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27 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors (A Complete Guide)

As a senior, choosing a dog breed involves a much different set of criteria. Our comprehensive guide walks you through all the factors required to make your decision.

Dogs are wonderful providers of warmth, love, entertainment, and companionship for everyone. Growing older shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the canine experience. However, the limitations that come with aging mean that some dog breeds fit seniors better than others.

The best dog breeds for seniors will vary from one person to another. Personal preferences and health status play an important role. More active seniors may prefer larger energetic breeds like Retrievers or Poodles, while those with medical limitations may prefer small lap dogs like the Maltese or Bichon Frise.

We will look at the 27 best dog breeds for seniors, covering both small and big dogs, as well as all the factors you need to take into consideration when choosing a breed. Hopefully, this will help you find the perfect companion for your golden years.

Why Get a Dog as a Senior?

Owning a dog can provide you with lots of health and emotional benefits. The companionship of dogs can lower your blood pressure and reduce stress. Exercising with your dog is a good way to stay active, which can have the added effect of preventing anxiety and depression.

Some studies have shown that adults living with dogs as pets are likely to practice lifestyle habits that are good for the heart. Dogs can also improve your mental well-being in other ways. 

This national poll found that among adults aged 50-80 who had a pet, 86% said their pets made them feel loved, while 88% said their pets helped them enjoy life better. 80% of the respondents said pets helped them to reduce stress. So, there’s a high chance that getting a dog as a pet will be great for a senior.

Other benefits of dog ownership include the following:

  • It can lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • It can increase heart attack survival rates.
  • It can increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the body.
  • It can be a perfect remedy for boredom.
  • It helps promote interactions with other people.
  • It may help reduce the frequency of non-serious hospitalizations.

Factors To Consider When Choosing the Perfect Dog for Seniors

There is no one perfect breed for seniors. In fact, just about any breed can possibly be the perfect match for a specific individual. The challenge is finding the perfect dog for you. So how do you begin to narrow down the choices? Here are a few factors to consider:

Purebred or Mixed Breed?

This guide deals primarily with purebred dogs because specific traits and characteristics can be generalized about them. That does not mean we don’t recommend mixed breeds! There are pros and cons to both purebreds and mixed breeds, which you can read about in detail in our Purebred vs. Mixed Breed comparison.

If you do decide to choose a mixed breed, be sure to get as much information about the dog as you can before committing to it. If possible, foster the dog for a short period so you can see if that particular dog is compatible with you and your lifestyle. You don’t want to commit to a dog and then later have to place it elsewhere.  

Energy Level

Different dogs have different energy levels. You need to choose a dog with energy levels that match yours. If you’re super active and take long walks, jogs, or hikes, you’re obviously going to want a dog with more energy than if you are inactive or housebound. 

If you have mobility issues, it’s not a good idea to go with any of the highest energy breeds. You won’t be able to provide them with the amount of exercise they need to stay healthy. 

You should also consider your space available. While it is generally believed that smaller dogs have more manageable energy levels and are easier to keep in a smaller home or apartment, this isn’t necessarily true. 

Indeed, small dogs will typically require less exercise. But many large breeds, if given the proper amount of exercise outdoors, can be much calmer and restrained in the home than smaller dogs. Unlike large dogs, small dogs often view their home’s interior as a place for exercise and run around it as if they are outside in a yard. So a dog’s size isn’t an accurate predictor of a dog’s energy level at home.

Size

You need to put more thought into the size of the dog you’ll choose as a senior. In addition to their energy level, you have to be able to contend with their physicality. Will you be able to handle their excitement without being knocked over? Physically, small dogs are easier to handle overall, and most seniors can handle caring for them.

Large dogs have bigger appetites than smaller dogs, increasing how much money you’ll spend on feeding them. Big dogs also mean more poop to pick up, and longer walks to get them tired

Travel with larger dogs can be more difficult as they can’t board a plane with you. They will also need a larger crate in the car, which takes up more space. See our guide to traveling with a dog in a car for more factors to consider.

Although there is no set rule, many smaller dogs tend to be yappy, which may be an issue for you (or your neighbors). While training and proper supervision can go a long ways towards avoiding this issue, certain breeds will inherently bark more than others.

Generally speaking, large dogs live shorter lives than small dogs. Some very large breeds have average life spans of seven years, while it is not uncommon for toy breeds to live to be 15 years or older.

