These Dog Breeds Make The Paw-fect Pals For Seniors
Looking for a furry companion to keep you company in your golden years? Check out this list of dog breeds that make great pets for seniors or retirees. Not only will they bring you joy and love, but they can also have health benefits like improving your heart health and reducing stress, depression, and loneliness. Plus, taking care of a dog can help you stay active. So, don't be shy, go ahead and find yourself a new best friend!
Beagle
Beagles are known for being affectionate, making them great companions for seniors. They're also relatively small in size, which makes them ideal for apartment or condo living.
Additionally, they don't shed excessively, making them low-maintenance. They have great temperaments, and they're even good with kids. Plus, you can't deny their cuteness. However, younger beagles tend to have a lot of energy, so older dogs may be a better fit for seniors who are not as active.
Maltese
Maltese dogs are a breed that were specifically bred to be companions. Most Maltese weigh less than 8 pounds, which makes them perfect for traveling companions or for living in small apartments and assisted living facilities.
They are known for being loyal, affectionate and very loving. They don't require a lot of vigorous exercise, just a moderate walk around the block every now and then.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, also known as "Pom-poms" due to their fluffy appearance, are small, adorable pups that make great lap dogs. They are known for having sweet and gentle dispositions, and they are playful and smart, which makes them easy to train.
However, they do tend to bark a lot, which makes them great as guard dogs, but they might not be suitable for someone who prefers peace and quiet.
Basset Hound
Basset hounds are known for their distinctive droopy appearance and easygoing, relaxed nature. They are considered low energy dogs, which makes them a great companion for seniors who are not able to exercise much.
However, it's important to keep an eye on their diet as they tend to love eating, and carrying excess weight can be harmful to their long spines.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters are easily recognizable by their dark red coats, and they typically weigh between 55-75 pounds. They are known for being boisterous and fun-loving dogs that enjoy spending time with their human companions.
Having a large backyard is a plus for households with an Irish Setter as they enjoy running and playing.
Labradoodle
Labradoodles are a mix between Poodles and Labrador Retrievers, and they were originally bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs. However, their intelligence and friendly nature have become increasingly popular as household pets.
They have an average weight of 50-65 pounds and a height of one to two feet, which makes them suitable for apartment living. They are friendly to people, children, and other animals. However, they do have high energy levels, so an active human companion would be ideal for them.
Wire Fox Terrier
A Wire Fox Terrier named King won the Westminster Kennel Club's Best in Show Award for 2019, if that's any indication of the breed's growing popularity. They are excellent pets for active seniors and need daily exercise, as well as a brushing two to three times a week.
They are curious and playful, and love to chase balls (which is great exercise!). Wire Fox Terriers are said to have good senses of humor. They're usually between 13-20 pounds.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small breed that's easy to take care of. They're playful, intelligent lapdogs that enjoy being around people, including visitors. Weighing in at 9-16 pounds, Havanese need minimal exercise. They can thrive in almost any environment as long as they get enough human companionship.
Although their long, silky hair looks warm, it isn't enough to keep the dogs comfortable in extremely cold weather. People who enjoy putting their pups in sweaters might especially like this breed!
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers, or Labs, have many positive characteristics. They're highly intelligent, easy to train, and love being around people. Labs come in black, yellow, and chocolate colors and don't require much grooming.
Labs typically weigh between 55-75 pounds depending on whether they’re male or female. They do require moderate exercise to keep them mentally stimulated, so an active senior who can manage a 30-minute walk a day would be the ideal companion for a Lab.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu dog breed, native to Japan, was originally bred as companions to hunters. They are known for being confident, highly intelligent, and loyal. They are also quiet, and tend not to bark a great deal.
Shiba Inus weigh around 20 pounds on average. They are highly adaptable to apartment living and relatively low-maintenance. They have moderate exercise needs, so a walk a day would be perfect to keep your Shiba Inu happy and healthy.
