10 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors: Matching Your Lifestyle

Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Best dog breeds for seniors are wonderful companions for people of all ages, and they’re especially great for those in their golden years. Dogs not only provide unmatched friendship but can also help boost a senior’s physical and mental health.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, hanging out with a puppy can bring down blood pressure and cholesterol levels while boosting serotonin, those “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. Additionally, being a retired pet parent has perks for the dog. Sidney Jeanne Seward says,

“Blessed is the one who’s earned the affection of a senior canine companion.”

Many seniors are home much of the day or have a more flexible schedule, meaning more time to devote to their best friend. Senior pet parents frequently adopt a calm, already-trained older dog, even though they can find compatible furry buddies of any breed, age, or size.

Best dog breeds for seniors with allergies that are easy to travel with or possess a steady temperament often find smaller dog breeds to be ideal choices. Finding the ideal fit, as usual, is contingent upon a dog’s particular activity level, grooming requirements, and other critical characteristics. In this article we will discuss about Best medium-sized dogs for seniors and Best dog breeds for seniors.

Top 10 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

Following is the list of Best dog breeds for seniors, Best small dog breeds for seniors and retirees and Best dog breeds for seniors in apartments.

1: Pug Dog

Pugs are great dogs for older folks who like snuggling up with their furry buddy on the couch. They spend most of their time relaxing and playing indoors. Because of their flat face and small nose holes, Pugs might have trouble breathing in very hot or cold weather.

 

Personality: Pugs are affectionate and loyal, loving to nap with their owners. Sometimes, they might get jealous or upset if they feel ignored, but they’re easy pets to have around. Happy Pug mixes are also good choices.

Grooming: Pugs have short fur that’s easy to care for, needing only occasional brushing. But they shed a lot, and their eye wrinkles need regular cleaning.

Exercise: Pugs don’t need much exercise short walks and playtime indoors or outdoors are enough for them.

Interesting Fact: Pugs are referred to as a “grumble” when in a group, possibly due to the snorting and nasal noises they commonly produce, as reported by The Daily Wag.

2: Shih Tzu Dog

Shih Tzus are wonderful companions for seniors. They thrive on love and attention and are also great with kids, making them perfect playmates when grandkids visit.

Temperament: Shih Tzus are affectionate dogs who love spending time with their owners. They’re friendly to everyone and get along well with other pets. While they’re usually quiet, some may snore.

Grooming: Shih Tzus don’t shed much, but they need daily brushing and occasional trims to keep them looking their best.

Exercise: They enjoy daily walks but are just as happy to relax for the rest of the day as lapdogs.

3: Poodle Dog

The Super Smart Poodle is a fantastic choice for seniors looking for a dog that’s easy to teach. Poodles need plenty of exercise to stay well-behaved and burn off extra energy.

They come in three sizes – Toy, Miniature, and Standard – so there’s one to suit everyone’s taste.

 

Personality: Poodles are loyal friends who get along with many family members, making them great for couples. They’re playful and enjoy getting spoiled. Plus, they’re really smart. Poodle mixes like Cockapoos and Labradoodles are also wonderful companions.

Grooming: Poodles don’t shed much and are good for people with allergies. But their fancy fur needs regular brushing and a trip to the groomer every month or so to keep it looking nice.

Exercise: Poodles love staying active, whether swimming or going for long walks. They’re strong and energetic and need plenty of exercise to keep happy and healthy.

Fun Fact: Even though its origins are traced back to Germany, the Poodle holds the title of France’s national dog due to the profound affection French citizens have for this breed, as reported by PetMD.

4: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog

For active seniors who love spending time outdoors, like walking in parks or nature trails, the lively Pembroke Welsh Corgi, also known as just “Corgi,” is a perfect match. With their adorable short legs and bright eyes, Corgis steal the hearts of kids, adults, and older people.

Personality: Corgis are social and love being part of everything. They’re fun-loving and lively, and they make great companions. They’re also protective of their families and make excellent watchdogs. But they can bark a lot if left alone for too long or if they don’t get enough exercise.

Grooming: Corgis have a double coat that’s easy to brush but sheds a lot. Regular grooming helps keep their fur from getting all over the place.

Exercise: Corgis need plenty of walks every day. They also enjoy activities where they have to use their brains, like playing with toys or doing tricks.

Fun Facts: Since ascending to the throne in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has possessed over 30 Corgis, as reported by Reader’s Digest.

5: Miniature Schnauzer Dog

The charming Miniature Schnauzer is a great friend and loyal companion for seniors. Like Shih Tzus, they’re patient with kids and love to play, so they’re good with grandkids, too.

Personality: Miniature Schnauzers are bold and friendly and love their family. They’re watchful and protective, making them great guard dogs. They’re also intelligent and simple to train.

Grooming: These dogs don’t shed much and are good for people with allergies. But they have a double coat that needs regular brushing and grooming to keep it looking nice.

Exercise: Miniature Schnauzers are active and love to exercise every day, especially with someone to join them. Playing fetch or going for walks are perfect activities for them.

