Best dogs for retirees

Now that the stock market seems to have calmed down a bit, those of us who are planning for retirement might want to put away the Tums and focus on some other important matters. One of those, for the dog nuts among us (and you know who you are), is to consider what kind of canine we'd most enjoy spending our retirement years with.

I recently consulted professional dog trainers from across the U.S. on that topic. Obviously a lot depends on your lifestyle and other circumstances, so there’s no all-around ideal retirement dog. But these are some of the breeds the trainers said they often recommend:

• Basset hound
• Bichon
• Cavalier King Charles spaniel
• French bulldog
• Greyhound, or the smaller whippet
• Maltese
• Papillon
• Poodle
• Pug
• Sporting dog (pointer, retriever, setter)
• Yorkie

If you have a type of dog you'd nominate (or, on the other paw, suggest that retirees avoid), we'd welcome your comments, below.

Meanwhile, three more of the trainers’ suggestions:

1. Consider an older dog. They’re calmer and less destructive than puppies, cute as those may be.

2. Check out shelters and rescue organizations. You can find many breed-specific rescue organizations on the Internet. And if you’re looking for a non-dog pet companion, you can probably find that too: In our vet’s office the other day I saw a flier for a hamster rescue group.

3. If adopting a dog isn’t workable because of your travel plans, where you live, or whatever, note that you can often volunteer to walk one at your local shelter.

Finally, here's some other pet-related content on this site that you might find useful: an article on setting up a trust to take care of a pet, an article on saving on pet expenses, a video on buying pet toys, and another video on saving money on pet food. — Greg Daugherty

Greg writes the “Retirement Guy” column each month in the Consumer Reports Money Adviser newsletter.

Comments

[michael]

I am 70 and have a stray pointer mix that was given to me at about 1 year of age, now is about 5. She is the sweetest, cuddliest, dog, very playful, loves to run, swim, retrieve, chase birds, and play with the grandchildren, even the babies. She gets me walking at least twice a day to keep in shape.

[Barbara]

We have a 35' Motor home and 4 rescue dogs. I wouldn't leave home without them. I've always had rescue dogs and find no matter the breed or lack there of they make wonderful companions at home or on the road.

[Mikey's mom]

Nope, I will have Border Collies, run them in agility, and go to the gym every day and work out so that we can be the fastest team.

[Karen]

Much as I loved my pug, I wouldn't want one as a retiree. Great personality, but too high maintenance, vet bills are too expensive. I would think the same of any short nosed dog or any pure bred with known genetic health problems. How about an adult mutt from a shelter? Less likely to have health problems and with an adult you can see the dog's personality and size.

[Easton's NeeNaw]

I have had a beagle Terrier mix for 15 years he has been the best dog I have ever had. Raised him from 8 wks never a accident, house dog with a doggie door. Great with babies and kittens. Walks with me daily when I feel like it. Doesn't bark unless need too. Minds well and travels well if needed usually stays home when we travel with plenty of water and food with neighbor checking on him. Easy keeper doesn't eat much. I bath him. Doesn't need much grooming.

[Heywood]

If you're looking for a pet, stay away from Afghans. We had one for quite a few years. It was rescued from a dog pound by my daughter and I must say it was a very large, very beautiful animal with excellent eyesight and it could run unbelievably fast. But... He didn't have a brain in his head. Everything was instinct. He did not fit well with children or other pets and not even our own cats were safe.
I've had dogs since a dog on all fours was taller than I was on tippy toes. My history of mostly mixed breed animals were, without fail, smart, well mannered, and fit right into the family. One dog was an Irish Setter that was a big rawboned fellow who was rescued from an owner who practically starved him. He was a real clown and we can't remember him without a smile. He's still a family legend.

[KingRadical]

I'd actually recommend against most of those.

Sporting dogs would only be good if you're active.

Greyhounds, poodles, cavalier spaniels, and yorkies are way too high strung, neurotic, and yappy.

A lazy, even tempered dog, like a pug, or an english bulldog, or a newfoundland would probably be alright though.

I'm not a senior citizen, but I am getting a newfoundland next year.