Budget

Purebred dogs from breeders can cost a few hundred to thousands initially. Rescues cost much less. But the real expenses come throughout the dog’s life. Do you have room in your retirement income to pay for food, grooming, vet bills, medications, boarding, and supplies?

Amount of Grooming Required

Will you be able to provide the level of care required to maintain your dog’s skin and coat? As you will see below some dogs have coats that require regular brushing and trimming, while others can cope nicely with just a bath every few weeks. You should be realistic about the amount of time and/or money you have to groom your dog.

Even if you are comfortable doing the grooming yourself now, you may not find it as easy to kneel down next to the bathtub in a few years. Your abilities may change over time, but your dog’s grooming needs won’t.

Temperament

You should take seriously the personality or temperament of any dog you’re thinking of bringing home. While Beagles and Retrievers are known for their easy-going and warm dispositions, other breeds can be more strong-willed and more difficult to control for a senior. 

While there is no guarantee that a certain breed will produce a specific temperament or disposition in any individual dog, the odds are certainly more likely than not.

The breeding and upbringing of a dog also play an important role in its temperament. If you’re thinking of adopting an adult dog, try to meet him first to see how he behaves in different situations. The breeder should be able to discuss the dog’s behavior and make recommendations where necessary. Again, fostering the dog for a short period would be the ideal opportunity for a “trial run.”

Age

When choosing a dog as a senior, age is important. If you get a dog with a longer lifespan, you have to consider how the dog will be cared for if he outlives you. 

On the other hand, if you choose an adult dog, you have to think about how you’ll cope with losing him just a few years down the line. Most dogs will live between 10-15 years, but some smaller breeds can live longer and larger dogs may live shorter. Make sure you’re choosing a dog that’s compatible with your own future plans and aging expectations.

Puppies will live longer, but you will also need to have the energy to keep up with them as well as train and socialize them properly. Adult dogs are most likely already socialized and house-trained, and they are a lot calmer.

Training

Because seniors are more vulnerable to balance issues and falls, it is imperative that their dogs be well trained so as not to cause accidents. Whether you train the dog yourself, take them to an obedience class, or hire a trainer, you must get your dog to an acceptable level of behavior.

Your dog shouldn’t be lunging on its leash as you walk it, jumping up on you to greet you when you get home, or darting underfoot where you might trip. Your safety should be your first priority, and a well-trained dog can avoid potential risks.

For more information on choosing a

Unique Situations

As we age, we face numerous new situations and limitations. Be sure to take an honest look at your current situation and ask yourself if your choice of dog will be compatible.

Medical Issues

If you’re in a wheelchair or use a walker, will your dog be able to navigate around it without interfering?

Do you have medical equipment that a dog can innocently damage? Think about puppies and how they’re likely to chew away at oxygen tubing. 

If you have mobility issues, who will exercise the dog?

Who will take care of your dog if you get sick? What if you have to go to the hospital or to an assisted living facility? 

Considering these situations ahead of time will make life much easier if they actually present themselves.

Assisted Living Communities that Allow Dogs

Many assisted living communities now allow dogs. Be sure to learn the exact rules regarding dogs at your community or the one you plan on moving into eventually. Many have size limits by weight, and some also charge an extra fee to dog owners. Your dog will have to be house trained.

Some assisted living communities go out of their way to accommodate dog owners, offering dog walking services and events for residents with dogs. Some even have Pet Coordinators, a person responsible for arranging for vet visits, dog walkers, feedings, medicine administration, and making sure vaccines are up to date, among other services. This can make keeping a dog much easier.

Where To Get a Dog for Seniors

When you’ve decided on a breed, you can find one by talking to a local breeder. They’ll recommend alternative and good sources if they don’t have your desired breed. 

Alternatively, you can choose to adopt a dog by checking out local shelters and rescue homes nearby. This is a good option to go with if you’re looking to bring home an adult dog. 

There are also breed rescue organizations that work to place dogs of a specific breed in new homes. A quick search online for your chosen breed’s rescue organization will point you in the right direction. And even if the organization is in a distant state, they will usually have listings or referrals to dogs near you. It’s a great way to find an adult dog of the breed you desire.

You can also keep an eye out for ads on the internet and local newspapers, as some traveling or relocating dog owners may put their dogs up for adoption. However, breeders are the best option if you want a purebred dog with a clean and verifiable pedigree.

Gifting a Dog to a Senior

Because there are so many circumstances unique to seniors, it is not a good idea to give them a dog as a gift. Of course, you can offer to help with costs, etc. as a gift, but you should allow a senior to do their research and decide what is right for them. Gifting a dog puts a tremendous amount of pressure on them to keep the dog even if it is not a good fit for them.

