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As we get older, many of us will eventually experience a decline in our physical and mental health. We may also need to retire from work due to the fact that our bodies simply cannot do what they used to be able to. This is when emotional support dogs can come in handy. These animals provide senior citizens with companionship, help to alleviate anxiety for people who suffer from these issues, and even make it easier for them to complete tasks around the house. Also pet sitting/dog walking is a low-stress job for retired people!

The major characteristics of emotional support dogs include their ability to provide companionship and relieve stress in those who are going through difficult times or living with certain conditions such as anxiety disorders.

What is the best type of emotional support dog for you? Well, that depends on your needs and personality. There are many factors to consider when choosing a dog to help with your mental health. For example, if you have trouble sleeping at night because of anxiety or depression, then an energetic pup might not be the best option for you. However, if you need someone who can keep up with your active lifestyle and provide companionship in retirement communities or assisted living facilities then a high-energy breed would be perfect!

In this article I will introduce 12 best emotional support dogs that are perfect for seniors and retirees!

Now I want to tell you about each one. I hope you enjoy reading about what each animal has to offer!

Labrador Retriever

A popular breed for emotional support dogs, Labradors are well known to have high intelligence and a calm personality. They’re also America’s favorite breed because of their friendly attitude with children and other pets. If you need an outgoing companion that has no problem showing affection towards the family members they get along great with, Labs will be your best choice!

Labradors have a very good reputation for their hardworking nature, which they got from their ancestors who were used to hunt animals or perform other tasks such as showing in the ring. Modern Labs work different jobs like hunting with hunters, performing tricks at dog shows, or working on search teams that help people find lost objects when it is too difficult to do so by themselves.

Breed Overview:

• Height: 21.5-24.5 inches
• Weight: 55-80 pounds
• Color: Mostly there are three different color types. Black, brown (usually just referred to as chocolate), and yellow.
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years     
• This dog breed is one of the more expensive breeds, costing around $800 – $1500 per puppy.
• It will cost $1,060 to $10,000 a year or $88 to $833 a month. For a Labrador retriever, the most expensive aspect is their veterinary care.

Note: Costs for the upkeep of a pet are extensive. They include supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming expense, licenses as well as microchips to help identify your beloved animal if it were ever lost or stolen. Additionally, (optional) you may want to consider adding in some optional services such as dog walking or boarding which can be expensive depending on where you live and how often is needed. If you want your pet to get spayed/neutered, it will cost money. You can also buy insurance for your pet so you don’t have to worry about anything bad happening.

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• Labrador Retrievers are known for their intelligence, obedience, and loyalty
• Affectionate with family and friendly towards strangers but Labs can be very protective of their owners when strangers come around
• This breed is a quick learner and easy to groom
• Their sensitivity level is high in terms of adaptability
• Their energy level is high and always begging for games

French Bulldogs

French Bulldog is a small dog with lots of personalities. Originally, it was made in England to be like the big kind of Bulldog, but now people call them Frenchie because they were brought to France by English lacemakers.

These dogs are purebred, but they can also be found in shelters and rescues. If you adopt one of these dogs, you will have a friend for life. They were once ratters, but now they are also family friends and show dogs. Even apartment dwellers or first-time pet parents will love this dog breed!

Frenchies are very often described as being among the most affectionate and dedicated breeds of dogs. They love to cuddle with their humans, which is why they need a lot of personal space or else will become frustrated. Frenchies get along well with other animals when introduced properly but can be territorial if not trained from the beginning.

Breed Overview:

• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: under 28 pounds
• Color: Most common are Fawn, Black & White, Brindle, Brindle and white, Fawn and Brindle, Fawn and White etc.
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Average puppy price of French Bulldog is around $1,500-$3,000.
• In first year you have to spend approx. $5,395 and from 2^nd year the maintenance cost will be around $1,090 per year (or $91/month)

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major personality traits of French Bulldogs:

• French bulldogs are playful and have a lot of energy
• They are easy to live within apartments and perfect for novice owners.
• They are affectionate with children and adults
• They’re very intelligent, but they can be stubborn at times
• They’re usually not aggressive or territorial, but they will bark to warn you if someone is coming near your home
• They love attention from their owners and enjoy being around other people as well
• French bulldogs don’t like to be left alone for too long because it stresses them out

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They are friendly and tolerant, which makes them good family pets because they have a very smart mind that allows these canines to work tasks for you with relative ease.

