if that is the case. Did you acquire yours from a breeder, or is it a rescue dog? Do you leave yours at home alone during the day? Thanks for any info you can provide!
We have Golden Retrievers #3 and #4. They just turned two so are still a little (?) lively, but have lots of calm times. Mrs SLB and I are both past 60, so I guess in the golden years. Wouldn’t have anything but Daisy and Penny at this time. They keep us young.
Race to the street every morning to see who can get the paper, Daisy usually wins.
Although they are in the 90# range our 42 month old grandson has no problems with them and they know better than to get too rambunctious with him. If they do, he just tells them to “go see daddy” and they come find me.
LOL
Was Uncle Joe German?? Did he own any dachsunds???
Was yours a young rescue? It’s my understanding that those that are adopted out early are usually those that don’t want to run. Maybe that indicates a weaker prey drive?
What food do you feed yours?
Not a fan of terriers or small dogs in general. I’ve known some good Corgis though. One small dog that I think is great for older folks is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Tremendous disposition. Not yappy at all.
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