by Rebecca R.

If you’re an empty nester contemplating a canine companion or perhaps someone looking to gift a dog to an older parent, it’s essential to know what breeds to consider. Here are five breeds we think fit the bill for mature people.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Known for their even temper and gentle nature, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets along well with other dogs and children. This Toy Spaniel adapts to its owner’s lifestyle, whether active or slower-paced. Since they don’t require extensive grooming and only need moderate exercise, this breed’s level of care is quite manageable.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small dog with a fun personality. It’s an adaptable breed, and they do well with children and other dogs. The Bichon Frise is open to others and enjoys making new friends. A hypoallergenic coat and little shedding make them ideal for dog lovers with allergies. This breed does require regular grooming, including brushings multiple times a week and a bath and trim on at least a monthly basis. They also need daily walks and playtime.

Pug

Another highly adaptable dog, Pugs, can make themselves at home in various contexts, from city living to country life, being the only dog or part of a pack, and living with folks of all ages. These love bug dogs require minimal grooming and moderate exercise to keep them at their best. Because they do have folds in the facial area, it’s recommended to wipe the underside of the folds with a warm wet wash cloth every day. Their expressive faces and affectionate nature have made Pugs a breed that is loved worldwide.

Shih Tzu

Playful, social, and particularly loving towards kids, the Shih Tzu is a known charmer. The Shih Tzu is an indoor dog which means they are an excellent option for apartment life or living in homes without a large backyard. Exercise requirements are minimal and easily met by short walks and playtime. Their naturally long coat does call for daily brushing to avoid matting and bathing every 3 to 4 weeks. A Shih Tzu’s coat can also be trimmed for easy management.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is another perfect pick for a variety of reasons. They are a loyal breed and packed with personality. This breed hardly exceeds 10 pounds, weighing in typically at 5 to 8 pounds, which makes it a breeze for a pet parent to pick up and carry. Grooming is super easy since their coats are short. While the Chihuahua is known to be “yappy,” this trait can be mitigated with socialization and training.

Dog Training Is A Must

Even though the breeds mentioned have an excellent temperament, it’s still vital that all dogs learn essential obedience skills such as recall under distraction, go to your place commands, and leash etiquette out and about in public. Performance K9 Training has helped numerous parents achieve top-notch obedience skill goals.