Expert names 5 dogs 'not the best' for pensioners to own as pets

When it comes to choosing the right dog for you, there are many things to consider to ensure the best outcome for both you and the dog. To give your dog the happiest and healthiest life possible, finding a breed that suits your lifestyle is essential. This is especially vital for pensioners, who need to consider not only their daily routines but also their physical abilities. Having a loyal companion to share your golden years with can be a wonderful experience, which makes selecting the right one all the more important.

With this in mind, Many Pets, a pet insurance provider, has highlighted several breeds that may not be the best fit for senior citizens. While every dog is special, the experts note that the choice of breed can have a "dramatic impact on daily life".

To help with this decision, they've outlined why certain breeds might pose more challenges than others.

Border Collie

Border Collies are well known for their intelligence and high energy, which means they need extensive exercise and mental stimulation to keep them going. If the dogs go without, they can quickly become bored, leading to them acting out, which can become overwhelming for some pensioners.

Siberian Husky

Like Border Collies, Huskies are also very active, so the level of exercise they require might be too much for pensioners who may prefer a more relaxed companion. Additionally, while the dogs are beautiful, that beauty comes with a need for regular grooming for their thick coat, which can also be too demanding.

Jack Russell Terrier

Despite being small dogs, Jack Russells are full of energy and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Training and managing them can also be challenging, which would be difficult for less active pensioners.

Dalmatian

Dalamatians, like the others, are energetic. The large dogs need lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They are also strong-minded dogs that typically need consistent training and socialisation, which could be tough on some seniors.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are loyal and protective, but they can also be intense. They need significant amounts of exercise, mental stimulation, and training. Their size and strength could also make them difficult for some senior pensioners to manage with ease.

The large dogs are usually recommended for individuals or families who can accommodate their high energy and maintenance needs.