My grand-parents recently lost their (really old) Poodle and my family is looking into getting them another dog. They're both over 80 and my grandfather barely moves out of his chair due to Parkinson. My grandmother is healthier however and has no mobility limitation.

Their previous dog always was limited to indoor. Going outside mostly for potty or staying in their small yard when weather (which can easily reach -30 degree here during winter) permitted.

They're not necessarily trainers. Their old dog was there simply as a companion and didn't learn many tricks besides asking the door to do his business... they did give him toys to occupy him now and then (and played briefly with him) and of course the dog spent a lot of time on their lap. They didn't have any intolerable behavior problem with their dog besides funny/annoying things like barking when someone sneezed.

But they are indeed less active now than they were 15 years ago. So my question is; is there such a thing as a low energy, "couch potato" dog race for low activity people that just want a calm companion to share their time with?

I've done several researches over multiple "matchmaking" web engines, with those criteria in mind:

- Size: Small or Medium
- Low activity/energy
- Low need of exercise
- Friendly with strangers and children (that's for us when we visit them)
- Able to spend several hours (8-10 hours) alone during the day (because while sedentary, they do get out for relatively extended period of times)

The races that recurred the most were:
- Bichon Frisé
- Boston Terrier
- French Bulldog
- Havanese/Maltese
- Pug
- Tibetan Spaniel

Is there any race in there that experienced trainers here think wouldn't fit at all with a sedentary way of life?

Any comments on specific breeds?

For example, Pugs are cute but from what I've read they shed a lot... which is not necessarily interesting from a lap dog. So perhaps they should go with a Maltese or Bichon?

Any other recommendations? (except acquiring a cat instead)

Regards,

I would consider an older dog from a shelter or rescue for a situation like this.

It would give a home to a dog that is not easily adoptable due to age and probably fit their lifestyle needs better than a younger/more active dog.

A couple questions - are they looking for another dog? Is a family member willing to take the dog should they become unable to care for it?

If the answer to both is yes, I'd look for a small to medium young adult dog at a shelter that fits your criteria. You would already know the dogs adult temperament, and not need to deal with housebreaking or excessive chewing that they might get with a pup.

How committed are you to size? Reason I ask is that rescue greyhounds are the most couch tater gentle dogs (generalizing). They also come leash trained,potty trained, and are often basic obedience trained as well. They also don't have the lifespan that a small dog will have. I expect to have my current group of healthy little dogs for about twenty years should my stars align correctly.

Of the breeds you have listed I don't recommend bichons, bostons, or frenchies because they're not... just plain not low key dogs or particularly small dogs. Bostons and Frenchies tend to be little beacons of destruction as well. Pugs do shed alot... probably more per square inch than any other dog I work with in a day.

Since they had a poodle I'm sure they are aware of groom costs that potentially go with any breed.

Rather than go to a general shelter I'd look for a retired female from a good breeder. As much as it's not PC little dogs that end up at shelters usually have a reason that they are there and not housebroken, yapping, and bad temperament are the reasons why.

Personally if I had to do it all over again for my grandparents last dog I'd probably go with a mini dachshund, a papillon, or a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Oh I missed the Boston Terrier on the list.

Our good friends have one as well as my son's grandmother (my ex mother in law) They are both little bundles of energy, one of them screams like a banshee when she wants something and the other one is just a spaz.

Both of them are well trained and fairly well behaved, they are just not couch potato dogs at all.

Chad also had one growing up and said he was a handful and used to drag the kids stuffed animals around and was having quite a sordid affair with several of them.

Greyhounds are such lovely delicate looking dogs, I would love to rescue one some day.

In my opinion, I would rule out Boston terrier and french bulldogs. I think they might be too much for your grandparents. Boston terrier tends to be very active and require more energy to keep up with. French bulldogs tend to be stubborn and can be kinda challenge.

If I were them, I would go with a rescue elder greyhound. I met many greyhounds, they seem to have mellow easy going personalities. Maltese/Havense might be a good choice... Have you looked into pekingese? A low energy mutt from any rescues could be a good match for your grandparents too.

I thought I might suggest the standard, longhaired Dachshund. In general they are not very high energy dogs that are smaller (height wise) and have nice temperaments, in my experience much better temperaments than their mini counterparts. They do need a little brushing here and there. A friend of mine has and shows one and he has really been a great companion to her.

If your looking for a specific breed from the ones you mentioned I would suggest the Havanese or the king Charles.
The problem with that is being a particular breed is no guarantee of temperment.
I would agree with the poster that suggested going to the pound for and older dog that doesn't leave much doubt about temperment.

I agree with everyone above about adopting an older dog. No matter how calm and sedentary a pup will grow to be, they will still be a puppy. All puppies require a lot of work, need to be toilet trained, are energetic, and their temperaments can't be counted on to remain the same.

 Quote: Joy van Veen

I agree with everyone above about adopting an older dog. No matter how calm and sedentary a pup will grow to be, they will still be a puppy. All puppies require a lot of work, need to be toilet trained, are energetic, and their temperaments can't be counted on to remain the same.

I couldn't agree more as well. There are SO many breeds, and mixed breeds, that would make perfect companions for an older couple if they simply found a calm adult or elder individual. If it were me, it would really be about finding the right dog, not choosing the right breed. And goodness knows, between the shelters and the private rescues, there are MORE than enough adult dogs to choose from.

Friends of ours, who are not even over 40, adopted an 8 year old miniature poodle about a year ago (from a poodle rescue) - this dog is healthy, but has an orthopedic disability, so she's quite sedentary. They very much wanted the company of a canine, but really didn't want a lot of responsibility in regards to exercising, adjusting their schedules, etc. This little dog has turned out to be PERFECT for them - she gets 3 walks a day that are literally no more than 100 yards down and back (that's all she wants and is capable of), she loves to snuggle on the couch, she's feisty enough to play tiny tug every evening and do tricks for treats, and mellow enough to sleep the rest of the day, and best of all, she's constant company for the wife, who works from home - all parties are on cloud nine.

Honestly, look into adopting - not only would it save a dog in need, it might actually be THE most perfect solution.

~Natalya