Dog Information

Good dog breeds for people with chronic sickness and disabilities?

Hello, i was wondering if there are any good dog breeds that are good for people who don't get out much, who are usually sick and don't have much energy. My Aunt is looking for a dog, and she is always sick and needs a companion that doesn't require too much work or physical activity. She wants a smaller dog, that NEEDS to get along with other animals, preferably cats. Basically she needs a dog that doesn't need a lot of energy, and that a person with sickness can handle easily :) Thank you!

Public Comments

1. papillon chow
2. Beagle
3. um... shiba inus! they are like cats, REALLY clean, nice and pretty smart...thy are BEEUTIFLL too! altho i would rlly prefer a german shepherd dog
4. Contact your local Humane Society or SPCA about organizations that train and foster out special needs dogs - dogs trained to assist people with disabilities or illnesses.
5. Italian Greyhound
6. Whatever breed you decide on, get an adult. Puppies require too much time and energy. Also consider going to a shelter - there are plenty of quiet adult dogs that are in desperate need of a forever home.
7. Dogs make house work, they shed and their poo needs clearing away. All dogs need to go for walks. Does not matter the size they need walks. If they don't get walked they store up unused energy and become aggressive. Watch the dog shows, like Ceasar Milan. There is no guarantee that any dog will get on with any cat.
8. Wow, that was a lot of bad recommendations listed above! All of those dogs aren't calm and able to be handled by someone with chronic sickness & disabilities! Your best bet (and only sane thing to do) is to contact a rescue that foster's dogs and knows their exact histories. I would suggest a rescue that specifically focuses in small dogs as many older dogs that are toy breeds or small terriers often have obedience training and are potty-trained. An older dog won't have the energy level of a puppy, and most won't need more activity than to play fetch or run around the yard to keep in shape. Toy dogs were bred to be companions, and by getting an older dog from a breeder (often older dogs don't fit the breed description exactly and can't continue being shown or bred, and the breeder will have already trained the dog and then will sell the animal to someone responsible for a small fee) or from an experienced small animal rescue you will know exactly what you are getting and be able to correctly match a dog with your needs.