RESOURCES: 5 Best dog breeds for people with chronic illness

 

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There’s a big movement starting to figure out how pets help those battling chronic illness. It appears they do, but doctors are stumped about exactly why that is. But one thing’s for sure – for those of us who want a dog, it’s nice to know which don’t require much upkeep. So without further ado…

Information courtesy of Pet Breeds.com and akc.org

1. Basset Hound:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Moderate
   Exercise needs: Low
   Trainability: Easy
   The Basset Hound has such a distinct look—a short, low-to-the-ground body with big, hanging ears—it’s no wonder it has inspired several cartoon characters (including one named, you guessed it, Droopy). But its incredible hunting instinct and scenting abilities are what first earned this breed its popularity. As pets, Bassets are extremely patient (especially with young kids who tend to yank at their ears when not supervised) and easy to train, and despite their plodding pace, they do well at various dog sports.

2. American Staffordshire Terrier:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Minimal
   Exercise needs: Medium
   Trainability: Easy
   Courageous and strong, the American Staffordshire Terrier (Am Staff)’s athletic build and intelligence make him ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation. He is often identified by his stocky body and strong, powerful head. The breed’s short coat can be any color, and either solid colored, parti-colored or patched.

3. French Bulldog:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Minimal
   Exercise needs: Low
   Trainability: Easy
   This affectionate and playful breed—known for its wrinkly, smushy face and bat-like ears—is a great companion for single pet-owners as well as families with young children. They need little exercise and grooming and are incredibly loyal to their people. Because of their somewhat stubborn nature, they require a bit of patience during training but are incredibly intelligent and eager to please.

4. Chihuahua:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Minimal
   Exercise needs: Low
   Trainability: Easy
   Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that come in many different colors and markings, and can have either long or short coats, but they all have large, alert ears, big moist eyes, and huge personalities. Inside each little Chihuahua is a miniature king or queen ready to rule their realms, so they need to be taught what is acceptable in human kingdoms. They are intelligent and enthusiastic, so they usually don’t need extensive training.

5. Bullmastiff:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Minimal
   Exercise needs: Low
   Trainability: Easy
   The Bullmastiff is a strong and powerfully built animal that possesses great intelligence and a willingness to please, making them ideal family companions and protectors. Although large, the breed remains both agile and active and is successful in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, carting and therapy work. The Bullmastiff’s coat may be red, fawn or brindle.

Do you have any of these dog breeds? I’d love to hear some personal stories.