What are the best dogs for seniors?

As you age, it is always a good idea to have a companion for your physical and mental well-being. A furry company can provide you with love, care, and interaction that’s good for the mind and soul, and they are also a great encouragement to stay active, engaged, and healthy in your golden years. But not every breed is right for an older home. Here are a few breeds that make a great match for seniors- and how to know if they are right for you.

While many larger breeds can be overwhelming for an older person, the intelligent and well-mannered standard poodle is a great companion. Despite their fast-paced reputation, the gentle and docile greyhound is a closet couch potato who only needs one burst of exercise a day. You can also consider the intelligent and people-focused little cuddle-buddies among the Shih Tzu, Maltese, Beagle, Cavalier King Charles, and Corgi. Their bravery outweighs their size, their exercise needs are low-moderate, and they adore keeping their owners company.

Best dogs for seniors

Shih Tzu

The ‘little lion’ dog is best known for its showy coat, and if you are up for the challenge, grooming can be a great way to fuss up your pup and keep their eye-catching, iconic looks. However, there are many friendlier cuts you can have your pup in to keep the grooming burden low and still enjoy this affectionate and busy breed.

The Shih Tzu is an ultimate companion breed, happy to cuddle or just follow you around the house and ‘supervise’ your daily tasks. They thrive on care and attention and generally get on well with everyone. They are great for seniors who spend a lot of time at home. The Shi Tzu’s coat doesn’t shed, and they are often more compatible with allergies than many other breeds, too. They love a short walk around the neighborhood but are otherwise happy to enjoy the garden and your company.

Beagle

If you are an outdoorsy person looking for a walking companion, a beagle might be your ideal dog. These dogs are generally easygoing and sociable, and they love to play with every person they meet on the way.

Beagles are low-maintenance dogs, and they are fairly independent; if you don’t have the energy to go to the park, you can let them roam in the backyard. But make sure you have a securely fenced yard, since they still have their hunting instincts.

Welsh Corgi

The beloved dogs of the late Queen Elizabeth the Second aren’t just for royalty. With their short legs and adorable waddle, Welsh Corgi is a surprisingly vibrant breed and loves plenty of gentle exercise.

So, if your ideal retirement features long walks in nature, this adventurous and lively breed will always be ready to tag along. They’re highly sociable and fun-loving, but deeply dedicated to their family and surprisingly protective.

They can be yappy if under-stimulated, and while their short coat is easy to care for, they are heavy shedders. They love having a ‘job’, with plenty of toys to play with and interaction to keep their minds stimulated and happy.

Standard Poodle

If you are looking for a bigger dog for seniors that is easy to train, intelligent, and well-mannered, then the standard poodle should definitely be on your shortlist. There are also toy and miniature versions of the breed if you’re looking for something smaller, though they’re a little less brainy than their full-sized counterparts.

To keep that busy brain occupied, you will need to exercise your poodle daily. But they’re an exceptionally loyal breed that bonds well with multiple family members, so they’re great for older couples. They don’t shed much, and are hypo-allergenic, but will need a regular brush and the occasional trip to the groomer to keep their coat stylish. Bred as ‘water dogs’, they love any excuse for a swim and will be a great companion for active older couples.

Miniature Schnauzer

With handsome terrier looks, a low-shedding hypo-allergenic coat, and outgoing, friendly personalities, the Miniature Schnauzer is a great companion in your old age. They love daily exercise but will be perfectly happy with a regular game of fetch in the garden or a relaxed stroll through the neighborhood. 

As loyal, dedicated family dogs, they’re also patient with children and like to play, making them ideal for seniors with grandchildren who visit regularly, too. They’re obedient and quick to learn and are very alert, protective dogs, too.

Greyhound

You might be surprised to see this medium-sized breed on our list of dogs for seniors. There’s a common misconception that they have high exercise needs due to their incredible turns of speed. However, while a Greyhound amid their notorious ‘zoomies’ can certainly pick up speed, they’re naturally pretty lazy dogs. Provided they get one good burst of exercise a day, they’re happy to spend the rest of it curled on the couch- you might even get a seat with them if you’re nice to them!

Greyhounds are sweet-natured, quiet, and highly gentle dogs with a ton of compassion they love to share with their humans. They can be a little reserved around people they don’t know but are loving and loyal companions to their family. With an ultra-short ‘peach skin’ coat, they need only occasional brushing and don’t easily get smelly. Due to a high ‘prey drive’, or in-built tendency to chase smaller animals, they’re best as an only pet, or around other, larger animals.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Laidback, quiet, and surprisingly intelligent for a ‘toy’ breed, the ‘Cavvy’, as it is affectionately known, is also adaptable and happy to fit in with its family. Where you lead, they will follow- whether that’s to the couch for a cuddle, or out on your next adventure. The Cavalier is a cheerful dog, happy to make friends, has a lot of patience for a small dog, and is easy to train.

Their silky coats need regular brushing, but it requires little effort. You will need to look after their ear health due to their signature floppy ears.

Maltese

Sometimes erroneously called ‘Maltese poodles’, the Maltese is both lively and gentle and basks in attention from its owner. They’re a popular therapy breed thanks to their emotional intelligence, but are also alert and fearless if you’re hoping for a small guardian companion. They can also learn a wealth of fun tricks.

A short walk around the block, or a little fun time indoors or outside, will be more than enough for the Maltese. It barely sheds, and like the Shih Tzu, a convenience cut to cut down on grooming needs is easy to do. 

These loving and loyal breeds all make great companions in your golden years and will help you stay engaged and active while delivering a ton of love and laughter, too.