When they said that dog is man’s best friend, they weren’t kidding. These canine creatures come in all breeds, shapes, and sizes, so we are sure you are going to find one that you like. The elderly can benefit from some furry love. After all, research has shown that owning a dog will lead to lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and more happiness! Read on to see 15+ breeds that would make for excellent companions for the seniors in your life.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, sometimes called the “Lion Dog”, is a great dog for elderly citizens because it is loyal, friendly, and easy-going. This dog does not require a lot of exercise, but you can expect it to snuggle up with you on the bed a lot! Although it might be small, you will be glad to hear that the Shih Tzu is a great guard dog. Regardless of whether your home is an apartment or a duplex, the Shih Tzu will be able to adapt to any lifestyle.
Shih Tzu
Bolognese Bichon
The Bolognese Bichon is yet another great breed of dog if your elderly friend is looking for a furry companion. It has plush-like fur, so grooming and maintenance of the pet and your home will not be hard. Owners are fond of this dog because it is smart and easy to train. It is ideal if you live in an apartment or other small spaces because of its quiet and calm nature. You won’t have any problems with noise whatsoever!
Bolognese Bichon
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is what you get when you combine two affectionate and popular dog breeds: the poodle and the Golden Retriever. This is a dog that you should get if you need a little exercise because you will need to take it out often. It is a playful and very intelligent breed, so you are always guaranteed to have a loyal and loving companion.
Goldendoodle
Beagle
The Beagles have a reputation for being noisy, but many senior care experts have ranked these friendly dogs as one of the best breeds for seniors. Beagles like to play, which will keep you active and they have relatively low grooming needs. The Beagle is also great with children, so you don’t have to worry about them not getting along with your grandchildren.
Beagle
Pomeranian
If you are on the lookout for an affectionate and lively dog, the Pomeranian might just fit the bill. Small in size but complete with a big heart, they are also excellent in small spaces such as apartments. They might be fluffy, but it is great to hear that regular grooming is not required. You will only need to brush them on the regular! Should you want to train your pet, you will have an easy time because this is one intelligent dog!
Pomeranian
Pug
Pugs have been called the perfect dog for those of us who like to spend the majority of their time lying down on the couch. This is the same reason it is excellent for the older generation who cannot go out as much as they used to. Pugs are smart enough to adapt to their environment. Meanwhile, their fur makes them easy to maintain. Look no further for a low-maintenance pet!
Pug
Mixed breeds
If you are looking for a suitable companion, keep in mind that you do not need to get a purebred dog. Many experts actually advise seniors to look for a mixed breed dog at the local shelter instead. As soon as dogs go through the shelter, they are surveyed for their care needs, personality, and other qualities. This is done so handlers can ensure they go to the perfect forever home. It is also great because you will not have to train the puppies yourself!
Mixed Breeds
Yorkshire Terrier
When you are looking for a small and gentle dog, why not opt for a Yorkshire terrier? This dog has an average lifespan of 13 to 20 years, so one will stay with you for a long time as long as you take care of it. This is another dog commonly found in apartments and assisted living centers as they are low-maintenance. Only daily brushing is required! Yorkies do not need exercise all that much either, and we bet you will find them resting on your knees a lot.
Yorkshire Terrier
French Bulldog
How can you not love French bulldogs with their adorable personalities and big ears? According to canine experts, these dogs are typically loving and lively. If you prefer pocket dogs, they will be perfect for your apartment. This is a dog that does not need a lot of maintenance and exercise either.
French Bulldog
Welsh Corgi Pembroke
If you are a senior citizen looking for a lively dog that would make life much better, we highly recommend the Welsh Corgi Pembroke. These dogs are simply adorable with their giant ears and squatting bodies! Let us not forget to mention that they are also great companions if you live in apartments. The Welsh Corgi Pembroke is an intelligent dog that has been a favorite among the royalty for a long time now. Keep in mind that they require frequent exercise, however!
Welsh Corgi Pembroke
Otterhound
Although the Otterhound does not get as much publicity as the others on the list, it does not make them any less of an ideal companion for older people. The breed has an average life expectancy of around 12 years. Although they require a regular amount of exercise, we think it is not a bad payoff when you get such an intelligent, faithful, independent, and loving friend!
Otterhound
Poodle
Poodles are amazing dogs, and they are especially popular among the older dog-lovers. This dog is one of the smartest breeds around. You can be sure that they will make for loyal companions! They boast of a loving and gentle nature as well as the ability to adapt to spaces that most seniors live in. We highly recommend them if you have a lot of allergies as they have a hypoallergenic coat.
Poodle
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is great for small spaces like apartments. It is also a good dog to get if you are not keen on extensive grooming processes. This dog breed comes with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Just like the other tiny dogs you saw on the list, this is a loyal breed. We think the Lhasa Apso is great for senior citizens because they are both independent and affectionate!
Lhasa Apso
Japanese Spaniel
If you get a Japanese Spaniel, you will not have to tire yourself out since it does not require a lot of physical activity. It is also pretty low-maintenance and will do fine on one brush a week. It does not bark as much as other dogs either! You will find that the Japanese Spaniel will be perfectly fine when you let it loose in the park or the yard. No matter how fun it has, it will make its way back to your lap in no time!
Japanese Spaniel
Italian Greyhound
The Italian greyhound is not a small dog, and it is not particularly conventionally attractive either. However, trust us when we say that it is a perfectly manageable dog. Don’t hesitate to adopt one! They have earned the moniker “Iggies” and live up to 12 to 15 years. The friendly dogs will do just fine in apartments and other smaller houses. We want you to keep in mind that an hour of exercise is going to be necessary for them, however.
