What is the best dog breed for my mother in law?

[Toffeedog]

My mother in law is considering getting a dog, however, we don’t know what breed to get. She is 73, lives in an apartment, is willing to walk the dog for around 40 mins. Preferably a quiet (and lazy,) relatively small dog - and loving, ( the main reason she is getting a dog is for companionship, she is now a widower.)
We have looked at cavaliers, but have heard they are prone to heart and skull issues? Other dogs we have looked at are; cockapoos, cavapoos and English cocker spaniel (show type.)
Cockapoos and cavapoos can be even more prone to health issues and their temperament can be unpredictable, apparently.
We particularly like the English cocker, however we have heard mixed comments, some saying that they need lots of excercise, and others saying that they only need 30 mins?
If there is a breed we have missed or if one of these breeds are suitable, any advice would be appreciated!!

 

[Flobo]

I would go for a mature rescue dog, there are many older dogs that desperately need a home..

 

[merlina]

30 minutes for a cocker? No-o-o! Today my 2 yo cocker has had 30 mins across field before breakfast. 1.5 hours on the beach. 30 mins in woods after his tea. My OH is out across the field with him now- they've been gone for nearly an hour. If we are lucky he's settle after another 30 minutes around village before bedtime. You do the maths as they say in USA! (How about a Yorkie?)

 

[Toffeedog]

I would go for a mature rescue dog, there are many older dogs that desperately need a home..

Thank you! We hadn’ t thought of that! We’ll look into it!

30 minutes for a cocker? No-o-o! Today my 2 yo cocker has had 30 mins across field before breakfast. 1.5 hours on the beach. 30 mins in woods after his tea. My OH is out across the field with him now- they've been gone for nearly an hour. If we are lucky he's settle after another 30 minutes around village before bedtime. You do the maths as they say in USA! (How about a Yorkie?)

Woaah! Maybe not a cocker then! We thought about a yorkie, they seem sweet but quite yappy? I’m not too familiar with the breed so I may be wrong, but I will look into that too!

 

[merlina]

Yeah! He's yappy too!
My consultant: 'Your hip seems quite worn for your age- did you do gymnastics or something?'
Me: 'I've owned four cocker spaniels.'

 

[JudyN]

A retired greyhound. Now, before you point out that they are not small dog, they do fold up very small, and in the home they spend most of their time napping. OK, they're probably napping on the sofa, but... They make WONDERFUL companions, and many would be happy with a couple of 20-mins walks a day (though to be honest I think any dog would be better with more than 40 mins unless it's an unhealthy breed to start with). Ideally they should be able to have the occasional blast off-lead, which might involve finding an enclosed field.

However, if access to the outdoors involves staircases, then it makes sense to get a dog she can carry easily in case of tummy troubles, or if their hips get a bit dodgy with age.

 

[Toffeedog]

A retired greyhound. Now, before you point out that they are not small dog, they do fold up very small, and in the home they spend most of their time napping. OK, they're probably napping on the sofa, but... They make WONDERFUL companions, and many would be happy with a couple of 20-mins walks a day (though to be honest I think any dog would be better with more than 40 mins unless it's an unhealthy breed to start with). Ideally they should be able to have the occasional blast off-lead, which might involve finding an enclosed field.

However, if access to the outdoors involves staircases, then it makes sense to get a dog she can carry easily in case of tummy troubles, or if their hips get a bit dodgy with age.

Ooh that is really useful to know!
That sounds perfect!! Access to garden is via stairs though.
We were told maybe a whippet or Italian greyhound too.

Yeah! He's yappy too!
My consultant: 'Your hip seems quite worn for your age- did you do gymnastics or something?'
Me: 'I've owned four cocker spaniels.'

This made me laugh

 

[Josie]

I would also go for an older rescue - it would suit them both and give an old dog a new happy home when they deserve it the most

 

[Caro Perry]

Another vote for an older dog. Young dogs are really hard work.

 

[JudyN]

We were told maybe a whippet or Italian greyhound too.

