Living with a dog is good for both the elderly and the dog, but not all breeds are suited to such lifestyles. Each dog has their own needs and personality so it’s important to choose the right breed that will fit best into your household. I’ve listed some of my favorite best dog breeds for seniors. Some dogs may have more than one health issue or problem, which can make them less suitable as an older pet. If you’re looking for a senior-friendly dog, check out these top 30 picks!
30 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors and Retirees
Deciding which dog breeds are best for seniors is an important decision, considering the health and lifestyle of senior citizens. Nowadays, some people are reconsidering owning a pet as they age, due to changes in their lifestyle or family dynamics. There are 30 of the best dogs for seniors below:
1) Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is small to medium-sized domestic dog, weighing between 7 and 13 pounds. This breed is known for its fluffy, teddy bear-like appearance, which makes them perfect for seniors. These dogs are not only friendly and playful, but they also enjoy spending time with their humans. They are excellent at adapting to different living spaces since they do not need much room to live or play.
2) Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a small, long-haired breed that originated in Poland. It has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years and is perfect for seniors. Pomeranians are not considered to be active dogs, making them ideal for owners who want a dog to sit by their feet or on the couch. This breed loves attention from its owner and will always look up when it hears his voice. The Pomeranian’s coat can grow quite thick during winter months, so make sure you brush your pet regularly if he spends most of his days indoors.
3) Maltese
If you are an elderly person who is looking for a dog to live with, then the Maltese breed may be just what you’ve been looking for. Small but mighty, these dogs require very little exercise and grooming needs. They are also relatively quiet and fit in nicely with your home’s decor. Being an older dog breed, this could be one of the best options out there.
4) Golden Retriever
The perfect senior dog is a matter of opinion. However, a golden retriever stands out as a great option for many seniors. Golden retrievers are incredibly intelligent and patient pets that will be sure to provide companionship to those looking for some. They’re very good with kids and other animals as well, making them a wonderful family pet. This makes it easy to find homes for retired goldens who need more time at home than they can handle on their own.
5) Greyhound
After a lifetime of neglect, there’s nothing better than finding a dog to love. However, looking at the best dog breeds for seniors is a good place to start. Greyhounds are a breed that might be a perfect match for you or a loved one because of their calm demeanor and gentle nature. These dogs have been bred over hundreds of years to run long distances in record times. Their speed and endurance make them an excellent choice if your senior needs something fast-paced but still requires exercise. The greyhound has also become popular among people seeking therapy dogs due to its ability to bond easily with humans.
6) Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle has been found to be one of the best dog breeds for seniors. This small-sized breed is very playful, loving, and intelligent. The Toy Poodle is one of the best dog breeds for seniors. Its small size allows it to fit into smaller spaces while being able to provide companionship and affection. Its intelligence means that they can learn new things quickly and will enjoy learning tricks from their owners. Their playfulness helps keep them mentally stimulated as well as physically active.
7) Shih Tzu
There are many dog breeds that are perfect for the elderly, but the Shih Tzu will always hold a special place in their hearts. The Shih Tzu is a small breed that doesn’t require much exercise, so it’s perfect for those who have difficulty walking. They have very big eyes which gives them an innocent look, and they are also known for being good with children. This makes them great companions to people of all ages.
8) Pug
Pugs are a lovable breed that is perfect for seniors. They are affectionate and fun-loving and can be trained to do things like help their senior owner get up from the couch, take medicine, and even flush the toilet. As a pug lover, it is hard to pick out the best dog as they all have such unique personalities. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for because there’s a pug for you!
9) Havanese
You may have seen the Havanese before. They are small, white dog that is quite popular. Interestingly, they are also one of the few breeds that are known for being hypoallergenic because their fur does not shed. This means that they’re perfect for seniors who want to own pets without worrying about allergies. The only downside with this breed is that they can be very vocal so if your home isn’t big enough for them, then you might need to consider another option.
10) French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small dog that was bred to be a companion. They are known as clowns of the canine world because they’re confident and happy, but not the brightest dogs. The Frenchie also needs a lot of attention and grooming, which is great for seniors who find themselves with more time on their hands. If you have an older person in your life who loves animals, then this could be the right fit for them!
11) MiniFrench Bulldog
The MiniFrench Bulldog is a small breed of dog that can be used as a companion for seniors. They are known for their intelligence, friendliness, and their ability to stay calm during stressful times. This breed may be the perfect match for you. You’ll need to make sure that you provide plenty of exercises and mental stimulation so that these little guys don’t get bored or lonely.
