The Best Small Dog for Retirees

Terry-Berry Muffin in the Daffodils

Choosing the best small dog for retirees involves considering various factors such as temperament, size, energy level, grooming needs, and companionship. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, several breeds stand out as excellent choices for retirees due to their adaptability to a quieter lifestyle and their ability to provide companionship and joy to their owners.

Soft little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

One of the top contenders for retirees is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed is renowned for its gentle and affectionate nature, making it an ideal companion for seniors. Cavaliers are small in size, typically weighing between 13 to 18 pounds, which makes them suitable for apartment living or smaller homes. They are known for their adaptability to various environments and their love for human companionship. Cavaliers are also relatively low-energy dogs, enjoying leisurely walks and cuddle sessions on the couch, making them perfect for retirees who may prefer a more relaxed pace of life.

Nana's cuddly Maltese

Another excellent choice for retirees is the Maltese. Known for their small size, weighing around 4 to 7 pounds, Maltese dogs are affectionate, playful, and loyal. They thrive on human interaction and make devoted companions to their owners. Despite their small stature, Maltese dogs have a big personality and enjoy participating in activities with their families, whether it's a short walk or a game of fetch indoors. Their hypoallergenic coat also makes them suitable for retirees who may have allergies or prefer a dog with minimal shedding.

The playful French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is another popular choice for retirees due to its affectionate and laid-back demeanor. Frenchies are small, sturdy dogs with a distinctive appearance and a charming personality. They are known for their playful nature and love for companionship, making them great indoor pets. French Bulldogs typically weigh between 16 to 28 pounds, making them well-suited for apartment living or smaller homes. While they enjoy short walks and playtime, they are not overly energetic, which can be appealing to retirees seeking a canine companion that matches their lifestyle.

Granddad walks the Shih Tzu

And, of course, the Shih Tzu is a beloved breed among retirees for its friendly disposition and manageable size. Shih Tzus are small dogs weighing around 9 to 16 pounds, with a luxurious coat that requires regular grooming. Despite their grooming needs, Shih Tzus make excellent companions for retirees due to their affectionate nature and adaptability to indoor living. They enjoy spending time with their families and are known for their playful antics, bringing joy and laughter to their owners' lives.

Ultimately, the best small dog for retirees depends on individual preferences and lifestyle. It's essential to consider factors such as temperament, grooming needs, and energy level when choosing a canine companion. Whether you prefer the gentle nature of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the playful personality of a Maltese, the laid-back demeanor of a French Bulldog, or the friendly disposition of a Shih Tzu, any of these breeds can make a wonderful addition to a retiree's life, providing love, companionship, and joy for years to come.

You disagree with the 'panel' on the above little furbabies being chosen as THE BEST? I have a little Chihuahua cuddled up on my lap right now and would be disloyal if I didn't say she is possibly the sweetest little dog-- what an entertainer-- that we have ever 'parented'. But she is also pretty dictatorial (I want to eat RIGHT NOW... and then a WALKee) and amazingly active for her age (12).

Anyhow, if you want to tell about why another small breed of dog should be on this list, please be my guest and comment (below). Thanks!!

Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes) and 3 Ethnic Take-Offs

Colcannon is a lovely Irish traditional mix of boiled cabbage or kale along with a root vegetable, usually mashed potatoes, but sometimes turnip, or carrots. Leaks and/or onions, and garlic, are pretty popular additions. Chopped green onions, chives and/or parsley are often used as a stirred-in garnish. You will also find 3 other Colcannon-type recipes-- take-offs of cultural classics with potatoes and greens from Mexico, Zambian and Ukrainian are sure to delight you as well when you want to try something a little different. These are all delicious, healthy comfort foods! I am vegan, so all of the recipes are vegan colcannon-- no dairy butter or milk involved. The following are ingredients in the colcannon I made (Missing from the picture are water, garlic, pepper, oil, and fine sea salt): Lovely Colcannon: potatoes, cabbage, leaks, green onions, and parsley INGREDIENTS (2-4 servings) 3 T. (30 mg) Olive Oil (or water, or coconut oil) 1/2 Cabbage , shredded ...

Pan-Fry Carrots (Roast Carrot Sticks)

Pan-roasted carrots (with some potato fries mixed in) Our younger son--at one time in the life he styled as "Nomad Farmer"-- lived and grew organic vegetables, fruit and berries on an off-grid community farm in the interior of BC. We stopped in to see him the one time and came away with a load of over-wintered carrots, still as carrot-y flavoured and plump as on the day they were dug from the ground, thanks to the hill-side root crop storage cellar. Our granddaughters opted for fish and chips today for lunch, and some of the 'chips' were carrot chips. They are also a great base for a roast carrot soup. When you roast veggies, you get extra delicious flavour. You will also find two wonderful recipes for Holiday carrot side dishes-- Maple-glazed roasted carrots with a recipe for a lemony vegan sauce (made with cashews) and Lemon-Herb roasted carrots made with a Pecan Relish recipe, PAN-FRY CARROTS (Roast Carrot Sticks) <more properly ...

Hearty Cream of Tomato - Bean Soup - Vegan, Gluten-Free

If you have only ever eaten Cream of Tomato soup from a can, this will be a tasty coup for you! Here is another wonderful bean recipe adapted from my fave The Great Vegan Bean Book: More than 100 Delicious Plant-Based Dishes Packed with the Kindest Protein in Town! - Includes Soy-Free and Gluten-Free Recipes! * . This creamy tomato-bean soup will fill in the gaps for anyone who feels they just don't have the time or energy to cook up a healthy lunch -- the secret is to pre-cook your beans in a large quantity and freeze them. Then just assemble your other ingredients and presto, you have a very nutritious base to your lunch in less time than it would take you to order and be served at your typical restaurant. And you will know what is actually IN this soup ! INGREDIENTS: 2 T. Olive Oil or Vegetable Broth 1/2 Onion , minced 3 cloves Garlic 1 tsp. Marjoram 1 tsp. Thyme 1/2 ts...

Organic Granny

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