Younger whippets tend to seem quite lively and energetic to me, but I'm not so familiar with their exercise requirements - there's several whippet owners on here though who should be able to give advice. They are certainly more portable than greyhounds.

 

[Mayblossom]

I think an older dog would be a lovely idea , wouldn’t need walking miles every day ( mother in law and dog ) they would be great company for each other
There’s a lovely lady opposite me who is 86 and just lost her hubby , her family convinced her to get a dog for company....went to look at some puppies which was not a good idea as we all know what happens when confronted with all these adorable pups..she decided to have one and guess what breed? Border collie ! She’s having a really difficult time with house training as she can’t get the pup out quick enough, chewing the house to bits and drags her on walks. Couldn’t have chosen a more unsuitable breed for her, not sure if she’ll manage to keep her

 

[Toffeedog]

Another vote for an older dog. Young dogs are really hard work.

I would also go for an older rescue - it would suit them both and give an old dog a new happy home when they deserve it the most

We found some websites (dogs trust, blue cross) that we have looked through! She is quite new to dogs though so definitely looking into retired dogs!
Also someone recommended a border terrier, but I don't know the breed too well
Thank you all for replying!!

 

[Toffeedog]

Younger whippets tend to seem quite lively and energetic to me, but I'm not so familiar with their exercise requirements - there's several whippet owners on here though who should be able to give advice. They are certainly more portable than greyhounds.

Ooh thank you!! I have met some lovely whippets but don't know much about them so that'll be great!!

 

[Toffeedog]

I think an older dog would be a lovely idea , wouldn’t need walking miles every day ( mother in law and dog ) they would be great company for each other
There’s a lovely lady opposite me who is 86 and just lost her hubby , her family convinced her to get a dog for company....went to look at some puppies which was not a good idea as we all know what happens when confronted with all these adorable pups..she decided to have one and guess what breed? Border collie ! She’s having a really difficult time with house training as she can’t get the pup out quick enough, chewing the house to bits and drags her on walks. Couldn’t have chosen a more unsuitable breed for her, not sure if she’ll manage to keep her

Thank you on the info on puppies! We'll definitely be much more cautious of getting a puppy!
Poor her! A border collie puppy must be a lot of work !

 

[Nanny71]

Dudley is a cross bichon frise/chihuahua. He is quite small but we do walk a good five miles plus a day. I think you will be surprised how far your mother in law can walk. I am 72 and have had hip replacement and heart surgery this year. Being out with the dog is a lot different to walking on your own.

 

[Toffeedog]

Being out with the dog is a lot different to walking on your own.

I would completely agree! I find walking without a dog aimless personally!! I love walking my lab, but she needs a good 2hr walk!

Dudley is a cross bichon frise/chihuahua.

Awww! I'm sure she's adorable!!

I think you will be surprised how far your mother in law can walk.

You're right, but I worry about her a bit.
I'm sure she'll be fine though!

 

[Shalista]

look around i know here in the states theres a bunch of rescues that do a "Seniors with seniors" match making system for older dogs with older people.

 

[Teddy560]

I have a cocker spaniel and I really wouldn't recommend one for your mother in law's situation. Or a cockerpoo (or variant of.) My cocker spaniel needs at the very minimum an hours brisk walk a day and he's only 10 months old. This is off lead to so he probably covers about 7 miles.

The breeds I can think of that come to mind are yorkies or toy poodles. Definitely an older dog if poss. My puppy is harder work than both my pre schoolers combined.

 

[Rhythmpig]

Go down to the rescue centre and look for the scruffy little mature dog that everyone over looks and give it a shot at a happy life with a forever home.

 

[Mad Murphy]

I also agree that a senior dog would most likely be the best solution for your MIL they can enjoy short walks together and lots of time with feet up at home. A younger dog such as the type you mention would need so much more than she can give and it might end up with both of them being miserable.
there are lots of websites who are dedicated to finding older dogs homes like this one...
Oldies Club – Helping old dogs find loving homes. Homes & volunteers needed across the UK.