Owning a dog may be great for a senior, but if they don’t want one or don’t know if they can care for one, you will add unnecessary stress to their daily living. Every senior should choose the dog on their own to avoid bonding issues and other such problems down the line.

Recommended Dog Breeds for Seniors

Now that you understand the many factors to consider before choosing to get a dog as a senior, let’s look at the many breed choices. Because breed compatibility is so specific to the individual, we have not ranked them in any order. 

Later in this article, we will make some recommendations of breeds based on various priorities like trainability and tendency to not bark a lot.

Remember these breed characteristics are generalizations, and are no guarantee that a particular dog will necessarily exhibit these traits. They just reflect general tendencies.

Poodle

poodle lying down

Poodles are lovely because they are highly trainable and very clever. They are fast learners that can adapt to different kinds of households easily. They are affectionate and a great option if you want a low-shedding dog. They come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. You can choose the size that appeals to you the most.

This dog loves human attention, so be ready to provide lots of pampering. They have moderate energy levels, requiring regular daily walks. Poodles are easy to care for, but you need to get them groomed every month or so. 

Chihuahua

chihuahua lying down

This is one of the most popular lap dogs in the country and for good reasons. This highly vocal breed is charismatic, with a big personality. Because they are so small, they can get much of their exercise in the home. They don’t do well in cold weather, but are quite content to stay inside, perched on your lap. The are very alert dogs and serve as good watchdogs. They can be difficult to house-train.

Shih Tzu

two shih tzu dogs in a hammock

The Shih Tzu dog is affectionate, gentle, and appreciates human interaction. They are typically very quiet, but some of them might snore. They can get as active as you want as well. If you are looking for a low shedding breed, this is a good option to go with. 

They need daily brushing, and you will likely want to get them a professional trim to ensure they look great and have a healthy coat. You should also be careful about the genetic history of the puppy you choose, as skin issues and brachycephalic syndrome are common for this breed.

Pug

pug lying down

Pugs tend to shed heavily, but they are easy to groom. This is a generally friendly breed to own as they have an excellent temperament. However, a few of them can become jealous—something to keep in mind if you have other pets. This is also a breed to avoid if you live in a place where temperature extremes are normal.

Boston Terrier

Boston terrier looks at camera

These are well-mannered, trainable, and very friendly dogs. They are an excellent breed to go with for seniors that live a more relaxed lifestyle because they don’t have any issues with lying about most of the day. Grooming the breed is also easy, but they need good leadership, or they’ll assume the leadership position and get harder to control. For a small dog, they don’t tend to bark unnecessarily.

Maltese

Maltese looks up at camera

The Maltese are great companion dogs that never want to be alone. They are lively, gentle, and very fearless, despite their cute looks. These dogs are moderately active throughout their lifespan. Maltese are also generally low shedding. 

If you want the silky white coat to look great at all times, you have to groom it daily and also book professional grooming appointments from time to time.

Yorkshire Terrier

two Yorkshire Terriers with bows on their heads

This is another excellent, loyal, and loving lap dog with beautiful looks. The dog is also low shedding. Yorkshire Terriers are known to be both independent and overprotective, often believing themselves to be strong, mighty guard dogs. Like other Toy breeds, house-training one of these can get a bit tricky.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise runs on grass

The Bichon Frise is an affectionate and joyful fluffy breed that make excellent companions. Like all other small breeds, they are easy to handle. However, they are a lot simpler to train than some others on our list. 

This is a low-maintenance option that doesn’t require daily grooming, but you should book a professional grooming appointment at least once a month. It’s also a breed that can get by with moderate daily exercise.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel stands

Cavaliers are an intelligent, quiet, friendly, and easy-going breed. They are generally more patient and have no issues with syncing up to your activity level. They are also great for apartment living. You won’t have many problems with this breed, but you should be ready to regularly brush the coat. The Cavalier also loves lots of petting.

Greyhound

Greyhound dog

You may be wondering why a greyhound is a good option for seniors, seeing how it is majorly a racing dog. The truth is they are not the high-energy speedsters you believe them to be. 

Of course, greyhounds will enjoy daily walks and the occasional sprints, but most of them love to relax on the couch most of the time, next to their owners. They are great dogs because they are super responsive to training and are easy to handle, even with their size. 