Golden Retriever
Some people might be surprised to learn that large dogs can be terrific companion animals for the elderly. But it's true, and no list of friendly dog breeds would be complete without the Golden Retriever. This breed has a sweet disposition, is friendly, gentle, and intelligent.
Goldens can range in size from 50 to 75 pounds or more, so you can select one that's right for your living space. One of the most helpful traits of Goldens is that they're easy to train and can provide assistance for the disabled.
Dachshund
Dachshunds may fall into the hound group, but they are the smallest hounds around! Their petite size makes them an excellent choice for an apartment or smaller home.
People are devoted fans of dachshunds because of their distinctive short-legged bodies (some even call them Weiner Dogs!) as well as their friendly character, intelligence, and loyalty to their human companions. Additionally, dachshunds have lower exercise and grooming needs than many other small breeds.
Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz dogs are known for their funny mannerisms, so this pooch is sure to keep you laughing. But don't mistake their funny behavior for lack of intelligence-- they're quite smart!
This breed is also known for being loyal and making an excellent companion, which makes them a great dog breed for seniors looking for a dog to put a smile on their face. They're also good on leash and in the car.
Greyhound
Yes, greyhounds are fast but don't let their speed scare you off! These dogs can run up to 40 miles an hour at their peak, and some are even raced professionally. But what many people don’t know is that they make great pets because of their gentle and loving nature. They also shed very little, so they're low maintenance in the grooming department.
Experts recommend that you take a greyhound for a 20-minute walk each day, so if you’ve been looking to increase your physical fitness this could be a win-win situation. A greyhound rescue group can help you find a dog that’s been retired from racing and is ready to settle down to quiet home life.
Mixed Breed
If you're overwhelmed by all the different dog breeds, each with a set of positive and sometimes negative traits, then why not look for a mixed breed? Shelters around the world are full of adorable mixed-breed pups who are just waiting for their furrever homes.
One huge benefit of rescuing a mixed breed is that they tend to have fewer health problems since there's no in-breeding. And you get a one-of-a-kind dog, with its very own personality traits and unique appearance.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a dog that was initially bred in ancient China, where they were kept as pets of luxury. Some nobles even carried them around in their sleeves! Modern Pekingese are slightly larger than those early "sleeve dogs" but are only 7 to 12 pounds and less than 8 inches tall.
This is an exceptionally easy-to-care-for breed, with minimal exercise requirements. In fact, one of their favorite activities is being admired as lapdogs. They seem to know that they came from royalty!
Bichon Frise
Fluffy little Bichon Frises are consistently ranked among the top dog breeds for seniors. They typically weigh in between 7 and 12 pounds, making them easy to handle for just about anyone. They're also smart, easy to train, and don't require a ton of exercise.
Although the breed needs to be groomed regularly, there are lots of services available to perform this task for a reasonable price. If you're looking for a new furrever friend, you should definitely check out the Bichon Frise!
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell terriers are very popular pets, for good reason. These small dogs are full of personality, with some people even saying they can be mischievous at times! They are a "barkative" breed so they make excellent watchdogs.
A Jack Russell terrier would do best with a physically active senior, as they definitely enjoy exercise. If you adopt a Jack Russell, be prepared to have a loyal friend for life! They grow very attached to their human companions.
Cairn Terrier
One of the most famous movie dogs of all times was a Cairn Terrier – Toto from The Wizard of Oz. But it turns out that these dogs aren't just great actors, they’re also excellent companions. They are friendly and cheerful, and just love to socialize.
Cairn Terriers tend to have a streak of strong-mindedness so they usually do well with a human companion who is firm with them. They are also very loyal to their owners.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first bred as a hunting dog in the United Kingdom. It's an intelligent breed with many skills such as tracking, hunting, and guarding. They’re also quite easy to train at tasks, making them a good option for seniors who might need a little extra help every now and then.