A favorite pastime among owners who own this breed includes hunting games or retrieving games from water sources such as rivers or lakes on trips outside the home territory- but not too far out! This intelligent canine will always do what it takes to please its master’s needs without complaint due to their excellent training skills and easygoing attitude towards life.

Breed Overview

• Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
• Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
• Color: There are three main colors including golden, Light golden, and Dark golden.
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• Average price of a Golden Retriever ranges from $500 to $3,000.
• Owning a Golden Retriever is approximately $162 per month

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• The Golden Retriever is a friendly and loving dog
• Affectionate with Family and Kid-Friendly
• They are very intelligent and eager to please their owners
• Their sensitivity level is high in terms of adaptability
• They have a high energy level and need plenty of exercises
• They are good with children but should be supervised around smaller pets due to their size.

Beagle

Beagles are one of America’s most popular breeds. They are a very good breed for first-time owners because they are easy to train and eager to please their owners. This means that this dog will not only listen but also help you with verbal commands. The Beagles have excellent scenting abilities which make them perfect for hunting.

The Beagle is a very good family pet. They are really the best dog for children because they get along with everyone and have no aggressive tendencies, so you can be sure that this breed will not hurt your loved ones. The Beagles also get great at playing games which makes them perfect to play fetch time after time again.

Breed Overview

• Height: 13 to 15 inches
• Weight: 20-30 pounds (13 to 15 inches)
• Color: Tricolor coats are most common. White, black, and brown are the colors that are seen most often.
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 15 years
• On average, the standard cost of a Beagle ranges from $400-$1,000.
• The cost of owning a Beagle can be around $1,120 per year (or $93 per month)

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• Beagles are friendly and playful dogs that love to be around people
• The beagle is a breed that has been used as hunting dogs and is also a loyal companion.
• They have a tendency to bark at strangers, which is why they make good watchdogs
• Beagles are also known for their high intelligence and ability to learn quickly
• They can be stubborn at times, but this just means you need to train them more often
• They’re very energetic and need plenty of exercises

German shepherds

German shepherds are one of the most noble and intelligent dogs in all of dogdom. These great canines have been trained to become service animals, such as guide dogs for blind individuals or any other who requires assistance seeing around town. They’re also excellent herding companions that will be your best friend on a long walk through the countryside watching over livestock with their keen eyesight and quick reflexes!

German shepherd puppies would make lovely additions to homes where there is space available indoors for them to run free and explore at least an hour each day outdoors too; they need plenty of physical activity otherwise they’ll fill up themselves with energy until you might just find yourself facing trouble from this awesome breed’s high intelligence levels – if not doing something constructive then playing games.

Breed Overview

• Height: 22 to 26 inches
• Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
• Color: Most common colors include black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, solid black, gray, sable.
• Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
• Average price of German Shepherd is around $500-$1,500.
• The cost of owning a German shepherd can be as high as $85 per month

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major Characteristics includes:

• German Shepherds are loyal and protective
• These dogs are intelligent and obedient, keen to please their owners.
• They have the outstanding hearing capability and a good sense of smell.
• German Shepherds can be aggressive with other dogs or strangers if they don’t know them well
• German Shepherds require early socialization to avoid becoming fearful or overly shy around new people or animals
• They have a strong prey drive which means they will chase small animals such as cats, squirrels, rabbits etc., so it’s important that you keep your dog on a leash when outside in an area where there might be wildlife

Poodle

Poodles are some of the most intelligent dogs out there, and they make great companions. They’re highly trainable and can be trained for just about anything you throw at them! Bored Poodles will get destructive if their needs aren’t met; so active owners who know how to meet those needs will find a loving companion in this smart dog breed that’s loyal as family.

