Dogs can be great companions and make excellent service animals.
If you’ve got a family member who is struggling with dementia, you may be considering a pet to keep them company.
Of course, you should consult with medical professionals and animal experts before you decide to pair a dog with a dementia patient.
There are a lot of different factors to consider and it may not be a suitable arrangement in some circumstances.
Perhaps you’re thinking of getting a dog so you can bring them to visit dementia patients or a family member at a facility.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best dog breeds for dementia patients.
We’ll hear from a number of experts, ranging from dog behaviourists to veterinarians, to hear some of their suggestions.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu (Photo: Adobe Stock)
For those living with dementia, having a pet is a huge source of happiness and purpose. They are a constant companion and a real support. However, we want to ensure they do not cause or have any behavioural issues. Ideally, we’d also want them to be quite healthy breed, as dealing with ongoing medical issues can be trying. I’d stay away from very high energy breeds that are prone to behavioural issues, such as Collies and Cocker Spaniels. I’d also not advise a dementia patient take on a guarding breed, such as a Cane Corso or Mastiff, as these dogs need a huge amount of consistent training. Pedigrees known for their poor heath (such as Pugs, Frenchies and German Shepherds) should be given a wide berth too.
A great choice of dog for those with dementia would be a Shih Tzu. These dogs are relatively low maintenance and enjoy providing companionship. They tend to be laid back and confident. One downside is their need for regular grooming, but owners could choose to keep their fur short, and to have them seen at the groomer every 8 weeks or so. These guys enjoy short walks and do not need a huge amount of either mental or physical stimulation.
Suggested by Dr Linda Simon, Veterinary Consultant At DogsAPet
Labrador Retriever
Labrador looks scared (Photo: Adobe Stock)
We’ve had Labradors with family with dementia and it’s easy to see why they are a popular breed for people due to their friendly nature, intelligence, and loyalty. Labs are particularly trainable and can learn to provide emotional support and companionship, which can be beneficial for individuals with dementia. As one of the most gentle temperamented breeds, they make a great fit for individuals who might become disoriented or confused. Their innate patience and adaptability allow them to handle the challenges of living with a person with dementia, providing a calming and reassuring presence.
Suggested by Mark Williams-Cook, Director Of Top Dog Harnesses
Schnauzer
Mini Schnauzer (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Although there are quite a few dog breeds that come to mind, my top pick would be a Schnauzer. Schnauzers are easy going, affectionate, and fiercely loyal – an ideal choice for aging people or those that suffer from dementia. These low maintenance dogs do not require a lot of physical activity and prefer to snuggle with their owners.
They also open up easily to other people and therefore can be good for caregivers who may frequently visit someone suffering from dementia. Their size makes them a great choice for apartment living and adaptability ensures they can be taken anywhere without much fuss.
Suggested by Paul Andrews At The Upper Pawside
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog (Photo: Adobe Stock)
There are several dog breeds that make great companions for dementia patients, but my favorite is the Shetland Sheepdog. It’s long, flowing hair gives it an elegant look, but it’s their calm demeanor and small size that make them great companions for dementia patients. The Shetland Sheepdog is intelligent and open to many kinds of training. This combination of calmness and intelligence makes them such great pets.
Suggested by Ginger Burke At Elegant Fluffball
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Photo: Adobe Stock)
For individuals with dementia that are less mobile, Cavalier King Charles may be a great match as they are relatively low-energy dogs, requiring only moderate exercise. They are known for their loving and gentle nature, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in individuals with cognitive impairments and being small dogs makes them easier to share a sofa with!
Suggested by Mark Williams-Cook, Director Of Top Dog Harnesses
Greyhound
Greyhound (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Greyhounds are a laidback dog who do not need much exercise. They spend a lot of their day sleeping and form a loyal bond with their owner. Though they can run fast, they spend much of their day just ambling about. As they can be prone to dental disease, it is a good idea for owners to brush teeth and to offer a kibble that is designed for maintaining good dental health.
For owners with dementia, it can be really important to have someone else who checks in on their pet, ensuring all is ticking over nicely. This means checking routine vaccines are being carried out and that the pet is not being fed too often. It can also help to use timers for when it is time for medicine or time for feeding.
Suggested by Dr Linda Simon, Veterinary Consultant At DogsAPet
Boston Terriers
Boston Terrier (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Boston Terriers make good pets for dementia patients. They are small, so they don’t require a lot of space and are able to easily curl up on a lap for snuggles. They also don’t require a lot of exercise but do enjoy some interactive playtime, and they aren’t very set into having a schedule so it doesn’t matter as much if things aren’t always the same. This is a very happy and loyal breed as well that is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face.
Suggested by Chyrle Bonk, DVM At Pet Keen
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise dog sat against a wall (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Bichon Frises require relatively little exercise compared to other dog breeds, they are also hypoallergenic, making them suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities. These small, fluffy dogs are known for their cheerful and friendly disposition, which can help uplift the mood of someone struggling with cognitive decline.
Suggested by Mark Williams-Cook, Director Of Top Dog Harnesses
