If so, you would probably want to avoid long- haired, double coated breeds such as St. Bernards and Collies that shed a large portion of the year. Poodles are also credited with a lower incidence of asthma related complications because of their low shedding rate. If so, a small dog can be a blessing. It will give the elderly a small pet that can be held and caressed while often making for an excellent little alarm system. Unfortunately the small breeds can also prove to be a hazard.
Many dogs like to run around or through their owner's feet.
These can often cause falls resulting in broken bones. At the same time, a large dog can provide a great feeling of security but a large puppy can cause the same problems as a small dog. Once again you will want to check out the normal temperament of the breeds you are considering. There are many breeds that are known to have calm dispositions once they mature past the puppy stage. These will include Golden Retrievers, Collies, American Eskimos and Shetland Sheepdogs as well as many more.