For older people, a dog can bring a sense of companionship to their lives, as well as be a good way to encourage them to get some exercise and fresh air each day. These 19 breeds are perfect for seniors, as they provide entertainment and friendship without being overpowering.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These dogs are known for being affectionate and adaptable, and the American Kennel Club says, “Cavaliers do equally well with active owners and homebodies; they can be upbeat athletes or shameless couch potatoes, depending on an owner’s lifestyle.” They are also relatively small, making them easy to handle and transport.
Poodle (Toy or Miniature)
Poodles are extremely intelligent dogs, which makes them easy to train. This can be a lot of fun for older people who want to spend time engaging with their pets. They have curly, hypoallergenic coats that don’t shed a lot of hair, making the home a much cleaner space.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are friendly and outgoing and therefore make great pets for older people. According to Pet Plan, “Shih Tzus relish human company and are happiest when they’re at your feet or side.” They require regular grooming, which can be a therapeutic daily task for owners.
Maltese
Maltese will form a strong bond with their owners, and they love lots of affection and care. They’re very gentle dogs, making them ideal for older people, and their small size makes them easy to manage and transport. They do need lots of grooming, but this can be an enjoyable task.
Bichon Frisé
Cheery and playful, Bichon Frisés will lift the mood in any home. They are a small breed, which makes them suited to living in apartments, plus they’re easy to handle. Owners can bond with these dogs by grooming them to keep their coats looking their best.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are very trustworthy and dependable pets, making them a good choice for seniors who want a companion. The PDSA says, “Labradors are devoted, affectionate, loving dogs that will happily get along with everyone.” They do need regular exercise to keep them healthy, so they are only recommended for active older people.
French Bulldog
Frenchies don’t have a lot of energy, so they are a great choice for those owners who can’t commit to long daily walks. This breed is very relaxed and loves to be affectionate with their family, so they make a lovely companion for older people.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Another intelligent breed of dog, the Corgi is very alert and eager to learn, which makes them easy to train. This can be great for retired individuals who want to have fun with their pets. They are also protective of their families, so they can be effective watchdogs, too.
Beagle
Friendly and curious, Beagles are a fantastic choice for active older people who enjoy spending time outdoors. They need fairly regular exercise, but this can be a great way to encourage their owners to get out and about. They’re also relatively small, which makes them easy to handle.
Chihuahua
One of the smallest breeds of dogs, Chihuahuas are easy to transport, comfortable in small homes, and don’t require too much exercise. Despite their small size, these dogs have big personalities and form strong bonds with their owners, often being extremely loyal.
Pug
Known for being sociable and playful, Pugs fit well into the homes of older people. According to Dog Time, “They are relatively low-maintenance dogs, as they do not require a lot of exercise [or] grooming, and are extremely adaptable to apartment living.” Unfortunately, they are prone to health issues, particularly with their breathing and skin.
Scottish Terrier
Very independent, Scottish Terriers are also known for being loyal to their families, meaning they’re great companions for someone who doesn’t want to have to entertain a dog all day long. They need regular walks and playtime, helping to keep older people active, and they’ll need to have their coats groomed, too.
Schnauzer (Miniature)
Schnauzers can serve as effective watchdogs because of their protective and alert nature, but they also make great companions. They’re intelligent and quick to learn, so training these dogs can be a rewarding activity. They can be energetic, but with a daily walk and some indoor play, they’ll be happy.
Dachshund
Dachshunds will keep their owners entertained with their playfulness and curiosity. They make a fun addition to any home, but you will need to take extra care of their backs because their long bodies and short legs mean they are prone to back issues.
Cocker Spaniel
Very affectionate and gentle, Cocker Spaniels make a lovely friend for someone who needs some emotional support at home. They are very lively and need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy, so they’re best suited for active older people.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are great for people who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle because of their friendly and easy-going nature. They are small and require minimal grooming, making them very easy to care for on a daily basis. Their size also means they are happy living in smaller homes or apartments.
Yorkshire Terrier
Another small dog with a big personality, Yorkshire Terriers can provide a lot of fun for an older person with their vibrant and energetic nature. They have fine, silky coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting, but they don’t need a lot of exercise.
Lhasa Apso
These dogs form a strong bond with their primary caretaker, but they are very affectionate in general. They are independent and have moderate energy levels, meaning they need regular exercise but won’t take up your attention all day long. This breed also has a long, thick coat, which requires a fair amount of grooming.
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland Terriers, or ‘Westies’ are known for being happy and loyal pets that bring a lot of joy into their family’s home. They are a manageable size and need a bit of daily exercise to keep them healthy, which can be a good encouragement for their owners to get out and about.
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