The Poodle is known for being a high-energy dog with a very versatile personality. They are great with children, and they adapt well to change, which also makes them good service dogs (due to the nature of their job).

Breed Overview

• Height: Over 15 inches (standard)
• Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
• Color: The colors that are found commonly are Apricot, Blue, Brown, White, Black, Red, etc.
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 18 years
• On average, a Poodle ranges in cost between $700 to $1,200.
• The cost of owning a Poodle per month could be around $162.

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• Poodles are intelligent, highly trainable dogs that can be trained to do just about anything
• They are adapts well to apartment living
• They’re also very friendly and sociable dogs who love being around people
• Poodles are great with seniors & kids because they’re so gentle and patient
• They’re also very active and playful – they love to chase after balls or play with other animals!

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a breed that is known for its long, wiry coats. The breed originated in Yorkshire, England during the 19th century and was originally bred to hunt rodents because they have a keen sense of smell. They’re also very people-oriented dogs which makes them one of the best emotional support dogs for retirees or seniors who don’t want to be lonely.

Yorkshire Terriers are a small dog breed but have a big personality. They are one of the most popular toy breeds in America and they have many fans. Yorkshire Terriers are devoted to their owners, look elegant, and can live in an apartment.

Breed Overview

• Height: 7 to 8 inches
• Weight: 7 pound average
• Color: Most Yorkshire terriers are born black and tan or gold, but they change to blue-tan when they grow up.
• Life Expectancy: 11 – 15 years
• On average, the standard cost of a Yorkshire puppies ranges from $300-$800.
• The cost of owning a Yorkshire can be around $1,230/year (or $103/month)

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, lively dog that can be very affectionate and loyal to its owners
• Yorkshire Terriers are very intelligent and love to learn new tricks
• They can be stubborn at times, but they’re also easy to train with a little patience
• Yorkshire Terriers are playful and energetic dogs that need a lot of exercises each day
• These small dogs make great companions for people who live in apartments or smaller homes because they don’t require as much space as other breeds

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is one of the most colorful dog breeds, with a thick coat and multiple color varieties. This breed is from Siberia. They have blue or multi-colored eyes and a face that can be striking. You find them all over North America too.

The Siberian Husky is one handsome hound with its beauty being measured by how many different colors it possesses on its hair and eye color – they are also known for their short coats (they don’t shed) so your furniture will thank you when there’s no shedding going around!

Breed Overview

• Height: 20 to 24 inches
• Weight: 35 to 60 pounds average
• Color: Husky can be two colors namely black and white with the pattern “splash”.
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• On average, the standard cost of a Yorkshire puppies ranges from $600-$1,300.
• The cost of owning this breed can be around $1,505/year (or $125/month)

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• The Siberian Husky is a breed of dog that was originally bred to pull sleds in cold climates
• They are intelligent, energetic, and friendly dogs who need lots of exercises
• They are not good guard dogs because they will happily greet anyone who comes to the door
• They have thick coats which means they can live outside year-round without any extra care
• Their coat needs brushing every day or it will become matted and tangled
• They can live in apartments or large houses as long as they get enough exercise outside

Pugs

Pugs are dogs that were bred to be lap pets. They have been called “comical” because they like making people laugh with their silly faces and antics. Pugs belong in the group of toy breeds, which is part of the American Kennel Club (AKC). These pups were specifically bred to sit on a human’s legs or other body parts for hours at a time- it just isn’t good for them if left alone too long!