This breed tends to have a calm and relaxed demeanor, while its small size means that it can easily adapt to a variety of homes. Dandie Dinmont Terriers only need moderate amounts of exercise.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested breed has earned a reputation as being unattractive, thanks to their dominance at the annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest. But they’re not ugly at all, and their unique appearance is part of what makes them such great companions for seniors.
You see, because they're hairless, a Chinese Crested doesn’t need any grooming at all. Also, they are not as high-energy as some other small breeds and are usually happy to sit quietly on their human companion’s lap.
Schipperke
This breed originated in Belgium in the 1600s. Schipperke are small but sturdy dogs, making them an excellent selection for senior citizens. They tend to be 10 to 12 inches tall, with an average weight of 7-20 pounds.
They're highly intelligent and playful, and are known to be loyal to their human companions. A tendency to bark means that they can make terrific guard dogs. A schipperke's average lifespan is 13 to 16 years.
Pug
Pugs are naturally well-behaved dogs, which makes them ideal for someone who doesn't want to be cleaning up messes all the time (except their hair, which they do shed a lot of). They're also friendly, affectionate, loyal, and playful. Pugs love being lap dogs!
One of the breed's best assets is its size. Pugs are so small that they can live about anywhere, even in assisted living communities. They also don't need a whole lot of exercise.
Poodle
Because Poodles come in just about any size or color you can imagine, they're another top breed for seniors. They’re very intelligent dogs, which means they are easy to train. People with allergies can rest easy living with a Poodle, as their coats are hypoallergenic — although they do require grooming.
Poodles tend to have relatively long lifespans, another important consideration when selecting a pet. Toy and miniature versions have lifespans of up to 15 years, while standard (large) Poodles live for an average of 12 years.
Welsh Terrier
Fans of this dog say that the Welsh Terrier is the oldest existing dog breed in the United Kingdom. Whether that claim is true or not, the breed's popularity hasn’t waned over the years. Welsh Terriers are excellent companions for seniors due to their small statures and calm demeanors. They are also playful and loyal.
Interesting fact: President John F. Kennedy had a Welsh Terrier named Charlie, and the breed was also a favorite of King Edward VIII.
Boston Terrier
The president of the Boston Terrier Club of America, Dane LaJoye, has high praise for this popular breed. "Boston Terriers are bred to be companion dogs. They like nothing more than to be with their owner, on the sofa watching TV, or curled up next to their owner in bed. The breed is happy-go-lucky and playful, yet attentive to their owners' needs."
The Boston Terrier’s agreeable personality and small size make it an excellent choice for a senior or someone in an assisted living facility.
Papillion
Any senior who wants to find a canine companion who is quiet, friendly, and sociable should look into the Papillion breed. These adorable toy-sized dogs are also intelligent and obedient, able to learn a variety of tricks and tasks.
Papillons typically weigh between seven and ten pounds and stand less than a foot tall. Since they're naturally quiet, they can be good guard dogs despite their small size. If your Papillon barks, you can be pretty sure something is amiss!
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature schnauzers pack a lot of dog into a small package! They're very intelligent and affectionate, are good with children and other dogs, and don’t mind being left at home for short periods – perfect for a senior with an active social life.
This dog also adapts well to apartment living and can tolerate the cold pretty well, unlike some other small breeds. A miniature schnauzer is a great option for seniors.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
If you really want to live like royalty in your retirement, look no further than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The dogs are famously the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II. Corgis are smart and strong-willed, and do require moderate exercise. But their small size makes them ideal for apartment living, and their coats are relatively low maintenance.
Additionally, Corgis are friendly to family and guests. Some people even say the breed seems to have a sense of humor!
Yorkshire Terrier
Ask any Yorkshire Terrier owner what the best dog breed is, and they will give you a dozen reasons why "Yorkies" are the best. They are tiny, hypoallergenic, clean, intelligent, and don't need a ton of exercise.
