Dogs can bring us warmth, love, and activity all the way into our golden years, but choosing the right breed is key to a happy, healthy partnership. Some dogs suit senior lifestyles better due to their temperament, grooming needs, and exercise habits—here are the top ten breeds that shine as companions for older adults.
1. Maltese
The Maltese is a cheerful, tiny breed that lives for the attention a senior can give. They love sitting on laps, soaking in the affection of their owners. Maltese dogs are lively but gentle, enjoying short walks and indoor playtime. Their low-shedding coat does require daily brushing, but their sweet demeanor more than compensates.
2. Greyhounds
Despite their racing history, greyhounds are surprisingly calm, gentle pets who enjoy quiet indoor time. For seniors wanting a larger but still manageable dog, the greyhound fits the bill. After a quick sprint outside, they are content to lounge, making them excellent indoor pets. Their short coats don’t shed much, reducing grooming needs.
3. Pugs
Pugs are laidback and love being by your side, whether you’re on a walk or curled up on the sofa. Known for their snuggly nature, pugs only require short walks or play sessions, so they’re perfect for those low-energy days. A word of caution—these cuties are prone to snoring, which adds to their quirky charm.
4. Shih Tzus
The Shih Tzu is an affectionate, low-shedding breed that loves relaxing near its owner. This dog thrives on love and attention, making it an ideal choice for seniors who enjoy constant companionship. Shih Tzus are also friendly with kids, adding joy during family time. While this breed doesn’t demand intense exercise, a daily walk keeps it content.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Friendly, affectionate, and adaptable, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a flexible companion who enjoys both activity and rest. These dogs are patient, great with people of all ages, and can easily adjust to the lifestyle of an elderly owner. Their silky coats need regular brushing, but their loving personalities make the effort worthwhile.
6. Pekingese
With their dignified yet affectionate nature, Pekingese dogs bond closely with their owners. This breed enjoys calm environments and is happy to relax with its humans. Pekingese dogs have moderate grooming needs, as their double coat requires brushing. They thrive with short walks and relaxed indoor playtime, making them a lovely choice for serene households.
7. Miniature Schnauzers
Miniature schnauzers are charming, hypoallergenic dogs known for their loyalty and playfulness. Ideal for seniors who appreciate companionship with a little bit of protective spirit, these dogs are easy to train and enjoy activities like fetch or short walks. As excellent family dogs, they’re great with the grandkids, too.
8. French Bulldogs
With minimal grooming needs and an easygoing nature, the French bulldog is a great match for seniors who want a low-maintenance dog. Frenchies enjoy leisurely strolls and, thanks to their unique looks and playful demeanor, are a delightful addition to any home. They don’t need intense exercise, so they’re great for laid-back lifestyles.
9. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
For those who enjoy outdoor strolls, the Pembroke Welsh corgi makes a loyal companion. This active and spirited dog loves to explore but is also easy to train, making it ideal for retirees who want to share an active lifestyle. Known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, corgis enjoy daily outings and mental challenges, keeping both themselves and their owners sharp.
10. Poodles
Available in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, the poodle is a highly trainable breed that is well-suited to seniors seeking an intelligent and loyal friend. They’re hypoallergenic and low-shedding, so they’re easier on the allergies. Poodles need regular grooming and a bit more exercise, but their friendly, sharp-witted personalities are endlessly rewarding.
11. English Cocker Spaniel
English cocker Spaniels are the perfect breed for grandkids. They are great with children, easygoing, and a lively breed. They live between 12-15 years and weigh around 30 pounds. Cocker Spaniels are always willing to learn new tricks or just hang around with their owner.
12. Pomeranian
The perfect small breed for an elderly person is the Pomeranian. The breed only weighs around 3-7 pounds and just wants to be around their owner constantly. They can be carried pretty much anywhere in a handbag and are happy to go out on tours.
13. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is around 13-20 pounds and hardier than other small breeds. The breed is low maintenance and only requires occasional grooms. Their temperament is good, and they love being around people.
14. Havanese
For elderly retirees who spend all of their time at home, there isn’t a better breed than the Havanese. They love affection and being social with both their owners and any guests they may have. They may bark a lot, but that does not mean they are good watchdogs. Just remember that they need more grooming than the average breed.
15. Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier’s are extremely happy-go-lucky dogs that love to be around their owners and enjoy being walked over second day, but they don’t have to be long walks. Boston Terrier’s short coats means that they don’t require too much maintenance.
16. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular breeds on the planet, and for good reason. Yorkies, as they’re affectionately called, are stubborn breeds that love affection but can be loud. Despite their shaggy curls, their coat doesn’t require a lot of grooming.
17. Beagle
Beagles are a perfect breed for seniors who are still fitness-minded. They love going outdoors for frequent walks, but a leisurely pace should be more than good enough for them. Beware, their prey drive may make them chase after rodents.
18. Dachshund
The Dachshund, or “wiener dog” as they are affectionately called, is a medium breed that weighs 16-23 pounds. They have short coats that require normal grooming. These low-maintenance dogs love to be house companions and be with their owners wherever they are.
19. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a popular breed that can live up to 16 years old. With daily walks and weekly brushing, the Jack Russell will be perfectly happy and healthy in a home with a senior. They are an easy breed to train and make great companions.
20. Alaskan Malamute
Despite the Alaskan Malamute needing a little more care than most breeds on this list, a senior who’s willing to take on the responsibility can get an amazingly loyal and happy dog that will give them years of happiness. They do require a lot of exercise and grooming.
21. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are 7-12 pound dogs that can live up to fifteen years if looked after properly. They don’t need a lot of grooming thanks to their short fur which also means they are ideal for people with pet allergies. The breed loves affection and are extremely loyal.
22. Labrador Retriever
There’s a reason Labradors consistently lands in the top three most popular breeds in the United States. They are amazing and loyal dogs that are easily trainable. This means they are also great companions for the elderly. They’ll try to accommodate themselves into any lifestyle.
23. German Shepherd
Just like the Labrador, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. They are an intelligent breed that is easily trained and makes amazing guard dogs. For an elderly person who wants to feel safe, they’ll be good protectors.
24. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small breed at only 3-6 pounds. But what they lack in stature, they make up for in spirit. They are an easy-to-maintain breed that doesn’t require a lot of exercise or grooming. They can be stubborn breeds but make great pets for anyone.
25. Boxer
Boxers may look like a breed that would require a lot of exercise due to their physiollagy. But the boxer doesn’t need more than a walk once a week. Their coats are short, meaning they don’t need a lot of grooming to look their best.
26. Border Collie
The collie has its roots in herding cattle, which means that they are very trainable and exceptionally loyal dogs. As long as their coats are maintained and mats are brushed out, they don’t require a lot of maintenance.
27. Samoyed
Samoyeds are some of the biggest dogs on this list but that doesn’t they can’t be cared for by elderly people. The 30-60 pound teddy bears are amazing cuddlers that do require brushing twice a week to avoid matting and shedding around the house.
28. English Setter
English Setters are a rare breed that has a history of hunting birds. They adapt well to whatever lifestyle their owner has, which doesn’t require a lot of walking. However, They do need a lot of grooming to make sure their coats don’t get dirty and tangled.
29. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound was bred in Norway to hunt elk and other game. Even though they have a heritage in strenious outdoor hunts, they are easy to care for. They need regular brushing to keep their double coat from shedding all over the house and frequent walks to keep them from getting bored.
30. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dog is a gentle giant that loves being around all kinds of people. They were originally used as draft animals and are both easy going and affectionate. They require short, daily walks or play sessions in the yard.
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