The best dog breeds for seniors can make all the difference in creating a harmonious and joyful living environment. As we navigate the golden years, the right canine companion can bring immense comfort, companionship, and joy. Pet Counselors from Pettito Dallas and Pettito Oklahoma can help you with the first step in finding a puppy breed that’s the best dog breed for seniors.
If you’re transitioning from a more active lifestyle and are looking for a dog breed that requires less exercise, you might want to choose breeds that are lower in energy compared to the active breeds you may have had in the past. This consideration is especially important if you have health concerns or prefer less physical activity.
The best dogs for seniors should be easy to care for and ideally enjoy spending time with you, whether you’re lounging on the couch or enjoying a leisurely walk. Every dog needs regular exercise, so finding a breed that matches your activity level is key.
For personalized advice on selecting the perfect puppy for your lifestyle, reach out to Pettito Puppy Counselors at Pettito OKC and Pettito Dallas. Our experts can guide you in finding the best puppy that aligns with your needs, ensuring a happy and harmonious companionship.
BEST DOG BREED TEMPERAMENT FOR SENIORS
Understanding a breed’s temperament before adopting or purchasing your new furbaby will help you determine how much exercise, training, and grooming your new dog may need. If you don’t have the finances, time, or health to care for a puppy or adult dog, it’s unfair to the dog, regardless of breed.
Even dog breeds with excellent temperaments will need plenty of training and socialization throughout puppyhood and lifetime. This includes trips to the dog park for off-leash runs, trips to the beach, doggie daycare if you’re out at work all day, and petsitters if you travel. To help you determine a dog breed’s temperament, here are some tips:
- Read up and watch videos about your favorite dog breeds
- Check a dog’s sociability if you’re adopting
- Determine how much professional grooming and daily grooming your breed is going to need
- If you’re adopting, check a dog’s response to new situations by visiting them a few times and going for walks
- Leave your puppy or adult dog alone for a few minutes to examine whether it suffers from separation anxiety. When you come back, observe his behavior. If the dog is distressed or out of breath, they may need more training to overcome separation anxiety.
- Always list what you’re looking for in a puppy or adult dog breed and match your interests with the dog breed’s needs.
COMPANION DOGS FOR SENIORS
Dog breeds have significantly different care requirements, including exercise, veterinary care, and grooming. If you’re a cat lover and have cats at home, you will also need to see if the breed is compatible with them. Companion dogs for seniors are generally small breeds, and they bond easily with their pet parents. Although all breeds were bred to do a job, some breeds require more training and exercise than other breeds.
If you’re a senior and lead a relaxed life, travel a lot, and want a small companion dog that’s easy to handle, our breeds below are top choices with seniors. Commentators at Quora say that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a favorite among the elderly because they are very affectionate and don’t require a lot of exercise. Other popular dogs for seniors include the Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, and Pug. Think about what you want: personality, active, mellow, or in-between. What do you usually do every day?
6 BEST SMALL BREEDS FOR THE ELDERLY
We delved into Redditor’s comments to discover the most recommended senior dog breeds and found that smaller, less active companion breeds that thrive in apartment settings were the top choices. According to Redditors, the best small dogs for older people include breeds that are not only easy to care for but also adapt well to a more relaxed lifestyle. Redditors suggested small dog breeds for older people, which included the following:
SENIOR FRIENDLY DOG BREEDS:
SMALL BREED OVERVIEW
SHIH TZU
The Shih Tzu is perfect for seniors thanks to their low energy requirement. This friendly and affectionate breed makes it an excellent companion dog for seniors. “Since the sole purpose of the breed is that of a companion and house pet, the dog’s ideal temperament should be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting toward all. Its expression is warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly, and trusting,” explains the United Kennel Club. (UKC)
Quorans say that the Shih Tzu loves to cuddle and is an excellent lap dog. During walks, they love to have a leisurely stroll with plenty of stops to sniff instead of walking quickly. A big plus is that the Shih Tzu is light and easy for older adults to carry. Regular brushing and occasional trims will keep their coats in tip-top condition. Shih Tzus enjoys short daily walks and plenty of indoor playtime with their favorite plush dog toys.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Toy, AKC | Companion, UKC
- HEIGHT: 9 to 10.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Long, flowing double coat in various colors
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Gentle and easy to handle, lightweight
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Regular short walks and dog park off-leash runs for meet and greets at the dog park are fine.
