Heading into the golden years of your life, ready to relax and enjoy the fruits of the hard work of your youth, the one thing you’ll appreciate more than anything is having a trusted friend by your side through all of it. We do not need to remind you of who a man’s best friend is. In this article, we will be going over 14 amazing dog breeds for seniors and telling you all about why they would be the perfect companions for everyone kicking off the best years of their life.
We have all the answers you are looking for, whether you’re a senior citizen about to get a pet, or someone looking to surprise the elderly with a furry friend. The factors that must be taken into account when getting a dog for an older person include personality, size, grooming needs, energy or activity levels, and of course, age.
Best Dog Breeds for Seniors: The Best Pet for Your Loved One
These are the best ten dog breeds for seniors according to us, so if you have your eye on a breed, we hope that these tips help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
1: Poodle – Best Breed of Dog for Seniors
Older couples who are looking for a breed that is small, friendly, gentle, nurturing, easy to handle, and happy to be around will find the Poodle to be a great choice.
They are active dogs both mentally and physically but one solid walk every day should do the trick for them. Additionally, their active nature will keep you well entertained around the house, making it a lovely experience to have one of these as a pet.
Their curly fur does need some grooming but the need for it only comes up once every 4 to 6 weeks. They come in various sizes but their personalities remain constant; so, take your pick according to your cuddle needs. That’s right, despite being active dogs, poodles love to cuddle and relax with their owners.
This dog breed is known to require very little exercise; one or two walks a day is sufficient for them. They love to lounge around and cuddle with family members.
They are intelligent, and as an added benefit, they are always looking to please their owners. What more would you want from a companion in the most peaceful part of your life? And there you have it! What did you think of all these adorable little dogs? Let us know in the comments below.
2: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Best Dogs for Seniors to Adopt
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) is a medium-sized dog breed, known for its sweet temperament and friendly nature.
Additionally, they are very intelligent and therefore easy to teach. But their most impressive trait is their ability to adapt to new places and new people. They are also known to socialize very quickly with dogs much larger than themselves, which helps them fit right in in a house with various other dog breeds. Whether you’re planning to get more than one friend to join you after you retire, it’s a good idea to include a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in your retirement plan.
The coat of the Spaniel is thick and very likely to tangle up, hence it requires regular brushing and frequent visits to the groomer. The weight of a cavalier king charles spaniel should be between 9 to 15 pounds. In terms of activity, these dogs have high energy and a tendency to chase other creatures, which means if you are going to keep one, make sure your yard is fenced so your dog doesn’t go missing.
Their number 2 spot on our list is well-deserved, as they are incredibly cuddly with the people that they love and incredibly hard to let go off when they do cuddle you.
3: Cocker Spaniel – Best Medium Sized Dogs for Seniors
The Cocker Spaniel is another one of the bigger dogs on the list today, weighing roughly 30 pounds. These dogs are popularly known for being well-suited to seniors. This breed is very popular in the UK. They are very cute and they have a playful nature which makes them adorable.
There are no health problems related to this dog and it is one of the healthy breeds of dogs. However, some of the dogs are prone to hip dysplasia. There are also some cases where this breed can have eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma.
They are very easygoing with no pent-up energy to release. Only occasional exercise is needed to help them maintain healthy muscles, so they shouldn’t cause any problems for seniors who are looking to live a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle.
Bathing and Grooming tips: Take the dog to the veterinarian once a year for a checkup and vaccinations. After that, you need to take your dog to a groomer to get the dog’s nails trimmed and to brush his teeth.
They have a thick coat that needs regular brushing, but other than that, they are one of the best low maintenance pets for elderly people. Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train due to their pleasing nature and they are fond of playing with their owners.
4: French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are very popular among senior people because of their easy temperament. They are very smart, loyal, and gentle dogs. They make good companions for older people. These are often known as the “clown dogs” due to their incredibly fun, loving nature and their ability to make their owners lose it laughing when they are playing around.
Their goofy nature is their primary trait. In addition to that, they are also incredibly cuddly and affectionate to their owners. They are generally a small breed of dog with a short coat. They weigh between 16 and 30 pounds.
French Bulldogs need a minimum amount of exercise and do not have a thick coat that needs high maintenance like some of the other dogs on our list. They also get along well with humans and other animals and are easy to train.
French bulldogs are very well-groomed dogs and you can see the groomers working hard to keep them looking nice. But sometimes, despite of the best grooming techniques and regular bathing, they will still look dull. Brush your French bulldog regularly and make sure that you brush their teeth and nails as well.
So if you want a walking talking dose of laughter around the house 24/7, a French Bulldog should be your number 1 choice.
5: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This is a big one, because if you have one of these then you and the Queen of England will have the same dog. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a breed of dogs that originated in Wales. They are known for being very gentle and affectionate, and best for seniors. Their average weight is about 30 pounds or 14 kilograms.