If you want a large dog that won’t be problematic for you as a senior, the greyhound is almost always an excellent choice to go with. And because of their use in racing, there are usually many adult greyhounds available for rescue.

Pekingese

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a regal and calm breed that leans heavily on the passive side of things. It’s one of the most highly-rated lap dogs you can find. 

This is another breed that requires thorough daily brushing, but you can schedule this at any time during the day as they will typically spend half the time sleeping on your lap. They are affectionate and loyal but can also show some independence from time to time.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian dog sleeps

If you want a tiny dog that can fit in your bag, the Pomeranian is an excellent choice. It’s a happy and affectionate companion that enjoys human attention. It’s a moderate-energy breed that will spend most of the time sleeping on your laps or playing with toys. You need to groom its double coat of long hair periodically. 

French Bulldog

French Bulldog standing in field

French bulldogs are highly-rated as one of the most cheerful of all dog breeds. They are muscular, compact, and active dogs—best for seniors that don’t mind the high energy. They are not the smallest dogs around, but they are still manageable.

Although these dogs are energetic, they don’t have a lot of endurance, so they only need moderate exercise from time to time. They are also low-maintenance with fairly minimal grooming needs. 

However, like the Shih Tzu, there is a history of skin issues and brachycephalic syndrome with this breed, so you need to purchase from a reputable breeder that can offer assurances in this regard.

Beagle

Beagle standing in profile

If you’re an active senior that enjoys long walks, you may get along nicely with a beagle. These are energetic, friendly dogs that love playing. They are easy-going, fun, and friendly, and they treat any new person they meet as their new best friend. 

If you choose one of these, you need to watch him closely as they are known to run off in pursuit of an interesting smell—a habit that can be traced to their history as hunting hounds. They are low maintenance breeds that require grooming once in a while. Beagles are known to be very vocal.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi walks in field

The Corgi is an excellent option to go with if you’re looking for a small-to-medium dog; they are smart and super easy to train. This is a herding breed, so they require routine exercise. You should only go with this option if you’re up for daily walks. These adorable dogs are low-maintenance as they need very little grooming. 

Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso sits near lake

Lhasa Apsos love following their owners around. Whether you are relaxing on the couch or wandering around outside, you can be sure it will be right next to you. They are one of the calmest small dog breeds you’ll find, and they have no problems adapting to apartment living. 

These are very protective dogs, but you can trust them not to bark without any reason. They are a lot more independent than other breeds we’ve covered, so you can leave them alone from time to time. They have a long coat that requires a lot of maintenance, though.

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier walks on grass

These dogs are great companions that are easy to handle. They are a good breed to go with if you want a small dog but don’t want to deal with the fragility of the Maltese or Pomeranian. This is a friendly and low-maintenance breed that won’t need to be trimmed as frequently as some of the other dogs we’ve covered in this piece.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever lying on grass

This breed is the most popular dog breed in the US, thanks to their outgoing personality, friendly disposition, warmth, and love for human interaction. They are great companions, and they adapt quickly to training as service dogs. 

This breed is cheerful and even-tempered, but getting one means that you have to be ready to encourage lots of physical exercise. So, if you can play fetch or take it swimming regularly, it’s an excellent dog to consider.

Havanese

Havanese dog

The Havanese is a great choice if you’re a retiree that can spend lots of time with your pets. These fuzzy, small beauties are always eager to please their owner. They get along nicely with everyone, but they are happiest when next to their owner. 

They are smart and easy to train, which makes them excellent therapy dogs. They have a long coat that requires frequent brushing to maintain. Some people keep the coat short to make them easy to maintain. They’re another breed that will need regular walks every day.

Bolognese

two Bolognese dogs lying on lawn

The Bolognese is another smart dog that is super easy to train. They are playful, so you can see them shadowing you everywhere you go. 

However, they don’t quite qualify as hyperactive, so you can find them resting on your couch most of the time—as long as they can stay close to you. They are calm dogs that are usually quiet, and they can also adapt to any kind of living space you have. You have to bathe and groom them regularly to keep their curly locks looking great.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer

This is a small dog in the Terrier group, and they have a strong Terrier temperament but are very friendly. They’ll stay calm indoors as long as they get sufficient exercise, so they are a good option to go with for active seniors. They are also easy to train and are good alert dogs, thanks to their barking.

Miniature Schnauzers look menacing, but they can be as sweet as other small dogs we’ve covered here. They get along nicely with everyone, including kids, and they are a good option for seniors, thanks to their moderate energy. 