Fun Fact: The beard Miniature Schnauzers have isn’t just cute it used to be useful too. Since they were bred to hunt small animals on farms, the beard helped protect them if the animals fought back.

This one is the best Low-maintenance dogs for seniors.

6: French BulldogDog

Also known as the “Frenchie,” the cheerful French Bulldog is easy to look after and loves to please, making them a perfect furry companion for older people. It’s hard not to love this unique and adorable breed.

Personality: French Bulldogs are funny and love being loved. They’re smart, curious, and playful and get along well with other pets and people. Like Bulldogs, Frenchies might snore and snort because of their flat faces.

Grooming: French Bulldogs have short, shiny fur that’s easy to brush and doesn’t shed much. Their wrinkly faces need regular cleaning to keep them healthy.

Exercise: Because of their short noses, French Bulldogs shouldn’t do too much strenuous activity outdoors. Going on short walks or running errands with their owners is enough to keep them happy. Plus, spending time together makes them feel special.

Fun Fact: American breeders in the 20th century shaped the look of French Bulldogs as we know them today. Frenchies might have had ears that folded back like a rose without them. Instead, they have their distinctive “bat ears,” round and face forward.

7: Maltese Dog

The Maltese dog loves being the center of attention and enjoys all the love and care seniors can give. It’s a perfect match.

Personality: This little dog is lively yet gentle and loves to play and show off its cool tricks. Maltese dogs are often used as therapy dogs because they’re good at understanding their owner’s feelings. They may be little, but they’re bold and vigilant.

Grooming: Maltese dogs don’t shed much, but their silky white fur needs daily brushing and occasional grooming to keep it looking nice. You’ll also want to watch their eyes because they can get tear stains.

Exercise: Maltese dogs don’t need a lot of exercise short walks and playtime indoors or outdoors are enough to keep them happy.

Fun Fact: The Maltese is believed to come from Malta, an island near Italy, and it’s the oldest of the Toy Group breeds from Europe, according to Animal Planet.

8: Greyhound Dog

The Greyhound, the fastest dog breed globally, might seem challenging for older folks, but they’re quite laid-back and make great companions for seniors who want a larger but manageable pet.

Personality: Greyhounds are calm, gentle, and caring. They’re reserved around new people, which adds to their charm. Because they have a strong instinct to hunt, keeping them on a leash and supervising them outside is important.

Grooming: With their short and smooth fur, Greyhounds only need occasional brushing to keep them looking neat.

Exercise: Greyhounds love to run in short bursts, so having a fenced yard or enclosed space where they can sprint is ideal. They don’t have a lot of endurance, though, so after their run, they’re ready to relax.

Fun Fact: Greyhounds have amazing vision they can see objects behind them and up to half a mile away, thanks to their exceptional 270-degree vision. The greyhound ranks among the Best dogs for elderly woman’s ideal canine companion.

9: Pekingese Dog

The Pekingese is the perfect lapdog, with its royal charm and calm demeanor making it a great choice for seniors who prefer a peaceful environment over a bustling household.

Personality: Pekingese dogs are incredibly loyal and loving, often forming a strong bond with one person. Despite their independence, they should be introduced to different people early on and can be stubborn during training. They have bold personalities and carry themselves with dignity.

Grooming: Pekingese dogs shed seasonally and have a soft double coat that needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.

Exercise: Because of their short muzzle, Pekingese dogs shouldn’t do too much strenuous exercise. Short walks and brief play sessions are best for them.

Fun fact: Ancient Chinese emperors used to carry the tiniest Pekingese dogs, which they called “Sleeve Dogs,” nestled within the expansive sleeves of their robes, as described by Britannica.

10: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog

The noble Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known as “Cavalier,” is a great choice for seniors. This adaptable dog fits well into any lifestyle, whether cuddling up on the couch or going on adventures.

Personality: Cavaliers are calm, smart, and friendly. They get along with people of all ages and other pets, making friends wherever they go. They’re also easy to train and more patient than other small breeds.

Grooming: With their long, silky coats, Cavaliers need regular brushing, and their ears should be cleaned often to keep them healthy.

Exercise: Cavaliers are happy to match their owner’s activity level. They enjoy brisk walks and playtime but are also content to relax at home.

Fun Fact: Cavaliers are named after King Charles II, who loved these dogs. They were his constant companions, accompanying him everywhere, from royal meetings to his palace, according to the American Kennel Club.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should A 70 Year Old Get A Dog?

Whether a 70-year-old should get a dog depends on various factors like health, lifestyle, and ability to care for a pet. If they’re physically active, emotionally prepared, and have support for pet care, a dog can provide companionship and joy, enhancing their quality of life in their golden years.

Which Is The Most Low Maintenance Dog?

The Dachshund is frequently regarded as one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds due to its small size.

Are cats good pets for seniors?

Cats are excellent companions for individuals of various ages and lifestyles. Whether you’re a busy professional residing alone in a city apartment, a family with kids in the suburbs, or a senior living in a retirement community, cats can be the perfect pets for you.

Source

Best Dog Breeds for Older Adults