9. Chow Chow
No. 9 on the list of the worst dogs for seniors is the Chow Chow. An ancient dog breed originating from China, the Chows Chows are believed to be the ancestors of other distant breeds, such as the Pomerian or the Norwegian Elkhound.
Chow Chows weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, making them medium-size dogs, yet they’re surprisingly strong and powerful. They’re affectionate and loving with their owners, but they adopt a more reserved attitude with strangers. Some owners describe the Chow Chow’s temperament as complicated, as these dogs can be quite fussy.
They love to be active, and owners are advised to walk these pups up to four times per day. Additionally, these dogs must be brushed two to three times per week, and they need a bath at least once a month.
While Chow Chows make great companions, their complex temperament, stubbornness, and maintenance requirements also make them some of the worst dogs for seniors.
10. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large dog breed whose weight varies depending on the height of the dog (which ranges between 23 and 27 inches). These pups live around 9–12 years on average, so chances are that their senior owners will outlive them. They are also a high-energy breed that’s likely to overwhelm elderly owners, making them some of the worst dogs for seniors.
This dog breed requires little coat and bathing maintenance, and they also don’t shed very much. However, the Cane Corso dog has very high energy and requires a run or brisk walk at least two times a day in order to be happy and healthy. It’s perhaps not the best choice for a retiree.
If you want to learn more about other dog breeds, this book packs in a lot of information about over 450 dog breeds.
Also, if you liked our article on the worst dogs for seniors, you may also want to read 6 Most Common Health Problems of Senior Dogs.
18 Responses
Had a wonderful beaglef or 14 years…..Not hard to train……Simply a great loving dog….
How very presumptuous of you to describe pit bulls in the manner you did. Pit bulls are Not aggressive in nature. As a matter of fact, it is quite the opposite. Any dog can bite and attack on a whim, so for you to categorize pitties they way you did is irresponsible reporting. When I grew up, the Dobermans & Rottweilers were the dogs of choice to demonize. Please curtail your inaccurate reporting to facts, instead of opinions.
Worst dogs for seniors was a STUPID article! Do your research!
Obviously the writer of this article knows nothing about pit bulls. I have had 3, none of which were aggressive or untrustworthy. I agree they need room to run, so a back yard is best for these athletic dogs but I have also seen pitties that are lazy, fat and happy representations of the breed.
Why doesn’t anyone talk about English Shepherds?
Your comments about Pit Bulls couldn’t be more incorrect. Pit Bulls are affectionate, loving and protective of their home and owners. OWNERS are the reason Pit Bulls will be aggressive due to their training. I own a Pit Bull and have for 10 years. She (Diamond) is so sweet to young kids (my grandkids and great grandkids) and to other people. Diamond can be stubborn, especially at bath time, but most of the time is very obedient. I wouldn’t have her any other way.
All you are doing is spreading false rumors about a breed that has a reputation due to bad owners. You can go online and see videos of Pit Bulls as babysitters, watchdogs and with senior people.
Seniors haven’t lost their common sense.
The one missing is the German short-haired pointer .the major reason is there high energy..also great Danes they think they are a small dog trapped in the dunes body . The easiest why to describe them is a bull in a China store. They will clear tables with there tails.
Labrador retriever ? Probably the #1 reason why the author won’t be taken seriously for this article.
Labrador retrievers are one of the top breeds for ppl with special needs, and medical alert dogs… making them a good choice for seniors who may need assistance as well as able bodied seniors seeking a good travel companion for more active seniors wanting to stay fit. A yard with a fence will provide enough independent outside activity for labs, for those seniors who are less active.
Any dog that requires hours of exercise a day and training is exasperating for younger people, but having said that, there are some elderly that are experienced dog owners and for those who don’t have physical limitations, it’s good that this article presents the hardest for seniors. I have 2 Australian Shepherds and I’m in my 70’s and I walk and run the dogs 3 times a day for HOURS!!! They keep me in shape :-). But it’s good to advise people who buy dogs on impulse without checking the needs of the dogs first!
Where is the article?
10 Dog Breeds Seniors Should NEVER Own
Your summation of the pit is one of the worst examples of misinformation repeating myths and and incredibly inaccurate. You should be ashamed. The only fact that you mentioned which is correct in that fantasy is the pits need exercise. The stuff about latching on is nonsense, that’s about them being aggressive is nonsense and if raised normally they have a better disposition and a higher score than many other breeds, including the golden retriever. A pit can do fine in an apartment… Whether you own a house you still have to exercise your dog. And this was a terrible article.
Ass a former Pet sitter/dog walker I absolutely agree! However…I do feel a Senior Lab, is a fantastic companion for elderly. That being said…almost any Senior dog (over 5 – 7 years old) can be a great addition to anyone. As for the smaller breeds…like Yorkies or Chihuahuas…once out of the puppy years…and we’ll trained…make Fabulous,our companions. I am speaking from experience. Probably my #1 pick would be a Shih Tsu or King Charles spaniel.
Rarely have I seen such hogwash, I have worked in Pitbull rescue and had Pitbull’s for years. They are easy to train and eager to please. while they can be active dogs they also are couch potato’s. and some can be aggressive but most of them are among the sweetest of dogs. They do not make good guard dogs as they are to people friendly. I ‘m a senior myself and have no problems having two Pitbull’s. You people really need to stop perpetuating stereotypes about these wonderful dogs perhaps you might try checking for facts before going to print!!!!
I cannot believe you would lump Labrador retrievers with huskies, corso, pugs, pit bulls, and chichuchas.
Labradors can need exercise if you buy from a sport breeder. I you buy from a show line or from dogs that are bred for service use labs are big couch potatoes. Even the ones that need walk or exercise can be happy if you sit and throw a ball which is easy with an assisted device that the tennis ball sits in a an easy motion throws it. They are at the top of lists for dogs used to help blind and disabled. These are not the same as a sport dog. Easy to train, loyal and patient, I can’t think of a more patient and safe dog for a senior. They assist wheelchair bound and people who may have sezuires.
What are the best?
Pit bulls are wonderful dogs. They do need alot of space to exercise. They are loving and they were Not bred to be fighters. They used to call them nanny dogs because they are so good with children. The aggression comes from training. They are incredibly strong, though. Be prepared to be taken for a walk by your dog.
Interesting.