12) Goldendoodle
A Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The result of this mix is a dog who has a low allergy count, is hypoallergenic, and is obedient. They are very energetic and have a low shedding coat. The Goldendoodle combines the best qualities from both parental breeds to create one happy, healthy pup. These dogs can adapt well to any type of home environment because they’re easygoing and friendly. If your seniors like to spend time outdoors, then this might not be the right fit for you.
13) Westies
Westies are a small, intelligent, and affectionate breed that can thrive as an indoor or outdoor dog. In addition to being good with children, Westies also make great companions for seniors due to their low-energy lifestyles. These dogs have a gentle nature and calm disposition which can be especially comforting to those living alone. Besides being loving and caring towards their owners, Westies are also very protective of the family’s home and property. They will bark at strangers who come near the house but they won’t attack them unless provoked. This makes these dogs perfect for families looking for a quiet companion in their homes.
14) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are obedient, good-natured, affectionate dogs that make great family pets. They are excellent and best dog breeds for seniors who don’t have the energy to exercise a high-energy dog. This breed is also very patient and tolerant with children’s play or teasing which makes them great for families with active children. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are hypoallergenic which means they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people with allergies.
15) Beagle
A beagle is a breed of dog which is small, friendly, and outgoing. Beagles are also great with children! They are very easy to train, have a sweet disposition, are low-slung enough for senior citizens to pick up easily if needed, and are intelligent. The only downside about this breed is that it can get too fat when fed well. If you want your beagle to stay lean, make sure he gets plenty of exercises. A beagle will do best as long as his diet includes some meat every day.
16) Scottish Terrier
The Scottie may be small, but it is a tough dog. They are courageous and brave with a sensitive side. They are an intelligent breed that loves to play. A perfect match for old people, the Scottish Terrier is an ideal pet for senior citizens who enjoy watching the little pup run around. This breed has been known to live longer than other breeds due to its healthy lifestyle. It also makes a great companion because they love being near their owners.
17) Poodle (Standard)
The poodle (standard) is among the best dog breeds for seniors that pace the line between hypoallergenic and allergy-causing. While they don’t shed much, their fur does require daily brushing and trimming. Poodles (standard) are excellent for seniors because they’re gentle and calm, which can be therapeutic in stressful situations. They also require little to no activity and will happily curl up at your feet all day long. Their coat requires regular grooming as well, but it’s not too difficult or time-consuming. The standard poodle is an intelligent, loyal, affectionate, playful, and energetic pet.
18) Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs, but now they are known for their sweet and kind personalities. The cocker spaniel is a toy breed that can initially be a little hard to housetrain. They enjoy being with their owners, making them great companions for those seniors who live alone. They also do well with other pets in the home because of their gentle nature. Cockers require daily exercise and training so you will need to devote some time each week to this activity. If your dog has been trained properly, he should have no problem learning how to walk on a leash without pulling.
19) Irish Wolfhound
One of the most popular breeds among seniors, the Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed with a calm temperament. These gentle giants are very affectionate and loyal. Their size makes it easy for them to be housebroken but they can still get into trouble if not kept under control. The Irish Wolfhound requires regular grooming as its coat grows long and thick during adulthood. This breed does best when given plenty of room to run around inside or outside.
20) Mini Schnauzer
The Mini Schnauzers are a great and best dog breeds for seniors because they are small, intelligent, and have a low-shedding coat. They are also easy to train. Mini Schnauzers are loved by many seniors because of their calm demeanor, protective nature, and less physical activity they require. These dogs make good family pets with children who like playing games such as fetching balls and sticks. However, these dogs do need some exercise every day in order to stay healthy. If you live in an apartment building, this is one of the few breeds that will fit your lifestyle.
21) Chihuahua
While many might not think of the Chihuahua as a dog that is good for seniors, they really are. They are small and can fit into pretty much any part of your apartment or house. They have a lot of energy but also need to rest just like you do. They’re also fiercely loyal, so you’ll never have to worry about being lonely again! This breed has been around since the 1800s and was originally bred by farmers to be used as farm animals. The name “Chihuahuas” comes from their Spanish language meaning little lion cubs. These tiny dogs love attention and affection, which makes them great companions for people living alone.
22) Dachshund Standard
There are many breeds of dogs that are perfect for seniors, but it may be hard to decide which breed is best. The Dachshund Standard is an excellent choice, as they are small enough to climb stairs and be carried up if needed. They also have a keen sense of smell, so they can use it to help you find items you may have lost around the house. Dachshunds are loyal and friendly to all.