Breed Overview

• Height: 10 to 13 inches
• Weight: 14 to 18 pounds average
• Color: Most common Pug colors are silver, apricot, fawn and black
• Life Expectancy: 13 – 15 years
• On average, the standard cost of a Pug ranges from $1,500 and $2,500.
• The cost of owning this breed can be around $1,035/year (or $86/month)

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major Characteristics includes:

• Pugs are known for their short muzzle, flat face, and curly tail
• They are very social animals and enjoy the company of humans as well as other dogs or pets
• Their personality traits include being playful, friendly, loyal, intelligent, stubborn at times but also obedient when trained properly
• Pugs can be difficult to train because they have a mind of their own and will do what they want if not given enough attention from their owners
• They require minimal grooming with occasional brushing to keep them clean and free from tangles

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be a perfect pet for seniors and retirees. They love to cuddle, but also have a very active side that lets them be excellent sporting dogs who enjoy running on beaches and playing sports such as agility or fly ball with their masters’. The more laid back members of this breed can find success in other areas like therapy work or just acting as family friends!

Breed Overview

• Height: 12 to 13 inches
• Weight: 13 to 18 pounds average
• Color: Most common colors of this breed are Blenheim, Black and Tan, Ruby, and Tri-Color
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• On average, the standard cost of a Spaniel ranges from $1800 to $3500.
• The cost of owning this breed can be around $1,095/year (or $91/month)

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• The Cavalier is a sweet, gentle, and affectionate breed often used as an emotional support animal.
• These animals are eager to please their owners and they make excellent companions.
• They are friendly, playful, and energetic
• This breed is particularly good with elderly people and children.
• This breed does not shed much hair or require extensive grooming

Collies

The Collie is a type of dog that most likely originated in Scotland. They are intelligent and loyal by nature, so they can make great family companions as well! The Collie would love to spend time with their favorite humans but not for too long because they do need some privacy every now and then.

When you adopt this pup into your home, give them plenty of attention, or else it will show on their face how unhappy they feel being left alone all day without any affection from the people who care about him the most.

Breed Overview

• Height: 22 to 26 inches
• Weight: 50 to 75 pounds average
• Color: The two base color genes in collies are brown (sable) and black (tri-color). Brown is the dominant gene. Black is the recessive gene.
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• On average, the standard cost of a Collie ranges from $800 – $1200.
• The cost of owning this breed can be around $1,865/year (or $155/month)

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• Collies are sensitive and intelligent dogs
• They’re highly affectionate with their families
• Collies are known to be gentle, predictable, and easy to train.
• Fit and energetic seniors can find Collies a perfect match for their needs.
• Collies are intelligent pups that love to learn and enjoy being around people

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a smart breed of dog originally bred to herd cattle, horses, and sheep. They can easily be trained and they’re eager to learn new things! Pembrokes make great family dogs as well because they love children’s company just like adults’.

With their friendly personalities, corgies also get along with other animals in the house too- even cats! If you want your furry friend at home all day happy and healthy then look no further than this adorable pup;

If you’d like a dog who will be devoted to your family and will listen to your commands, this would be an excellent choice!

Breed Overview

• Height: 10 to 12 inches
• Weight: 24 to 30 pounds
• Color: Pembroke Welsh Corgis come in 5 basic colors – red, red-headed tricolor, black-headed tricolor, sable, and fawn.
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• On average, the cost of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi varies from $1,000 to $2,200.
• The maintenance cost for corgi’s ranges between $100 and $300 every month

Characteristics Summary:

Some of the major characteristics includes:

• Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and playful
• They can be a bit shy and cautious around strangers
• They are also very protective of their family members.
• Corgis can be just as loyal to their owners as other breeds.
• They require minimal grooming due to their short coat

Dogs are sometimes a great way to get emotional support when you retire. Enjoying dogs’ company is a favorite hobby for some seniors. This animal can be a good friend and help make you feel less lonely.

There is no right answer when it comes to which kind of dog is best for you. Each person’s needs are different. However, this article has introduced twelve types of emotional support dogs in order for seniors and retirees to see which type may be best for them.

I hope you found this article helpful while knowing about different emotional support dog breeds. Please share any ideas you have below.

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*What Are the Stages of Retirement & What to Do During That Time?

*Best 15 Hobbies for Elderly at Home to Keep Them Busy and Happy

*Best 10 Dress Code Ideas: What to Wear to A Retirement Party?

*Best Retirement Party Decorations Ideas to Make It Memorable