Parents are often referred to as empty nesters when their last child leaves the house. This can lead to a feeling of loss and grief. The parents may not know what to do with their time or the quiet that can suddenly surround you. It’s common for empty nesters to miss the contact with their children and miss the companionship. They may worry that their children will not be able to take care of themselves in the big, bad world. They may miss the contact with their children and feel lonely at night. Sound familiar? Have you considered a dog to fill the sudden void? Have you often wondered to yourself – what are the best dogs for empty nesters?
What are the benefits to owning a dog?
The best dogs for empty nesters can help fill the house your children used to live in. They can provide companionship and someone to take care of and worry over. There are even studies that say dogs can lower blood pressure rates and reduce stress. Plus, walking someone everyday will help keep you in shape.
Choosing the right dog for you is an important choice and there are many things to consider. First you want to choose a dog that suits you. Don’t get an outdoor dog is you prefer to be inside. Don’t get a dog that has a high activity level if you do not. Don’t get a dog that is known for barking if you want the quiet. And if you don’t like loose hair or drool over your things, avoid breeds that have those in abundance.
Other things to consider will be the cost of the animal. Is the breed prone to health issues? How long do they generally live? Will the grooming or feeding costs destroy the tight budget? You may need to plan in advance to set aside money for health issues.
Also what will you do when you travel out of state to see those adorable grandkids? It’s recommended to look into local boarding kennels and pet sitting services before you get a dog so you understand your options. Talk to friends that have dogs and check out local businesses. Or maybe you can take the dog with you, an increasing number of hotels allow dogs to stay.
Maybe you don’t want a puppy, puppies are a lot of work. They get you up in the middle of the night whining, you have to commit time to train them, they chew on everything. And potty training. Let’s not forget potty training. Haven’t you done enough of that in your life already?
There are plenty of adult dogs that are already trained with basic commands and potty trained that need good homes. Adult dogs are the best dogs for empty nesters. Check out your local shelter or rescue group for available adult dogs. The experts can help you choose the right dog for you.
Best dogs for Empty Nesters
Below are five dog breeds with information from American Kennel Club to help you choose the best dogs for empty nesters.
Basset Hounds
Basset hounds are easy companions who are content to spend hours sleeping on the couch. Their short coats need little grooming, but you will want to check their ears regularly for any signs of infection.
They enjoy long meandering walks where they can follow the scents they pick up. These dogs are often described as charming, patient, low-key. They are stubborn but will work for food, making them more trainable than some other breeds. Because of their easy-going nature, they make great family dogs for when the grandkids come visit you.
Watch out for hip and elbow dysplasia. Keep obesity in check with long walks to help prevent these issues.
Cocker Spaniels
Cocker spaniels are a small to medium breed that stands about 14 inches at the shoulder, smallest of the sporting breeds. They are intelligent, playful, happy dogs that make great family pets.
They have a moderate energy level. Cocker spaniels have a lot of long hair, so there will be some grooming responsibilities regularly. You will want to check their ears and eyes regularly for signs of infections.
Work with a reputable breeder to protect against genetic eye issues and hip dysplasia.
English Setters
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English setters are a medium to large breed. Known as the gentleman of the dog world, English setters have a mellow disposition. These bird dogs have been bred to hunt birds for over 400 years. Their temperament is merry and friendly.
They have a medium activity level and love to be around people. Their stamina and grace are characteristic of the breed. The coat is medium length and will need to be brushed two or three times per week. These are generally healthy dogs when they are gotten from a reputable breeder.
German Wirehair Pointer
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German Wirehair Pointer is a great outdoor dog. They are a medium to large size that want to be busy. These dogs have a high energy level and will not be happy sitting on the couch all day.
They are affectionate, eager, and enthusiastic animals that want to please their owners. The short, wirehair coat makes them easy to groom. It is also this unique coat that makes them weather resistant and water repellent. They work just as well in the water as they do on land. Most of the dogs of this breed are healthy with no major issues.
Poodles
Poodles are very smart and have a medium energy level. They come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The diversity of size makes it easy to choose one that would fit in with your home. These animals are proud and active. They love showing off their freshly groomed coat to the world. And that coat will take some daily grooming and regular visits to the pet groomer.
Good news about that coat? Poodles don’t shed. This makes them able to be in homes with owners that have allergies. These dogs need to be an integral part of the owners life and prefer to keep busy. Watch out for orthopedic issue, epilepsy, eye issues, and immune system disorders. Work with a reputable breeder to help avoid these.
Wrap Up
The best dogs for empty nesters from those reviewed above are basset hounds. These easy-going dogs are content to lay around all day or go for meandering walks. They are great with people and are generally healthy animals. And who doesn’t love those floppy ears and droopy eyes? The second best dogs for empty nesters are cocker spaniels. They have higher grooming needs than the basset hound and a more playful personality. But they get along great with family members and are intelligent to learn all kinds of commands.
Work with reputable breeders, shelters, and rescue groups in your area. Do lots of research on the different breeds and characteristics. Or you can get a mixed breed dog that may have great attributes from a number of different breeds. Most importantly make sure you are ready for the responsibility of a dog. All dogs will need daily exercise, vaccinations, and a balanced diet.
