17 Best Dog Breeds for Senior Citizens

 17 Best Dog Breeds for Senior Citizens

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The fact that you are retired or getting older does not preclude you from adopting a dog. For a senior who lives alone or has more free time now  that their working years are behind them, a dog can be a fantastic companion. Even for an elderly couple whose own children are already fully grown and living on their own, a dog may be a lovely "baby." But when you're older, you should think carefully before getting a dog since some breeds that could have made terrific companions for you when you were younger might not be the ideal choices today. Seniors can have good pets from a variety of breeds, including poodles, maltese, pomeranians, and pugs.

The greatest dog breeds for senior citizens tend to be low-maintenance and require less exercise. Nevertheless, each senior's ideal companion dog will differ based on their lifestyle and capabilities. You must ensure that you can take care of your dog's demands, such as exercise, grooming, and medical attention, just like any dog owner of any age. Some dog breeds are best suited for a more laid-back lifestyle. Even if you're in your elderly years, there are so many different kinds of dogs that you can choose from, depending on your lifestyle and skills.

Tip

Owning a dog provides numerous psychological and physical benefits. The company of a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Even depression and anxiety may be lessened or prevented by owning a dog. Additionally, walking your dog is a fantastic way to keep active.

Breed Characteristics

The greatest dog breeds for senior citizens are typically smaller and have low levels of energy. Larger, more active dogs might not fit as comfortably in a senior's new, more compact home. Consider breeds that are wonderful companions and easily fit into the owners' lifestyles. If they herd or prod their humans too aggressively, larger dogs like Rottweilers or herding dogs like Briards might be a fall danger.

Here are the top 17 dogs for seniors to enjoy their golden years.

Bichon Frise

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The adorable tiny bichon frise is a happy, loving dog that makes a great companion. With an average weight of 7 to 12 pounds, this petite breed is manageable for most individuals. Additionally, bichons are not too difficult to teach. The bichon will require occasional grooming but is generally low maintenance. Many bichon owners take their pets to a groomer on a regular basis. As long as the bichon has company, moderate daily activity is typically sufficient to keep them healthy and content

BREED OVERVIEW

GROUP: NON-SPORTING (AKC)

HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches

WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Fluffy and curly white hair (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream),resembling a cotton ball or powder puff 

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 15 years

Cavalier king Charles Spaniel 

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The Cavalier is a well-liked, affectionate, and versatile spaniel. This little dog enjoys cuddling with its owner the most. This type is simple to handle and train, often weighing between 11 and 18 pounds. The Cavalier has some grooming requirements, including routine brushing of the hair, ear cleaning, and perhaps an occasional trip to the groomer. In general, folks who adore little companion dogs that are suitable for apartment living prefer Cavaliers.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length silky, wavy coat; adults have feathering on their ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail; four-color varieties including tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tan

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years

French Bulldog

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When the Frenchie is pleased, it's hard to feel depressed. One of the happiest dog breeds is the French bulldog. They are little, muscular, and energetic dogs. Nevertheless, they are still relatively manageable at 19 to 28 pounds. Despite having a lot of energy, they frequently lack endurance. For this breed, moderate daily activity is typically sufficient. Although they don't require much care, you should be cautious of numerous skin conditions and health risks including brachycephalic syndrome.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-sporting (AKC)

HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 19 to 28 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in brindle, fawn, white, or combination of brindle and white or fawn and white

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

Greyhound

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How might a racing dog benefit senior citizens? The fact that greyhounds are not the hyperactive dogs that many people believe them to be may surprise you. Greyhounds will appreciate daily walks and the odd opportunity to run, but the majority prefer to lounge around with their owners. Despite the fact that they typically weigh between 60 and 80 pounds, they are normally quite trainable and manageable. The greyhound is a breed to take into consideration if you enjoy bigger dogs but are concerned about handling one.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hound (AKC)

HEIGHT: 25 to 30 inches

WEIGHT: 60 to 80 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in a variety of colors including black, blue, fawn, red, white, and various shades of brindle, or a combination of any of these colors

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 13 years

Matlese

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A Maltese is the classic small white lap dog, much like the bichon. This breed prefers taking short, gentle walks and relaxing on its owner's lap. It has similar grooming requirements as the bichon. It will require frequent sessions to a groomer to keep its coat in good condition. The Maltese is also a fairly simple breed to train. This dog is manageable because it weighs about 4–7 pounds. It can even be transported in a bag.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

WEIGHT: 4 to 7 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Dark, alert eyes are shrouded by white fur that is naturally long and silky; single-layer coat without an undercoat

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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The corgi can be for you if you're looking for a little to medium dog that makes a terrific companion. This breed is still manageable for most individuals around 24 to 30 pounds in weight. Smart and comparatively simple to train, corgis. With those little, short legs, they are also rather cute. Corgis, who are naturally herding dogs, require regular exercise, although daily walks are plenty. The corgi requires very little grooming, which is very convenient.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding (AKC)

HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches

WEIGHT: 24 to 30 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Medium length double coat in black and tan, red, sable, or fawn (all colors are typically seen with white markings)

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 13 years

Pomeranian

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A 3- to 7-pound Pom is another manageable dog that you can take in your bag if you're leaning toward a little dog. This breed makes a kind and joyful companion. Your Pom will like playing with toys and dozing off on your lap. This breed will value your company the most.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches

WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat that comes in many colors, though the most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years

Poodle

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The poodle is among the most popular dog breeds and one of the sharpest canines. The fact that they come in three sizes—a little toy poodle, a tiny miniature poodle, or a larger standard poodle—is the best part. Poodles make devoted and loving companions. Poodles pick things up quickly and fit in with any style of household. Most poodles only require the most basic daily walks. They are generally simple to look after, although they do require expert grooming every month or two.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-sporting (AKC)