POMERANIAN
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that the Pomeranian is an extrovert small breed, showing great intelligence with a vivacious spirit, making him a great companion dog as well as a competitive show dog. Pomeranians are small, lively, and intelligent dogs perfect for seniors. They are relatively easy to train and adapt well to apartment living. Their thick, fluffy coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Pomeranians thrive on short walks and enjoy interactive play sessions
If you’re considering a Pomeranian or another senior-friendly breed as your next companion, the Pettito Puppy Counselors at Pettito OKC and Pettito Dallas can provide expert guidance. Our team can help you select the perfect puppy that matches your lifestyle and ensures a joyful companionship. Explore our services and get personalized advice to find the best dog for your needs.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Toy, AKC | Companion, UKC
- HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches
- WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Fluffy double coat in various colors, including orange, black, and white
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Gentle and easy to handle, lightweight
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Suitable for a relaxed lifestyle, requiring minimal daily exercise.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
” Very gay, fearless and sporting, yet gentle and affectionate, with no tendency toward nervousness,” is how the UKC describes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This popular senior breed gets along well with everyone, including people and other pets.
This is another popular breed for senior citizens because it is gentle, affectionate, and good-natured. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires moderate grooming to keep its silky coat in good condition.
Daily walks and indoor playtime are usually enough to keep them healthy and happy. Although they require more exercise than many of the breeds mentioned on this list, they are among the most popular choices for seniors with a garden or backyard.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Toy, AKC | Companion, UKC
- HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches
- WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Silky, medium-length coat in four color combinations: Blenheim, tricolor, black and tan, and ruby
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Gentle and affectionate, easygoing
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Moderate exercise, such as light walks
PUG
The American Kennel Club (AKC) aptly describes Pugs as “living to love and to be loved in return.” This breed embodies the Latin phrase ‘multum in parvo’ (a lot in a little), perfectly capturing their small yet robust presence. Pugs are known for their endearing, human-like expressions and distinctive wrinkled brows, making them a beloved choice for many dog lovers.
Pugs are the epitome of a perfect companion dog, celebrated for their charm and affectionate nature. They thrive on human interaction and are particularly suited for those seeking a loyal and playful pet. While their short coat is easy to maintain, it does shed, so regular brushing helps keep things tidy.
Pugs require only moderate exercise and adapt well to various living environments, whether in the city or the countryside, as long as the climate is mild. If the delightful Pug sounds like the ideal fit for you, explore the wonderful options available at Pettito OKC and Pettito Dallas. Our expert team at Pettito is dedicated to helping you find a puppy that matches your lifestyle and brings joy to your home.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Toy, AKC | Companion, UKC
- HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches
- WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in fawn or black
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Loving and social, compact size
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Minimal exercise requirements
MALTESE
The United Kennel Club (UKC) says that Maltese are docile companions who are intelligent, affectionate, and lively. The Maltese is a small dog breed perfect for the elderly. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats.
Despite their dainty appearance, Maltese are surprisingly sturdy and well-suited for seniors seeking a small, loving pet. With their long, silky coat, Maltese do require regular grooming to keep their fur free of tangles and mats.
Their beauty is matched by their charm, as they thrive on daily walks and enjoy playful indoor activities. Their compact size and lightweight frame make them easy to carry, and their love for cuddles means they’ll eagerly curl up in your lap, providing warmth and companionship.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Toy, AKC | Companion, UKC
- HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches
- WEIGHT: Under 7 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky white coat
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Sweet, playful, and lightweight
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Minimal exercise requirements
FRENCH BULLDOG
This is one of the most popular small breeds for seniors. The French Bulldog is a low-energy small dog breed perfect for elderly owners.
The French Bulldog loves everyone they meet and is an easy-go-lucky breed ready for the dog park or cuddle time with a good Netflix show.
” Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition; generally active, alert, and playful, but not unduly boisterous,” says the AKC.
The French Bulldog is a small, muscular companion dog with a unique appearance characterized by their beautiful “bat” ears, short face, and smooth coat. They are known for being affectionate, friendly, and relatively easy to care for.
French Bulldogs are also adaptable and make excellent watchdogs despite their small size. They enjoy moderate activity and are well-suited for apartment living due to their compact build and low exercise needs.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Non-sporting, AKC | Companion, UKC
- HEIGHT: 11 to 12 inches
- WEIGHT: Under 28 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Smooth coat; colors include brindle, fawn, white, and combinations of these
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Affectionate and easygoing
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Minimal daily exercise, content with short walks
PETTITO PET COUNSELORS
When looking at dogs for seniors, look at their breed descriptions, and remember that no one dog will have all the traits of a particular breed.
If you’re buying a puppy to show or as a companion, consider adopting a dog from your shelter first and giving him a good home.
Working with pet counselors like Pettito, Dallas, and Pettito, Oklahoma, will help you understand a breed’s energy level, exercise, and grooming requirements. Pettito pet counselors help with the following:
- Carefully vetting breeders
- Allows you to interact with your dream puppy
- Gifts you a one-year health guarantee
- Gifts you 30 days of pet insurance
- Pettito enables you to make the right decision when choosing a new furbaby during your Golden years.
6 BEST LARGE DOG BREEDS FOR THE ELDERLY
Large and giant breeds often get a bad rap, yet they have many advantages and disadvantages for senior pet parents. Some of the benefits include:
- Ideal hiking and dog sport companion dogs for active seniors
- After the first few years, most of them mellow out and become more accessible to handle with positive training and plenty of socialization.
- Become good household companions who love cuddles and dog sports.
While so many mixed breeds make for wonderful senior dog companions, if you’re looking for purebred large dog breeds that are easy to handle and good companions, here are some large dog breeds. That said, all dogs require positive training, regular exercise, off-leash runs at the dog park, and plenty of socialization.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER
The Golden Retriever is an active dog breed for an active senior person. Most Goldens mellow out as they age; depending on the individual dog, some will need less or more exercise and grooming.
Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and devoted companions. They are well-attuned to their owners and make excellent therapy dogs. Due to their thick coats, Golden Retrievers require regular grooming and daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Sporting, AKC | Gun Dog Group, UKC
- HEIGHT: 21 to 24 inches
- WEIGHT: 55 to 75 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Dense, water-repellent double coat in shades of gold
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Friendly and calm, great with children and other pets.
- LOW EXERCISE: Requires plenty of daily exercise, unsuitable for a relaxed lifestyle.
LABRADOR RETRIEVER
Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds due to their friendly and outgoing nature. Described as ” kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal by the AKC, the Labrador Retriever is a good match for active seniors.
This is a senior-friendly dog breed. Active seniors can enjoy dog activities like swimming and walking and plenty of trips to the dog park for off-leash fun with other dog buddies. They are highly trainable, making them a good fit for seniors. Labs have short, easy-to-care-for coats and thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Sporting AKC | Gun Dog Group UKC
- HEIGHT: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 55 to 80 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Short, dense coat in black, yellow, or chocolate
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Affectionate and easygoing.
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Needs regular exercise but is content with moderate exercise
STANDARD POODLE
Standard Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a perfect choice for senior citizens. They are known for their hypoallergenic coats, which require regular grooming.
Standard Poodles are active and enjoy daily exercise, but they also love to relax with their pet parents. The UKC says that Poodles are noted for their high intelligence, trainability, and sense of humor.
” Poodles are highly social and require human companionship and regular, close interaction with family members. Because of their great intelligence and the joy they take in human companionship, Poodles excel in performance events of all sorts.”
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Non-sporting, AKC | Gun Dog Group, UKC
- HEIGHT: Over 15 inches
- WEIGHT: 40 to 70 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense coat in a variety of solid colors
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Intelligent and gentle.
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Enjoys regular exercise but can adapt to short daily walks
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
Because this breed is large, it does not mean it is unsuitable for seniors suitable for seniors. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s lovely and easygoing temperament makes it another good option for seniors.
