It’s completely true what they say about dogs – they are definitely man’s best friend. What’s more, research has shown that having a dog helps reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and lead to more happiness! Dogs come in so many sizes, shapes, and breeds, so you will surely find at least one that you will love. Anyone can benefit from a dog’s love, and the elderly are not an exception. Continue reading to see which dog breeds would be the perfect companions for our senior loved ones.
Shih Tzu
Otherwise called the ‘Lion Dog’, Shih Tzus are great for seniors as they are friendly, very easy-going, and loyal. While this breed doesn’t really require a lot of exercise, you can expect a lot of snuggling up on the bed with you. It may be small, but it’s an excellent guard dog. Whether you live in a duplex or an apartment, the Shih Tzu can suit any lifestyle.
Shih Tzu
Bolognese Bichon
This is another great breed for seniors. Since the Bolognese Bichon has plush-like fur, grooming it and maintaining the home will not be too difficult. It is really smart and easy to train, so owners love this dog. It’s ideal if your home is an apartment or has limited space since this dog’s nature is naturally quiet and calm. Noise will not be a problem!
Bolognese Bichon
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a combination of two affectionate dog breeds – a Golden Retriever and a poodle. You should get this dog if you want to get some exercise as you will need to take it outside quite often. It’s playful and really intelligent, which guarantees you will have a companion that is loyal and loving.
Goldendoodle
Beagle
While these dogs have a reputation for their tendency to be noisy, many senior care experts have said beagles are one of the top breeds for them. The Beagle likes to play, so it can keep its owner active. Aside from that, it has relatively low grooming needs. It is also great with children, so there is no need to worry about the Beagle not getting on with the grandkids.
Beagle
Pomeranian
If a lively and affectionate dog is what you’re looking for, the Pomeranian may be perfect for you. While they’re small, they have big hearts. What’s more, they’re excellent in small spaces, such as apartments. They are fluffy, but they don’t need regular grooming and you simply have to brush them regularly. You’ll have no problem if you would like to train your pet since this dog is really intelligent.
Pomeranian
Pug
For those of us who like spending most of our time just lying on the couch, pugs are the perfect dog. Therefore, it’s great for the older generation that can’t go out like they used to. Also, pugs are smart, so they can adapt to their environments. Aside from that, it is easy to maintain their fur.
Pug
Mixed breeds
When you are looking for a suitable companion, keep in mind that a purebred dog is not your only option. Many experts advise seniors to adopt a mixed breed dog from the shelter instead. When a dog goes through a shelter, it gets surveyed for its personality, care needs, and other qualities so that people can make sure it gets the perfect forever home. Not to mention, you won’t need to do the training of the puppies yourself!
Mixed Breeds
Yorkshire Terrier
Looking for a gentle and small dog? Try a Yorkshire terrier. Its average lifespan is 13 to 20 years, so if you look after it well, you can have a companion for a long time. Since this dog is low-maintenance, it is common to find them in assisted living centers and apartments, and you only need to brush them daily. Yorkies don’t need that much exercise either, so you can expect to see them taking a rest on your knees a lot.
Yorkshire Terrier
French Bulldog
With their big ears and adorable personalities, French bulldogs are just so loveable! Experts say these dogs are lively and loving. If pocket dogs are what you prefer, they will be perfect for you. What’s more, this dog doesn’t need that much exercise or maintenance.
French Bulldog
Welsh Corgi Pembroke
For seniors who are looking for a dog that is lively and can make life much better, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke is highly recommended. These dogs are really adorable with their squat bodies and huge ears. If your home is an apartment, they’re great companions. This breed is very intelligent and has been a favorite among royalty for some time. Just remember that these dogs need frequent exercise.
Welsh Corgi Pembroke
Otterhound
This dog may not get as much publicity as other dogs on this list, but it doesn’t make Otterhounds any less of a great companion for seniors. The average life span of this breed is 12 years. They may need regular exercise, but we think this isn’t such a bad thing considering you get a faithful, independent, intelligent, and loving friend!
Otterhound
Poodle
There is a good reason for poodles being a favorite among senior dog-owners. It is among the smartest dog breeds out there. They make loyal companions as well. They have a gentle and loving nature and can adapt to spaces where most seniors often live in. We highly recommend poodles if you have allergies as their coat is hypoallergenic.
