What dog should I get for my retired dad?

My dad has retired and he's bored (whist mum is still working). I'd like to get him a dog/puppy, preferably one with short hair (easier grooming). A dog that needs walking, but not too much and not to hard to train.We prefer small to medium sized dogs (preferably one that can sleep outside) and I've considered Jack Russell and Beagles, but they seem to need too much exercise / easily distractable. Any ideas?

A Basset Hound.They have short hair and don't need much grooming AT ALL!They do infact need walking but not that much. Maybe a walk every two days or every day. They aren't hard to train either. Some are stubborn but if you train them from puppyhood they are fine.Bassets are medium sized dogs. they are adorable too!They droopy eyes, and big paws, short legs and long body...They look so sad, but hilarious dogs. They are always clowning around!They are gentle. I am assuming you dad is a little elderly saying he's retiring. Well Bassets are very very gentle. They would never want to hurt anyone.Good luck!And oh, please let me know what you decide on!

Go to your local dog pound or Humane Society and ask them. Adopt a dog who needs a good home.

bichon friselap dog with not too much energyhypo allergenicI take mine to a groomer**Also, Yorkies are typically ideal for older people

german shepherds are very easy to train sleep out side and very loyal not much brushing needed and love companny even though u are looking for a little dog

You should get a chihuahua for you`r dad.

Check the AKC website for a list of the next several all-breed dog shows and obedience trials near you. Take your dad out to visit them and talk to the exhibitors. If he wants a dog, I'm sure you'll get a hint. Dog shows are attended by folks from all walks of life - I am sure that if your dad is even slightly interested, he'll not be bored. Also, dog shows are a great excuse to travel to really nice places.

Try a lap dog, what I mean by that, is a chihuahua. These are best to lay around, and not do much. The short haired ones are a bit less to take care of with the shedding.Also you may want to hint around with your father, asking what he likes.

A rescue dog!

Labrador Retriever Border Terrier Pharaoh Hound Poodle (toy) Brittany Spaniel Bichon Frise I took this quiz, and I picked all the things you said, and these breeds popped up.

1. Thinking in terms of a care for the dog, 10-15 years for example; it is seems best to select a dog which your father will be able to groom comfortably--not too small so a senior person can bend down with ease, and not too big for an older person to lift the dog to a bathtub for a bath. 2. Sleeping outside depends on your climate and on the potential pest infestations in your area, fleas and/or mosquitoes are common dog enemies, for example; also, many people like the comfort of a dog in the home, in the bedroom, even in the bed. 3. Perhaps a visit to a pet store or a humane society shelter, maybe even with your father, can help you to finalize your choices. Good luck!

All dogs need a certain amount of excersise. Not knowing the age of your father, he must know what type breed he wants, or likes. Let him do the picking, and make sure that "he" really wants a dog. Don't push him! They are expensive, with vet visits, and food alone. I have a rotty/mix. Best dog I've ever had. I've had Beagles, and a black lab. They are super also. At your local Humane Society; they might have a program called: Senior for Senior. Where by, your dad could get an older dog free. Hense already trained...and, probably a good dog. Check it out.

It's really not a good idea to give anyone a pet as a gift without them knowing about it first.My advice would be to talk about it with your dad first (And clear it with your Mum too!), then if he agrees, make a father/daughter day of it - Go have a nice lunch together, then on to the shelter to pick out a dog together.

Your Dad might have other ideas. I would suggest you sit down with him and your Mum too. Dogs are expensive no matter what breed you get and a lot of work:http://www.bluecollardollar.com/funding_fido.html

You are very kind to think of your dad's happiness! If I were you, I would go with your dad to your local shelter and inform the people that work there about the parameters of your dog search. They will make a concerted effort to find the kind of dog that will work for what your father needs. Chemistry will take it from there. I have volunteered in shelters for many years and the minute that the "right dog" sees its new owner, you can just feel it! There are far too many wonderful animals that end up in shelters simply because an owner made an uninformed decision! As far as specific breeds, several people have mentioned Bichons; my in-laws have one and she is a very sweet, low-maintenance dog. I would also recommend a Corgi. They are extremely intelligent, sweet dogs that really become attached to their owners. They are easy to groom and are hearty dogs that usually do not have serious health issues. They love to go for long walks, but are not hyperactive. Good luck in your search!

Retired people seem to really gravitate towards Shih Tzus. They don't bark alot, are not high energy and they don't shed. They almost act like furry little human babies! If your parents would get her shaved short, they can get by with just having her groomed once every three months, so long as they keep around her eyes trimmed and they can usually make arrangements with groom shops just to trim under the eyes and keep the nails clipped on a monthly basis for a small fee. Or a monthly bath that includes face, feet and fanny trim, then a shave every 3rd time. I would prefer a groom bill to a shed monster.

yeah i agree with basset hound or a cocker spanial

I would recommend a young adult rescue mix breed. Basset hound was a good suggestion. Puppies take a lot of time. You'll be able to tell if they are compatible by taking Dad to the shelter with you. The best advice I ever heard was to let the dog pick out his owner!Shelters are very interested in making a match and could give you the dog's history. There are so many loving pals who need homes. They are not always surrendered because of behavior problems. Many times their master's die or just cannot afford them anymore! Try the Shelter! Save a life and start a friendship! Good Luck!

All men love German Shepherds and they come in all sizes. Talk to the breeders and let them know what you are after and they can help you. Good Lucksew

The size may not be quite right - but retired Greyhounds make excellent low maintenance pets for people. In Australia there is a Greyhound Adoption Program in almost every state. They only require minimal exercise (they might be speedy , but don't have a lot of stamina - so a short walk each day is enough for them). They are generally well socialised, walk beautifully on lead and are very calm and easy-going animals. They don't generally make good guard dogs as they tend to love everyone they come into contact with, but they are big enough to put most people (who don't know much about them) on guard. They do come in a huge range of sizes - and here at least - there are loads available for adoption so you can almost state your size/colour/age/sex requirements. Beautiful beautiful dogs!