Italian Greyhound
Bolognese
A great breed for seniors, the Bolognese is cuddly and has the personality of a teddy bear. Not to mention, this breed doesn’t have a lot of grooming requirements. People like adopting Bolognese since it has low shedding properties, it’s intelligent and isn’t difficult to train. Since it has a calm and quiet nature, this breed is great for apartments and other small spaces, especially where noise can be problematic.
Bolognese
Corgi
A Corgi is a great companion for an active senior. With its spunky personality and compact size, this herding breed has the energy level of larger dogs, only in a more manageable package. As we know, they’re Queen Elizabeth’s favored companions and are loving breed.
Corgi
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a great pick for seniors since it doesn’t have excessive activity needs, and it’s easy to groom, only needing to be brushed once a week. For years, this breed has served as a companion dog and is a less “yappy” toy dog compared to other breeds. A run around the yard is enough for the Japanese Chin, but he’ll be just as happy coming back to cuddle with you.
Japanese Chin
West Highland Terrier
When it comes to seniors, Terriers seem to be a popular choice, among them the West Highland Terrier. The breed has a nice temperament and is a good lap dog. To top it off, this breed is suited for apartment living and only needs one hour of exercise a day. Despite the soft fur coat, you won’t have to do too much grooming, just normal brushing.
West Highland Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
For centuries, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been a royalty favorite, and today, they’re still adorable little lap dogs. They typically don’t grow to be over 18 lbs and they can adapt to most living situations easily. You just need to bathe them once a week and brush them carefully to keep their soft fur healthy.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Another Spaniel is, of course, the Cocker Spaniel. It has a great temperament for seniors. You’ll need to groom them a bit, but they have a lovable personality and they will fit well with apartment living.
Cocker Spaniel
Scottish Terrier
If you’re looking for a dog that needs moderate exercise in order to keep you active, a Scottish Terrier would be a perfect choice. It just needs regular walks, not excessive running. The breed adjusts well to apartment living, is generally quiet, with a loud bark rather than a yap. Its personality is affectionate and will be a faithful guard dog.
Scottish Terrier
Havanese
Like the Maltese, the Havanese is a great choice of dog for seniors. They’re playful, loving, and a small breed that has moderate exercise needs. They become devoted to their owners and love spending time with them. Their coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing and they’re sweet and gentle dogs that aren’t high-strung.
Havanese
Maltese
With minor exercise needs, a Maltese is a great choice for seniors. They don’t need a whole lot of grooming and have a lot of love to share. The breed adjusts well to smaller spaces or apartments and will love just spending time cuddling. They’re often used as therapy dogs due to their calm nature.
Maltese
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds have an easy, loving, nature which makes them a great pet for seniors. They can be a bit stubborn but are very affectionate. Some people say they like to shadow you closely. You’ll have to be sure to give this breed enough exercise since they have a tendency to put on weight. Luckily, their grooming requirements are minimal.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
There is a reason Boston Terriers are described as couch potatoes, and that’s because they love chilling out and spending time with you. They have a great personality and are a good size, making them a breed that’s perfect for a senior to manage. This breed is perfect to make a loving companion for anyone, but they’re known to be a good choice for seniors due to their easy grooming requirements and their relaxed nature.
Boston Terrier
Dachshund
Lovingly called “weiner dogs”, Dachshunds are happy little dogs with a big personality. This breed is very attached to its family, and you’ll enjoy laughing at its silly antics. They need low-maintenance grooming to make sure their coat is healthy. It’s a great breed for apartments, and it loves going on walks and playing games like fetch and catch to get its exercise.
Dachshund
Chihuahua
The appropriate way to describe this breed would be “tiny but mighty”. For centuries, the Chihuahua has been a faithful companion for centuries. They love to be in your lap and are very devoted to their owners. Even the long-coated version of the breed doesn’t need much grooming and their exercise needs are minimal. A quick walk is just fine.
Chihuahua
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons love being in your lap – you’ll probably have trouble keeping it out of it! This breed has some bulldog characteristics. It will tend to prefer the company of older people, as they aren’t so comfortable around children. They have a sweet and relaxed personality which makes them great for a senior’s home.
Brussels Griffon
Bulldog
While this breed has a shorter lifespan than others on our list, the bulldog makes a great companion for all ages. Despite its gruff appearance, it’s a friendly dog. This breed loves spending time with its owner and they don’t need much exercise. However, you will need to keep an eye on their diet since they don’t run around much.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Labs are well known to be friendly, intelligent dogs, and yes, it is true. These are qualities that make them great companions for seniors, provided they can get the exercise they need. It wouldn’t be fair to coop these large dogs in an apartment, but if you have a nice yard, they’ll be very happy. The breed is loyal, loving, and makes a great watchdog.
Labrador Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
This is a dog breed you’ll often find in a city. The Miniature Schnauzer is well-suited for seniors. While they need plenty of exercise, they’re sweet and gentle dogs. To make sure their coats are healthy and clean, they do need some routine grooming.
Miniature Schnauzer
Schipperke
For an active senior, a Schipperke would make a great pet. They have a lifespan of about 15 and are lively and playful, similar to a fox. Their inquisitive nature and confident streak are some of their many loveable qualities. You would need to devote some time to training as well. This breed grows to about 12-18 lbs, making a good size for an apartment that has enough space to roam.
Schipperke
Chinese Crested
Unlike most of the other dogs on this list, the Chinese Crested doesn’t need any grooming. However, their exposed skin does need to be cared for. They have a medium amount of energy but are happy to sit quietly with their owners.
Chinese Crested
Greyhound
While the Greyhound is by far the biggest dog on our list, it’s also the laziest. Retired racing greyhounds are a great option for seniors since they’re such couch potatoes. If you adopt one from the track, you’ll be getting a furry friend who’s seen a lot and is well socialized.
Greyhound