Poodle
Lhasa Apso
For small spaces like apartments, the Lhasa Apso is great to have. Also, if you don’t really like extensive grooming processes, you should get this dog. Its average life span is 14 years. Similar to other dogs included in this list, the Lhasa Apso is very loyal, affectionate, and independent!
Lhasa Apso
Japanese Spaniel
If you get a Japanese Spaniel, it won’t tire you out since it doesn’t need a lot of physical activity. Aside from that, it’s relatively low-maintenance, and one brush a week is all it needs. This dog barks less than other dogs too. A Japanese Spaniel that is let loose in the yard or the park will be perfectly fine. It doesn’t matter how much fun this dog has, it’ll surely be back on your lap in no time.
Japanese Spaniel
Italian Greyhound
While it isn’t particularly attractive or a small dog, the Italian Greyhound is perfectly manageable. Nicknamed ‘Iggies’, these dogs live for about 12 to 15 years. This friendly breed will also be fine in small houses and apartments. One hour of exercise per day is all that’s necessary for them.
Italian Greyhound
Bolognese
The Bolognese is great for seniors since it is a really cuddly dog with a teddy bear’s personality. Not to mention, it doesn’t require a lot of grooming. People love getting this dog as it is intelligent, isn’t difficult to train, and doesn’t shed too much. Since it’s calm and quiet by nature, this dog is great for small places like apartments and places where noise is a problem.
Bolognese
Corgi
A Corgi would be a great companion for an active senior. With a compact size and spunky personality, this herding breed is as energetic as other larger dogs but in a more manageable and smaller package. It is also pretty known that the Corgi is the favorite dog breed of Queen Elizabeth herself and she has a number of them.
Corgi
Japanese Chin
Getting a Japanese Chin is great for seniors as it is easy to groom and doesn’t need a lot of exercise. For many years now, this breed has been a companion dog. It is less ‘yappy’ compared to other dog breeds that are a similar size. This breed is already happy with a run around the backyard. It’ll also be as happy to come back to you and cuddle.
Japanese Chin
West Highland Terrier
Terriers seem to be popular among seniors. One of the more popular ones are the West Highland Terriers since they have a nice temperament and are good lapdogs. Aside from that, this breed suits apartment living and just needs one hour of exercise a day. Even though it has a soft fur coat, it won’t need too much grooming.
West Highland Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These adorable little lapdogs have been a favorite among royalty for years and years. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically doesn’t grow larger than 18 pounds and can easily adapt to a lot of different living situations. You only have to bathe this dog once a week. You also need to brush them carefully so that their soft fur stays healthy.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Another Spaniel that is perfect for seniors. The Cocker Spaniel has a great temperament. While they need a bit of grooming, their loveable personalities, as well as their ability to adapt to apartment living, will make everything so worth it.
Cocker Spaniel
Scottish Terrier
If you want to keep active by getting a dog that requires moderate amounts of exercise, then get a Scottish Terrier. It will be the perfect choice since it does not need excessive running. Regular walks will already make it happy. What’s more, this breed adapts well to living in an apartment, is normally quiet, has a loud bark instead of a yap, has an affectionate personality, and makes for a faithful guard dog.
Scottish Terrier
Havanese
Similar to the Maltese, the Havanese is great for seniors as well. They’re loving, playful, small enough, and only needs a moderate amount of exercise. They love spending time with their owners and are really loyal to them. With regular brushing, their fur can be maintained easily. What’s more, they have a sweet personality and gentle nature, and they aren’t high-strung.
Havanese
Maltese
Since their exercise needs are minor, a Maltese is fantastic for seniors. This breed doesn’t need much grooming but has a lot of love to share. It adjusts really well to smaller spaces like apartments. Aside from that, they love cuddling. They are often used as therapy dogs because of their calm personality.
Maltese
Basset Hound
Easy-going and loving, Basset Hounds are a great choice for seniors. They can be a bit stubborn but they are really affectionate. According to some people, this breed loves shadowing you closely. You have to remember to give them enough exercise as they tend to gain weight. Fortunately, they only need minimal grooming.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are described as couch potatoes, and for good reason. They love chilling out and hanging out with you as much as possible. Aside from having a wonderful personality, they are a good size, which means seniors can manage them. The perfect loving companion, Boston Terriers are a fantastic choice especially for seniors because of their relaxed nature and easy grooming requirements.