[marty]

I'm not retired yet but soon, and i would have to say almost any rescue that you give a chance to will make a great pet. I've had everything from Great Danes to Bichons, to chuahuas. All loveable and delightful companions. What most people don't take into concideration is their upkeep and expense, But I would not live without at least one if not more who need a home.

[GreyMom]

Our two greyhounds sleep about 12-14 hours a day, require about 1 short walk a week, and will do anything they can to get praise and treats from us.

They are great apartment dogs, great mature-persons dogs, great family pets, and some of them are cat safe.

One of our hounds is a pet therapy dog too!

Look into the greyhound- you won't be disappointed!

[Liz]

I have three ten year olds and a one year old Minature Schnauzers. They are the greatest companions ever, loving, loyal, smart, great watch dogs, eager to please. They do require trips to the groomers. Best breed ever!

[Alan]

Shetland Sheepdogs or Shelties are very smart, small, affectionate, rarely yappy or high-strung, and are owner-centric, meaning that they love to please their owner rather than constantly assert their own needs. As herders, they do love to run and like long walks.

[lisa]

Im all for adopting shelter dogs, but its all about preference.

With a purebred you kinda know what your getting... well pending you get it from a reputable breeder & how you train it ...
that goes with ANY dog.

I have done both ( adopted and bought )

My shelter gsd x dog was very loving but he had lots of anxiety issues when we got him ... after we started getting that settled( but never fully ) ... he started having seizures which multiplied into cluster gran mal seizures. he died at home 17 months later.It was heartbreaking and i dont ever want to go through that again.

My purebred gsd " so far " is as healthy as a horse.

As for this post. So if i were to retire & wanted to adopt a dog. i would personally look for breeders ( again reputable ones ) that have dogs up for retiring. They not too old, have been very well taken care of, you get their history and they come fully trained.

[Scott Phillips]

Pugs are great dogs, and they have the added benefit that you can knit a nice sweater from all of the hair they shed.

[nihil]

While my family loved our rescue greyhound I wouldn't recommend one for seniors. (I'll concede that a dog's behavior is mostly in training.) Yes, they sleep a lot and LOVE comfortable soft things like couches and beds BUT they're about 60lbs of dog. They're bred and trained to run and will do so when they're outside. Granted, they can be trained to walk on a lead but they could also easily take off with you in tow. Also, there's a reason they call them 'velcro' dogs as they like to stick right up next to you. Knocking us off balance was occasionally a problem with healthy middle aged well balanced individuals in my house and myself as a teenager. Rescued greyhounds also have emotional and trust issues and if they're not properly acclimated this can be the source of multiple issues. Even, after our dog got over her trust issues over her food (nipping) and generally calmed down (pacing) she would still chew things when we left and whine and pace. They're loving dogs but not for everyone.

[Marta]

I have a 4 year old Girl Bichon and she brings a smile to me every day! She does not shed and great for people with allergies. Bichon's are very smart dogs so with the proper training they are great at commands. I even taught her to say I love you in puppy language and several other tricks. The hardest part was potty training when she was a puppy but now she lets you know when she wants to go outside or needs water, food, & treats. Bichon's are very social dogs and love to be with people. They do need grooming every 5-6 weeks and it is best to get the puppy cut which is short since they grow hair very fast. They do have poodle like hair so they need brushing often and it's best to use a comb version which gets out the knots. Well what I am trying to say is even with all the up keep Bichon's will make your life full of joy and will give you unconditional love. So when you are having a bad day they love to curl up with you and snuggle and wake you up with kisses.

[pat whitaker]

We are retired and have a Brussels Griffon (the dog from the movie AS Good As It Gets). She is fabulous! She doesn't shed, yap or dig. She's smart and only wants to be with you. She is the "perfect" retirement dog as far as we're concerned. They can be a little hard to find and a little pricey when you do find one. shop around or go to the rescue site.

[Valerie Mills]

Why can't a retired person raise a puppy? Yes, puppies can be frustrating for the first several months, but it sure is a rewarding retirement activity. The majority of shelter dogs come with their own built-in issues which still need to be addressed. A shelter dog is unlikely to walk into your home and be a loving, obedient companion from day one.