In general, the more exercise a Pembroke Welsh Corgi gets, the healthier he will be. The key is not to overdo it, or you will have an exhausted, sick dog.
If your dog has never had access to a large outdoor area, the best way to get him used to the fresh air and take him on walks. An adult Corgi is about ten to twelve inches tall and weighs between twenty-three to twenty-eight pounds.
They need to exercise in natural settings almost every day. This makes them well suited for seniors that are trying to remain active in the later years of their life. In terms of personality, they are very intelligent, loyal, and incredibly protective of their owner, which combined with their loud bark and high energy, makes them the best guard dogs.
If the Queen herself has owned roughly 30 of these during her reign, you can bet that your loved ones will love one too.
6: Pomeranian
The Pomeranian breed comes in different colors, including white, black, red, and cream; and all of them are adorable, fluffy boys and girls. A Pomeranian is a small dog that is a member of the Spitz family. The average weight for this dog is around 9 pounds.
Their fluffy coat does require a bit of upkeep though, including regular brushing. They have a very affectionate personality but can have just a tinge of stubbornness to them, which means their training should be firm and strict.
Be sure to assess your living situation or the living situation of the senior you may be giving these dogs to, because they will bark quite often. Pomeranians will bark to let you know about an arriving guest or any new stimuli in their environment, and therefore might not be the ideal dog for an apartment. They’re also very active and energetic dogs and will need space to tire themselves out.
But if you live in a home with a decent amount of backyard space, the playful, lively, friendly, and just a little bit attention-seeking personality of these dogs makes them a wonderful friend to have around.
7: Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu breed is renowned for their big eyes, and playful and incredibly friendly personality. They get along with both families and strangers fairly quickly, making them a wonderful partner for seniors who get frequent visits from their grandchildren. They do require a daily exercise regimen, but that is just a fancy way of saying a short walk in the morning or afternoon; nothing too extensive.
Their sleek long coat requires some regular upkeep including brushing and visits to the groomer, but it is all worth it when you see the adorable and graceful end result. This is a dog breed that loves to be pampered and will never leave you alone.
Shih Tzus can be considered a medium-sized dog, weighing about 9 to 16 pounds at adulthood, and should be between 9 to 11 inches tall. A healthy Shih Tzu has a life expectancy of 10 to 16 years. However, it depends on the dog’s diet and other factors.
8: Havanese, Small Dog Breed for Seniors
The national dog of Cuba has entered the game and it is fabulous. These dogs have a beautiful sleek coat that doesn’t shed but does require frequent brushing to keep it from being tangled up. The Havanese is a toy breed. It’s small in size and sturdy in structure, with a tail carried over its back, and comes in all colors. Male Havanese dogs usually weigh between 7 and 13 pounds.
Havanese are lively and energetic, so they will need time to stretch their legs. However, they are very small; so, the majority of their exercise quota can be fulfilled inside the house or in the yard. In terms of personality, these dogs are loving, incredibly loyal, and always attached to their owners. In fact, being away from their owner for a long time causes separation anxiety for the Havanese, so don’t leave these poor babies alone.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for a companion who can keep the air in your home joyful and lively, this dog is the friend you need. The Havanese is not an aggressive breed and requires very little exercise, just a walk once or twice a day.
9: Bichon Frise
Did we first use the word “furball”? We probably saved it for him. This breed of dog is a living embodiment of the term, “furball”. This little dog is a small size, only 9 to 11 inches tall, and has a very cute curly white coat. Their energy levels aren’t too high; they need to go out for exercise every now and then, but the walks don’t need to be extensive.
They are known for their sociable nature. They get along well with children and other pets if you are making a new addition to the family. They are very gentle and also fairly intelligent.
The coat on the Bichon Frise is thick but thankfully, it doesn’t shed. However, visits to the groomer will be frequent. Although a slight maintenance effort is required, this adorable cuddle-buddy makes it all worth it with its affectionate and friendly nature.
There is no accurate age for this breed, but According to the Bichon Club USA, the life span of a Bichon is between 10 and 14 years, and the average weight of a Bichon Frise is about 12 to 18 pounds.
10: Boston Terrier
If you’re looking for a dog breed that won’t overwhelm you, but will still give you lots of love and companionship, the Boston Terrier is a great choice. They have a sweet temperament, which makes them good pets for seniors, as they don’t require much training.
Their energy levels are easygoing; they like to lie around, particularly on your lap, making them perfect for seniors who are pro-cuddlers. But, then again, who could possibly be against cuddling when they look at this cute little fur-ball? Speaking of fur, these dogs require very little maintenance; they are small in size and their coat does not require extensive care. All they need is a bath every other day and they are good to go.
Their average lifespan is 13-15 years and they don’t bark too much, so the neighbors would have no reasons to complain.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a lovely companion with minimum hassle, the Boston Terrier is the way to go.