Boston Terrier
Dachshund
These happy little dogs have a big personality. Nicknamed ‘weiner dogs’, Dachshunds get really attached to their families. What’s more, you’ll surely enjoy laughing at all their silly antics. Their coat can still be healthy even with minor grooming. They’re great for apartments, love going for walks and enjoy playing games like fetch.
Dachshund
Chihuahua
‘Tiny but mighty’ is the best description for this breed. Chihuahuas have been faithful companions for a very long time now. They are really devoted to their owners and love being on your lap. They don’t need much grooming, even the long-coated Chihuahuas, and they have minimal exercise needs. They are fine with a quick walk.
Chihuahua
Brussels Griffon
Known as serious lap dogs, Brussels Griffons might be difficult to keep out of laps! This breed and bulldogs have some similar characteristics. They often prefer older people as they aren’t that comfortable around kids. Their personality is relaxed and sweet, making them great companions for seniors.
Brussels Griffon
Bulldog
This breed may have a shorter life span compared to others on this list, but a Bulldog still makes a great companion for any age. Its appearance is gruff, but it’s a really friendly dog. They enjoy hanging out with their owner, and they don’t need a lot of exercise. They don’t run around a lot, so you should pay attention to their diet carefully.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
There is a good reason Labs are known for being intelligent and friendly dogs. These qualities make them excellent companions for seniors but they have to get the exercise that they need. They are also large dogs, so cooping them up in an apartment is not a good idea. They’ll be ecstatic if can spend time in a nice yard. This breed is loving, loyal, and makes a great watchdog.
Labrador Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Oftentimes, you find this dog breed in a city. Really well-suited for seniors, the Miniature Schnauzer needs plenty of exercise, but are really sweet and gentle dogs. They also need some routine grooming to ensure their coats stay healthy and cleans.
Miniature Schnauzer
Schipperke
For active seniors, a Schipperke would be a fantastic pet. Their lifespan is around 15 years. They are lively, playful, and have many loveable qualities, including having a confident streak and inquisitive nature. However, have to devote time to train them. They weigh around 12 to 18 pounds as an adult, so they’re suitable for a place with enough space for them to roam around.
Schipperke
Chinese Crested
Most of the dogs included in this list needs some grooming, but not the Chinese Crested. However, their exposed skin needs some care. They have a moderate amount of energy although they are more than happy to spend time with their owners sitting quietly together.
Chinese Crested
Greyhound
The biggest dog on this list is the Greyhound, but it is also the laziest. Retired racing greyhounds are a fantastic choice for seniors as they are such couch potatoes. A greyhound from the track will be well socialized too, so they are great to adopt.
Greyhound
Bichon Frise
This small and fluffy dog is happy and affectionate, which makes it a great companion. A Bichon Frise has an average weight of around 7 to 12 pounds, so most people will find it really easy to handle. Aside from that, it is relatively easy to train. Although you will need to groom it every now and again, it’s still pretty low-maintenance. It is normally enough to give it a moderate amount of exercise every day to keep it healthy and it will be happy as long as it has your companionship.
Bichon Frise
Pekingese
Regal but slow-moving, a Pekingese is the ultimate lapdog. They need daily brushing, but you can do it while they are sleeping on your lap. Although they are very affectionate and loyal, they can sometimes be independent and wilful too.
Pekingese
Golden retriever
Similar to Labradors, Golden Retrievers are friendly and kind dogs that respond quite well to training. Aside from that, they’re well-attuned to the emotional needs of humans, which makes them very popular therapy dog breeds. Since they really like running and swimming, they’re most suitable for people with active lifestyles. They can be calm and nice inside if they have enough exercise outdoors. They are known to be really patient and thrive on companionship.
Golden Retriever
Cairn Terrier
One of the most well-known movie dogs of all time was a Cairn Terrier. Do you remember Toto from The Wizard of Oz? We have discovered that these dogs are not only great actors but also great companions. Cheerful and friendly, they love to socialize. While they are very loyal, they tend to have a strong-minded streak, so they often do well with someone firm with them.
Cairn Terrier
Papillon (Continental Toy Spaniel)
Papillons are a small breed, so they are easy to transport and bathe. They’re also intelligent, meaning they’re easy to train. Since they have a silly personality, there is no end to the amount of entertainment their human companions can get from them. This is a very energetic breed, so they’re better suited for active lifestyles and people who are fine with taking their dogs out for walks. Since these dogs can get possessive of their owners, it’s best not to have other dogs in the house.
Papillon (Continental Toy Spaniel)
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