As far as personality, don’t let their small bodies fool you! Yorkshire terriers inquisitive and like following their human companions around. They might just be the ideal dog for a senior who is looking for a pet.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is another breed that falls on the small side. They are natural herding dogs, meaning that they're highly intelligent and like to get a lot of mental stimulation. Shelties would do best in the home of a senior who is active and has the time to go on lots of walks.
These lovely dogs are also very personable and enjoy being around people and other animals, although they might get a bit nervous around rambunctious children.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known as affectionate, gentle, and graceful. The breed, which originated in England, is a member of the toy group. A typical dog stands about a foot tall and weighs around 15 pounds. Their gentle ways and small size make them the perfect companion to seniors.
Additionally, they enjoy receiving attention, so anyone who's looking for a sweet-natured lap dog will do very well with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, making them a great choice for apartment or condo living. They only weigh around five pounds so they can be trained or handled by just about anyone.
They are also good watchdogs (who hasn't heard the "ferocious" bark of a chihuahua at some point?) and they don’t require much in the way of exercise or grooming. Chihuahuas are the ideal companion for many seniors.
Japanese Spitz
Entire online discussions have been dedicated to this popular breed, with Reddit user pullonyourfeet sharing this: "In general, I think Japanese Spitz are great pets, they're adaptable, sociable (less stand-offish than some Spitz breeds) and full of energy. Obviously they're stunning too, and everywhere we go with our dog we get attention! I've definitely fallen in love with the Spitz personality, and if I got a second dog it'd be from the same breed family I think."
The dogs are relatively small, making them a suitable pet for apartments. They should be brushed at least twice a week, but most people find the act of grooming their pets enjoyable.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu breed has been entertaining dog lovers for almost 1,000 years now, and their popularity doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. Originally bred in Tibet, Shih Tzus are easily recognizable by their long and silky "fancy" coats. They weigh in around 10-15 pounds and are usually about 9-10 inches tall.
They are friendly, affectionate, and very loyal. Additionally, these dogs do not require much exercise, so they are a great choice for someone who is not physically active.
Bolognese
Seniors who are looking for a low-maintenance canine companion might be pleased with a Bolognese. It's one of the most low-maintenance dogs around. On top of that, they are just as affectionate and cuddly as they are cute; they look just like stuffed animals.
The breed doesn't shed a lot and doesn't need much in the way of grooming. Their small size and quiet nature make them great for apartment living, too. These might just be the perfect pets for seniors.
Rat Terrier
These dogs might not have the cutest names, but they are absolutely adorable to look at! The breed is excellent at hunting, specifically at catching rodents. If you're looking to keep your home free of vermin, a Rat Terrier might be a perfect roommate.
These dogs are friendly, playful, clever, and affectionate. Additionally, Rat Terriers are typically a healthy and long-lived breed. So you’ll get to have your best friend by your side for many years.
Whippet
The Whippet's sleek appearance might give the impression that this breed needs a ton of exercise, but that's not necessarily true (especially as they age). They enjoy spending an hour or two playing in the yard each day.
Reaching a top weight between 15-31 pounds, the Whippet is speedy but makes a great senior companion. They're very intelligent and adapt well to a variety of living situations. Their coats only need grooming about one or twice a week.
Ibizan Hound
The American Kennel Club describes the elegant Ibizan Hound as "family-oriented, even-tempered, and polite," making them yet another suitable choice for seniors. Weighing in at 45-50 pounds at their largest, these dogs are gentle and laid back once they reach adulthood. Many people call their appearance "deerlike."
Ibizan Hounds require minimal grooming and their sleek coats are quite easy to care for. They're smart, easily trained, and make wonderful guard dogs.
Yakutian Laika
Now, this isn't a breed that a lot of people are very familiar with. Yakutian Laikas originated in the Arctic region, so their coats will protect it in extremely cold climates. These dogs are excellent herders, family companions, and guard dogs.
It's a medium-sized breed that will grow to weigh between 50 to 66 pounds in adulthood. They make a good pet for seniors who are active and can take them on daily walks. Bonus: this breed is a real conversation starter!
