Recommend a dog breed for widowed aunt?
Discussion
Hello everyone.
I have an elderly widowed aunt who is looking to buy her first dog.
My uncle passed away last year and she is living on her own. She has family around regularly but I've recently found out she find nights alone quite anxious.
A couple of her nieces have allergies to various things (feathers, pollen etc.) so this would need to be taken into consideration.
I'd be looking for the following traits if possible, could you guys have a read and tell me if any breeds can match any or all of these?
- Nice sweet temperament
- Be suitable for a first time dog owner
- Not be too energetic (my aunt is elderly and whilst she is still mobile, I think 2 - 3 brisk walks a day might be a bit much for her. She has a large front and back garden)
- Suitable for family members who have allergies.
- Good as a guard-dog/watch-dog
Thanks
I have an elderly widowed aunt who is looking to buy her first dog.
My uncle passed away last year and she is living on her own. She has family around regularly but I've recently found out she find nights alone quite anxious.
A couple of her nieces have allergies to various things (feathers, pollen etc.) so this would need to be taken into consideration.
I'd be looking for the following traits if possible, could you guys have a read and tell me if any breeds can match any or all of these?
- Nice sweet temperament
- Be suitable for a first time dog owner
- Not be too energetic (my aunt is elderly and whilst she is still mobile, I think 2 - 3 brisk walks a day might be a bit much for her. She has a large front and back garden)
- Suitable for family members who have allergies.
- Good as a guard-dog/watch-dog
Thanks
Yep, Westie is a good choice!
Ours spent a lot of time with my Mum after my Dad passed away and he was ideal company for her without being any trouble or hard work. Happy to spend hours walking if we took him out but just as happy lounging in front of the fire or on the couch. A good sized enclosed garden (they are excellent escape artists) will keep them happy.
As a bonus they dont cast much hair and are hypoallergenic.
Ours spent a lot of time with my Mum after my Dad passed away and he was ideal company for her without being any trouble or hard work. Happy to spend hours walking if we took him out but just as happy lounging in front of the fire or on the couch. A good sized enclosed garden (they are excellent escape artists) will keep them happy.
As a bonus they dont cast much hair and are hypoallergenic.
The Mad Monk said:
Dogs can be a lot of work. They need exercising, grooming, expensive vets visits etc.
No. A dog is too high maintenance for an elderly person living alone.
Gosh, that's quite a statement to make. I had better pass on your informed advice to all the single elderly people I know that have got themselves a dog when time allowed. Thank you for your intelligent words, oh sage one!No. A dog is too high maintenance for an elderly person living alone.
OP - Don't discount a mature rescue staffy. Probably not the first dog that springs to mind but rescues are full of mature staff's that find themselves in rescue through no fault of their own making. A good rescue will match the needs of the prospective owner with a suitable dog. Some will allow a prospective owner to walk their rescue dogs or offer a short term foster to see how they get on before committing to a full on adoption.
This lot are wonderful and do a lot of work with their dogs -http://www.rescueremediesdogrescue.co.uk
Good luck with your search for a suitable search for a dog for your aunt.
Get her to sign up as a Barking Mad host in her local area. Will give her a chance to try different breeds and find out about dogs and if they suit her lifestyle. www.barkingmad.uk.com No cost to her, doesn't get on with the dog they collect it . Fully supported inclding for the new licenses. If she likes a particular breed then she can look for a rescue, older dogs are much easier than puppies to cope with.
Piha said:
The Mad Monk said:
Dogs can be a lot of work. They need exercising, grooming, expensive vets visits etc.
No. A dog is too high maintenance for an elderly person living alone.
Gosh, that's quite a statement to make. I had better pass on your informed advice to all the single elderly people I know that have got themselves a dog when time allowed. Thank you for your intelligent words, oh sage one!No. A dog is too high maintenance for an elderly person living alone.
I was expressing my opinion.
Yeah I mean it's so hard to say.
Allergy symptoms are as much to do with cleaning and keeping dog downstairs and off sofas than breed.
All dogs need exercise and personal company. All puppies are hard work, like a baby/child.
Budget £50/80 (area depending) per week for an hours walk with a dog walker, for the future if not now. Gives a baseline minimum of exercise and socialising.
Daniel
Allergy symptoms are as much to do with cleaning and keeping dog downstairs and off sofas than breed.
All dogs need exercise and personal company. All puppies are hard work, like a baby/child.
Budget £50/80 (area depending) per week for an hours walk with a dog walker, for the future if not now. Gives a baseline minimum of exercise and socialising.
Daniel
I would NOT get a west highland terrier. They may look nice, but they are mad. More terrier than any other dog. We have one, but there are 4 kids for her to play with (and an older Yorkie Apso that she beats up).
Lhasa Apso or Yorkshire Apso would be good - generally quiet, bark sounds larger than they are but they do need cutting every 8 to 10 weeks.
Lhasa Apso or Yorkshire Apso would be good - generally quiet, bark sounds larger than they are but they do need cutting every 8 to 10 weeks.
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