My recommmendation for a retiree is a Cockapoo, a mixed breed dog that can have the best characteristics of a cocker spaniel and poodle - loyal, loving, intelligent, and unlikely to affect someone allergic to dogs.

I have 2 Cockapoo pups (5 and 9 months), and I can't imaagine life without these two mischievious, but sweet companions.

[Jane]

I've had small dogs (maltese type) and big dogs and for a senior I'd still stick with a large dog, they may take up more room, but they're calmer. And less noisy!
I've had a mutt from the pound, best dog ever!! and a Collie, wonderfully calm, needed a lot of grooming but so loving, calm and was just as happy lying around as going for a walk, whatever you wanted to do and whatever speed you wanted to do it at.

[Barbara - SGS]

We are a Disabled Animal Rescue...so we have many animals....but my best dog for disabled or seniors has to be our Chinese Crested Powder Puff. Bijou knows what I need and is my service dog. I would recommend these lovely dogs to anyone.

[Mary]

After I retired, I purchased a miniature poodle (9 weeks old). I asked my vet before I purchased her if she would recommend this breed of dog for my lifestyle and she concurred it was a good choice. I love her size, 16 pounds. She is intelligent, loves to play, go for walks, gets along with children and other dogs. The key is to go to obedience training when they are puppies. Also, to engage your dog with play and a daily walk. The reward is wonderful. Another thing about poodles is that they do not bark much. The downside is that you will pay for grooming every 6 weeks and a lot of veternarian bills. These dogs usually have allergies and sometimes, other health problems that need to be taken care of. I would recommend a miniature as pet for older people. I would not recommend the standard size...too powerful!

[MZB]

I am 65 years old and working with many rescue groups. So far the best of all for temperment, therapy, canine good citizen and medium size, not hunters of sporting or yappy.
The American Staffordshire also the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Before anyone freaks out over this recommendation please go to www.animalfarmfoundation.com to see statistics and information on this breed.
They are calm, loving, trainable and were known as the "nanny" dog in England because of their love for children and family.

[Lowell Merilatt]

We have a Bischon who is now four years old. We previously had a Bischon that lived to be 12 years old. We have found both dogs to be very smart, intelligent dogs, and great pets. We did not have a dog for a few years between these two. I now take my Bischon for a walk every day, and have lost some weight as a result!!

[Jim]

A Bichon Frise would be perfect for a retiree: they are small, don't shed, don't need a lot of exercise, are always cheerful, funny, excellent with grandchildren, easy to train, bark at strangers but not at friends, and lay their head in your lap while you watch television. The perfect companion.

[Ed]

I was fortunate to be found by a beautiful, abused 50% mix golden retriever/golden pyrenees who showed up in my daughter's yard 1 1/2 weeks after my other 15 year old dog, who looked exactly like him, was killed and taken away by coyotes. He was cut loose by his owners, who I was fortunate to locate through a bulletin posted about town, who came to my house, claimed him and then the next day gave him back to me! He is extremely smart with a vocabulary of over 100 words and phrases who is now a registered therapy dog. He has appeared on numerous TV shows, local and regional, and has been responsible for emitting responses from elderly with various alzheimer conditions, including one 90-year old woman who had not recognized anyone5 nor spoken in at least 3-5 years who had a conversation with me in an extended care facility. He is real special with special needs kids and disturbed teenagers who have a fear of animals. He does not get on furniture, got out of a locked crate and at one time used to walk with me down the street on his hind legs! I got him when he was 2 years old, and he had never been to a vet in that time, had tape worm, infected ears and needed to be fixed. He is now 9 years old. If it was meant to be, this is the dog! He has been a special pet, indeed! Oh, and by the way, I never trained him! I just speak to him and he does what I ask and he doesn't use a leash. My kids always said why? I am retired and he has been a God send!

[Cleopatra]

Best dog for a retiree is a Siamese cat...two are even better! Super smart, super clean, and incredibly affectionate. No walking required, no 'accidents' or housebreaking with a clean litterbox.