23) West Highland White Terrier
With their low-set ears and long head, the West Highland White Terrier is not only adorable to look at but they are also an excellent companion for seniors. What makes this breed so perfect for older individuals is their tendency to be calm and easygoing. They are also known to be very intelligent making them easily trainable. The West Highland White Terrier has a lifespan of 12-15 years; however, its small size only weighs up to 14 pounds!
24) Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is a clever, low-maintenance dog that is perfect for seniors. They are patient and friendly to other animals which means they are good for families with pets. These dogs are energetic enough to keep up with active seniors but also content to stay at home and relax. They are not too big or too small so they can be taken on long walks or short errands conveniently.
25) Pembroke Welsh Corgi
We all know that pets can provide many benefits to seniors, including companionship, exercise, and even protection. But pet ownership is not always easy for seniors. Some breeds require lots of energy or are large enough to knock over someone with limited mobility. However, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a perfect breed for seniors. These dogs make a low-maintenance companion who loves to play and don’t mind a walk every now and then.
26) Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a very large breed of dog, and its size can make it difficult for this breed to live comfortably in an apartment or small house. They are intelligent and gentle creatures who tend to be quite sensitive. This makes them a perfect companion for seniors who need to take it easy but still want to enjoy the company of a dog. The Great Pyrenees has been known to protect their owners from intruders when they’re alone at home.
27) Finnish Lapphunds
Did you know that Finnish Lapphunds are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world? Not only do they have a long history, but they also have a special place in the hearts of many people. There are many reasons why these dogs make great pets for seniors. They are very loyal companions. These dogs love being around other animals and will often follow their owner wherever he goes. They can live comfortably indoors as well as outdoors. Thirdly, they don’t require much exercise because they like to spend most of their time sleeping.
28) Japanese Chins
Japanese Chins are well-known for being intelligent, affectionate, and clean. They are also well-behaved dogs that do not require much exercise. As a result, they are the perfect breed for seniors who have mobility difficulties. Japanese Chins are very sociable and enjoy spending time with their families. They have an easygoing personality that will fit in well with any household.
29) Coton de Tulears
Coton de Tulears are small, social, and intelligent dogs that are perfect for seniors with limited mobility. The Coton de Tulear is a small dog that has a good temperament. They have a long lifespan on average of 15 years so they will not grow old quickly. This makes them ideal companions for older people as they can live comfortably together without causing problems. These dogs make great family pets because they love to be around other animals and children. Their intelligence allows them to learn new things easily.
30) German Shepherd
As people get older, they often look for a pet that can offer them unconditional love and companionship. The German shepherd is one of the breeds that are perfect for seniors. These dogs are called “gentle giants,” which means they’re excellent with children and adults alike. They need daily exercise and plenty of human interaction to stay healthy and happy, making them a good fit in most types of households.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dogs can benefit seniors?
One of the best ways to help seniors is by giving them a pet. Dogs, in particular, can be very beneficial because they provide companionship and strengthen family bonds. Additionally, they can provide a sense of security, as well as exercise and mental stimulation for those who live alone. In fact, according to a study conducted by MIT, people living with dogs had lower rates of high blood pressure!
How to choose the right and best dog breeds for seniors?
Choosing the right dog breed is an important decision for pet owners. Before picking a new dog, it’s best to research which breeds are ideal for your lifestyle and personality. There are many factors that go into picking the right pup such as size, price, grooming needs, and intelligence.
Should a 65-year-old get a puppy?
Considering you’re 65 and the puppy is a dog, should you get a pup? Or is it just too much to take on at this point in your life? Pets are great companions. They keep us company, relieve our stress, and even help us recover from illnesses. Owning a pet as we age can provide many benefits as well as some drawbacks. However, no one has said they have to adopt an animal old enough to be their parent.
Which dog needs the least exercise?
The dogs which need the least amount of exercise are the lazy Labrador Retrievers. They are more content to lounge around the house, eat, and rest their weary bones. The Labradors are very happy to be couch potatoes. They would rather do almost anything except go for a walk or run. If they are taken on a walk, they will usually come back panting and overheated.
Conclusion
The senior pet market is booming and there are few, if any, better pets for aging owners than dogs. With their endless love, companionship, and gentle nature, dogs are the perfect companion for seniors. Here are 30 of our favorite best dog breeds for seniors that are great for people over 50 years of age. These friendly dogs are loyal, playful, affectionate, and gentle with seniors. They make excellent family pets.
