Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One thing worth considering before making a decision is that some breeds make better companions for the more elderly owner – needing less in the way of exercise or grooming and tending to be chilled and relaxing pets.
So, here are the 10 best and worst breeds of dog to consider when it comes to older dog-lovers.
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There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
5. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers tend to be completely devoted to their owners, who they enjoy sitting quietly beside for long periods. Their short coat means they need little in the way of grooming and are easy to care for generally.
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6. Border Collie
Moving onto dog breeds less suitable for the more elderly owner. Border Collies have plenty going for them, including being the world's most intelligent breed, but this isn't a dog that will be content with an easy-going life. They need regular and extended exercising and get bored easily. They also need lots of vigorous grooming.
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7. Jack Russell Terrier
Bred to hunt small animals, the Jack Russell needs plenty of room to roam so will not be happy living in a flat. They can also be tricky to train and stubborn, making them often quite a challenging breed, even for owners with plenty of experience.
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8. Dalmation
The spotty Dalmation needs a huge amount of ourdoor time, otherwise they are prone to becoming destructive. Another stubborn breed, they are hard to train and if all their needs aren't met they may even become aggressive. This beautiful dog is simply too much of a handful for most elderly dog owners.
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