HEIGHT: Standard: 15 inches; Miniature: 10 to 15 inches; Toy: 10 inches and under

WEIGHT: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds; Miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; Toy: 5 to 9 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense single-layer coats that may be one of many solid colors, including white, black, grey, brown, and apricot

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years

Shih Tzu

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Shih tzu are another well-liked breed of tiny dog. The breed, which weighs between 9 and 16 pounds, is manageable. Even though the shih tzu has a little bit of a stubborn side, most of them aren't too difficult to teach. For this breed, regular grooming and daily walks are both necessary. Shih tzus are prone to brachycephalic syndrome and skin conditions.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Long double coat in nearly any color, most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 16 years 

West Highland Terrier

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Westies are quite easy to handle and make great friends. The breed is petite and less brittle than the Pomeranian or Maltese, weighing between 13 and 20 pounds. Although less frequently than other dogs on this list, the Westie does require some grooming. The Westie is a generally sociable and low-maintenance dog.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Terrier (AKC)

HEIGHT: 10 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 13 to 20 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: White, with a rough, medium-length double coat, black eyes, and nose

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years

Pug

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Overall, this breed is a good fit for the energy level of its owner. It's a very affectionate breed that is happy to sit in your lap or give you kisses if you let it. It's also very excitable, but generally only requires short walks. This breed is also susceptible to developing brachycephalic condition and can put on weight easily. Pugs should be kept on a balanced diet because obesity can worsen the signs of brachycephalic syndrome and lead to additional health issues.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Smooth, short double coat in fawn or black

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years

Miniature schnauzer

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Mini schnauzers are a breed of dog that require less upkeep. They don't need a lot of maintenance and shed very little. They are simpler to carry around town and bring on walks due to their smaller, more compact size. They do live up to 12 years on average, which is longer than some other breeds. They are a highly active breed that enjoys chasing or bringing a ball back. A more active senior is a suitable fit for this breed.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Terrier

HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches

WEIGHT: 11 to 19 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Double coat with wiry outer coat being wiry and soft undercoat; common color combinations: salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years

Havanese

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Havanese are small dogs that weigh less than 13 pounds. They are loving, social dogs who enjoy spending time with their favorite people, making them a good choice for an elderly person who spends most of their time at home. These cute dogs are clever, playful, and they pick up tricks quickly. Despite not being prone to excessive barking, they are also effective guard dogs. To keep their coats silky and free of tangles, they do need routine brushing.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 8.5 to 12.5 inches

WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky double coat in nearly any color or combination of colors

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years

Boston Terrier

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Boston terriers always appear to be ready for a formal event, but in actuality, they are laid-back dogs who enjoy spending time at home and interacting with their owner. They can be animated and active, and they do enjoy going for daily walks, but overall, their level of activity is not excessive. They are very simple to groom because of their short coats and minimal level of shedding; all they need is a weekly or biweekly brushing.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-Sporting (AKC)

HEIGHT: 15 to 17 inches

WEIGHT: 12 to 25 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in either black and white tuxedo pattern or brown and white tuxedo

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11 to 13 years

Yorkshire Terrier

Source: Photo by Sam Lion: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adorable-yorkshire-terrier-in-hat-and-bandana-5733429/

Despite being a small dog, the Yorkie has a tremendous personality. These dogs are affectionate, a little bit headstrong, and fierce. They do make a lot of demands for attention and enjoy playing and going for walks, but they are also content to unwind close to their favorite people. Although they don't shed much, they need daily brushing to keep their long, silky coat at its best. These little pups are good guard dogs but can bark excessively.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 7 to 8 inches

WEIGHT: 6 to 8 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat that's black and tan, black and gold, blue and tan, or blue and gold

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11 to 15 years

Beagle

Source: Photo by Глеб Рагойша: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-dog-on-a-paved-floor-8720993/

A beagle is an excellent companion for elderly people who are still somewhat active. These gregarious, active medium-sized dogs. Although they like taking walks, they could try to catch squirrels or other small creatures. These dogs are committed to their owners and are content, intelligent, and loyal. Their short hair is simple to maintain, although they do shed and need to be brushed frequently. And whenever the grandchildren visit, they are usually ecstatic.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hound (AKC)

HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches

WEIGHT: 20 to 30 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Short smooth fur in many different colors and patterns, but most often a combination of black, tan, and white, with a saddle across the back

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years

Cocker Spaniel 

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This well-known breed is a joyful, sociable, and playful dog that enjoys going for walks and performing tricks. The intelligent Cocker Spaniel likes to keep busy, but with regular walks and interaction, you can easily manage their energy. Regular grooming is necessary for this breed to keep their long, silky coat. Although they make some decent watchdogs, some prefer to befriend strangers than barking at them.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting (AKC)

HEIGHT: 13.5 to 15.5 inches

WEIGHT: 20 to 30 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Long silky coat in just about any color or pattern

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 14 years

Breeds to Avoid

A high-energy dog like a border collie or husky may be OK for you if you have an active lifestyle and can give it enough of exercise. But if you worry that you won't be able to keep up with an active dog as they age, you might want to pick a breed with a reduced energy requirement. You could be better off with a little dog if your health issues make it difficult for you to handle a very large dog.

Additionally, many dogs live for more than 10 years. When a dog reaches the age of 7, they are typically regarded as seniors, albeit not all of them slow down. Consider adopting a middle-aged or senior dog instead of a puppy or adolescent dog if caring for and training a puppy sounds like it wouldn't work for your lifestyle.

Source: https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-dog-breeds-for-seniors-4138298