11: West Highland White Terrier
Westies are ideal for the elderly. They make good companions and also serve as therapy dogs for the elderly. This Scottish breed known as Westie (West Highland White Terrier) is a great small breed of dog with a distinctive white harsh coat, which has a somewhat soft undercoat. This 13 to 22-pound earth dog is one of the most popular small terrier breeds. They generally stand between nine to twelve inches, which is 23 to 40 centimeters and their life expectancy is around 12 to 17 years.
Westies shed only a little, but they do need regular grooming and occasional trimming around the feet, ears, and eyes. They do not need much bathing since they are good at taking care of their coat by themselves.
The dog’s topcoat is solid white, dense, and can be slightly wavy. Together with the dense, furry undercoat, it forms fur that makes the dog extremely resistant to the adverse weather conditions of the Scottish Highlands. The nose is black, the eyes dark, and it has small prick ears.
12: Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are a great breed of dog for seniors. It’s a medium-sized dog with a shaggy low shedding coat. It is highly intelligent, but also super friendly and gentle. This is why it’s often used as a therapy dog. Plus it also has the excellent ability to sniff out peanuts for people allergic to them. So that could come in handy.
A cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, a Goldendoodle combines the sweet personality of the golden retriever with the high intelligence of the poodle.
In terms of color, they are usually yellow-brown, like their golden retriever parent. However, they can also come in an array of other colors, including red, amber, gray, black, and white.
Usually, they are big dogs, but these days you can also find miniature versions as well. These are offspring of a cross between golden retrievers and a miniature or toy poodle. So if you want to know what the size of your Goldendoodle is going to grow up to be, you’d have to ask the breeder what type of poodle parent was used for the cross.
Rather than scare strangers away, these ones are more likely to befriend them. So beware of using these dogs outside of their areas of strength. And speaking of exercise, they need roughly 30 minutes of daily exercise and play so they can keep in shape and remain mentally alert.
13: Beagle: Best Dog for Seniors with a Yard
Beagles are a wonderful pet for seniors because they’re small and low maintenance. They are also very intelligent and trainable. These are some of the main reasons why they are a good choice for seniors.
Many seniors enjoy the outdoors, and this includes spending time outside. If you’re like this, then getting a Beagle is a great way to get back into the great outdoors. Beagles are very active and energetic, which makes them great for helping you keep fit. Plus, they can be great companions for seniors who want to spend their free time outside.
According to the FCI’s breed standard, a Beagle’s coat colors may display all typical ‘Hound’ color combinations, such as brown-white, beige-white, black-brown-white, and rarer mixtures.
Beagles are friendly, outgoing, sociable, and tolerant of most people of all ages. They have very flexible diets, and they will do well with other dogs and cats.
Beagles are not the largest dogs but they are a pretty muscular and solid breed their height should be between 13 to 16 inches which is 33 to 41 centimeters and their weight should be between 20 to 24 pounds which is 9 to 11 kilograms females are natural a little bit smaller than males.
The average lifespan of a male Beagle is about 15 years. Females live on average for about 7 to 10 years.
14: Greyhound
The greyhound dog is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a dog that is calm and easy to train. These dogs have been bred to be able to run for hours.
Greyhounds are excellent apartment dogs because they’re very quiet, gentle, and easy to care for. They’re ideal for those who don’t want to bother with the responsibility of caring for a dog but still want a pet. They’re also an amazing option for those who love hiking because they’re good at keeping up with their owners without getting out of breath. Plus, they are loyal, affectionate, and have wonderful temperament.
While many dogs love to bathe and clean themselves, this is not the case for greyhounds. They are naturally clean animals, but often need little in the way of grooming and bathing, as long as they are brushed regularly and allowed to stay clean and cool.
They are extremely friendly and calm dogs. Therefore, they are good for therapy. They can be trained to do different types of jobs like retrieving, obedience and agility. They are known for being healthy, energetic, and fun to be around. But, there are many factors that can contribute to longevity.
What is the best dog for an elderly woman?
A retired or single woman, who needs companionship, can consider a Dachshund. They are usually small in size and very loyal and affectionate.
Other dogs, like the Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua, Poodle, and Pug are also great choices for an elderly woman, and they have the added advantage of being highly trainable.
What is the best dog for a retired person?
A small dog like a Chihuahua or poodle. There are so many types of dogs that would fit the bill. A Labrador Retriever is a good choice as well. They can be trained to walk on a leash with you and are good with aging people. You could also consider a Golden Retriever or a Collie, but the Labrador Retriever is the best choice.
Conclusion
The older you get, the less energy you have. It’s important to find breeds that are both playful and energetic. A dog that’s too energetic can tire you out easily. A dog that’s too laid back may seem like a good companion, but may not provide much in the way of exercise. if you are looking for the perfect breed for an elderly person, do your research and get one that matches your personality and lifestyle!
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