Also, even though they don’t look it, their coat doesn’t require a lot of work. If you groom yours professionally every 1-2 months, the coat will look great and remain tangle-free.

Miniature Schnauzer’s temperament is an important topic because it can vary widely depending on the genetic disposition of the specific dog. Some owners describe theirs as active, calm, and timid, while others will call theirs stubborn and quarrelsome. Still, this is a breed you can generally expect to respond well to training, thanks to their above-average intelligence.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever sits on patio chair

Like the Labrador variants, Golden Retrievers are another excellent choice if you want a dog that responds well to training and is perfectly in tune with a typical human’s emotional needs. This is why they are one of the most popular therapy dog breeds around. 

Again, they love an active lifestyle, so they need to run, swim, and hike regularly. Get them enough outdoor exercise, and they can relax better when indoors. They are great companions, and they are very patient with everyone.

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is another small Terrier with origins traceable to the UK (as the name implies). They have a weather-resistant outer coat and a softer inner coat, both combining to give it a signature look. They require regular grooming, but they are low-energy dogs that don’t require a lot of exercise.

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier stands in field

Cairn Terriers are a confident and independent breed, typically very loyal to their owners. However, they are also very friendly to everyone, and they adapt very quickly, which makes them excellent pets in all conditions. 

From countryside to apartment living, you can count on a Cairn Terrier to thrive. They are similar to other small dogs in intensity, but they are generally low maintenance.

Dachshund

Dachshund sits in field

Dachshunds are intelligent, loving, and curious dogs. They were bred to be excellent hunters, so you can find these traits coming to the fore once in a while with strong devotion towards any task they’ve got at hand. 

They are fun-loving, constantly looking for new ways to make you feel happy. This is a sturdy breed, but they tend to develop problems in their back if they are regularly held or carried around improperly. They are generally low-maintenance, only requiring occasional grooming.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel in field

The Cocker Spaniel is another highly-rated small dog for seniors. They weigh twice the size of some of the smaller dogs we’ve seen thus far, but they are easy to control. They are always ready to please, which makes them very adaptable to training. 

They don’t have a lot of energy, but they still love adequate space to play. They need proper exercise to maintain healthy muscles, and these dogs have long coats that require regular brushing to stay untangled.

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound wearing sweater

The Italian Greyhound is a small dog with a temperament like some of the larger dogs. It always wants to stay right next to the owner, which has earned it the nickname “Velcro Dog.” 

They can adapt to apartment living, and they make excellent companions for first-time dog owners. They are very friendly and easy to train. They are low-shedding dogs, and grooming can be scheduled monthly or bi-monthly.

Best Dogs for Seniors by Category

To help you narrow down your choice from these many recommended breeds, we have made some suggestions based on your top priority.

Recommended Small Dogs for Seniors that are Easily Trainable

Small dogs are often not as easily trained as many larger dogs, but these breeds have proven to be quite trainable.

  • Miniature or Toy Poodle
  • Boston Terrier
  • Chihuahua
  • Welsh Pembroke Corgi
  • Pomeranian
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Recommended Dogs for Seniors that Don’t Bark A Lot

All dogs bark, but some bark less than others. Small dogs have a reputation for being yappy, but here are some that tend to not be as vocal.

  • French Bulldog
  • Bichon Frise
  • Shih Tzu
  • Havanese
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Bolognese
  • Boston terrier
  • Italian Greyhound

Recommended Large Dogs for Seniors 

If you can provide these breeds with adequate daily exercise, they can make wonderful companions:

  • Golden Retriever
  • Labrador retriever
  • Greyhound

Recommended Hypoallergenic Dogs for Seniors with Allergies

While there is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog, there are dogs that tend to cause less problems for allergy sufferers than others. People generally have issues with the dander from a dog, not their fur. But dander is often attached to the fur, so when it sheds, the dander comes with it. Here are some top candidates for allergy-friendly breeds:

  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Maltese
  • Poodle
  • Havanese
  • Bolognese
  • West Highland Terrier
  • Shih Tzu

Conclusion

The best dog breeds for seniors cover a variety of small and large dogs. The list we’ve provided contains some of the most affectionate breeds guaranteed to provide companionship, entertainment, and enjoyment for you in your golden years.

Choosing the right one comes down to assessing your needs and the needs of your desired breed. You need to be sure you can provide the level of care, exercise, and grooming a dog needs, not just now but also later in your life when your abilities and circumstances may change.

Superb Dog Editor

Superb Dog Editor