This is one of the best dogs for seniors living alone. The AKC describes the Bernese Mountain Dog as ” self-confident, alert, and good-natured, never sharp or shy.The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though it may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.”
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants known for their calm and affectionate nature. They are loyal companions who form strong bonds with their owners. To maintain their health, these dogs require regular grooming and moderate exercise.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Working, AKC | Guardian Dog Group, UKC
- HEIGHT: 23 to 27.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 70 to 115 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Thick, long double coat in black, rust, and white
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 7 to 10 years
- SENIOR FRIENDS: Calm and affectionate.
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Requires moderate exercise, such as regular walks
GREYHOUND
Despite their racing background, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy and love lounging. They are gentle, affectionate, and require minimal grooming. Greyhounds need regular but not strenuous exercise, making them one of the best companion dogs for retired seniors.
The UKC describes the Greyhound as intelligent, affectionate, gentle, and even-tempered. They are known for their quiet disposition and are generally friendly towards other dogs.
The Greyhound’s gentle and quiet demeanor makes this breed an excellent choice for seniors looking for a calm and loving companion. They are also low maintenance in terms of grooming.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Hound, AKC | Sighthound, UKC
- HEIGHT: 27 to 30 inches
- WEIGHT: 60 to 70 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in various colors, including black, fawn, and blue
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 13 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Gentle and affectionate.
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Minimal daily exercise, enjoys lounging.
2 BEST HYPOALLERGENIC DOG BREEDS FOR SENIORS WITH ALLERGIES
BICHON FRISE
The Bichon Frise is a joyful and affectionate dog that makes an excellent companion. With an average weight of about 7–12 pounds, most people can handle this small breed easily. Bichons are also relatively simple to train.
The AKC describes this breed as ” gentle-mannered, sensitive, playful, and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is the hallmark of the breed, and one should settle for nothing less.”
The Bichon must be groomed periodically but is otherwise reasonably low maintenance. Moderate daily exercise is usually enough to keep the Bichon healthy and happy as long as it has companionship.
BREED OVERVIEW
- Group: Non-sporting AKC | Companion Dog Group, UKC
- 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
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Friendly and playful.
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Requires minimal exercise and content with short walks
POODLE
The Poodle is another very popular dog breed for all ages, and seniors find it a good companion dog to parent because they’re easily trainable. Poodles are ideal companions for seniors.
” Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.
The AKC says poodles come in three hypoallergenic sizes (Standard, Miniature, and Toy). Their curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but they shed very little, making them suitable for people with allergies.
BREED OVERVIEW
- GROUP: Non-sporting, AKC | Gun Dog Group, UKC
- HEIGHT: Standard: over 15 inches; Miniature: 10 to 15 inches; Toy: under 10 inches
- WEIGHT: Standard: 40 to 70 pounds; Miniature: 10 to 15 pounds; Toy: 4 to 6 pounds
- COAT & COLOR: Dense, curly coat; various colors including white, black, apricot, and gray
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
- SENIOR FRIENDLY: Intelligent and gentle.
- LOW EXERCISE NEEDS: Enjoys regular exercise but can adapt to short daily walks.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Senior dogs for active dog parents allow for so many dog breeds. Just because you’re enjoying your Golden years doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a large breed. If you’re active and healthy, there’s no reason not to have a large dog breed.
If you’ve researched and know what breed is right for you, consider adopting if you can provide a loving home. Adoption gives a dog a second chance and helps reduce the demand for puppies from unethical sources like puppy mills.
If a Pomeranian or another senior-friendly breed sounds like the perfect fit for you, let the Pettito Puppy Counselors at Pettito OKC and Pettito Dallas help you find your new best friend. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to matching you with a puppy that complements your lifestyle and brings joy to your home. Explore our range of puppies and receive personalized advice tailored to your needs.
Ready to find your ideal companion? Visit Pettito OKC or Pettito Dallas today to start your journey toward welcoming a new furry family member!
Top 25 Dog Breeds For Seniors & Elderly – Low Maintenance + Don’t Shed
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