10 Best Dogs for Seniors

Hitting your senior years can feel daunting, and oftentimes, it can be incredibly lonely. In fact, studies have shown that one in three seniors in the US suffer from feelings of loneliness and isolation.

But you shouldn’t have to navigate this stage of life alone. A fluffy companion can help keep loneliness at bay, and they also provide emotional support through their endless affection, love, and devotion.

A dog will truly turn your senior years into the golden years they’re meant to be. However, it’s important you choose the right breed for your lifestyle and needs. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best dogs for seniors, covering each breed’s temperament, care needs, and what makes them such a good fit.

1. Shih Tzu

• Size: 9 to 10.5 inches, weighing 9 to 16 pounds
• Temperament: Playful, spritely, affectionate
• Shedding Frequency: Very low
• Exercise Needs: Low
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years

The shih tzu may be nicknamed the little lion, but they’re far from a fierce beast! They’re a patient, affectionate, and playful pup who loves nothing more than a good cuddle session. The shih tzu also only grows up to 10.5 inches, making them a manageable size and well-suited to apartment living.

Shih tzus are spritely, but they aren’t rambunctious and won’t jump up or bounce around, especially with proper training. They’re also rarely aggressive and are polite around strangers.

Most shih tzus have low exercise needs and are usually content with two 20-minute walks around the block each day. They also aren’t notorious for leash pulling — and they also don’t have the muscle for it, even if they wanted to! — so they can be a good option for seniors with mobility issues.

2. French Bulldog

• Size: 11 to 13 inches, weighing under 28 pounds
• Temperament: Adaptable, easygoing, bright
• Shedding Frequency: Moderate
• Exercise Needs: Low
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

The French bulldog is a pup who appreciates the quieter things in life, so they are well-suited to seniors after a low-maintenance companion who won’t require a whole lot of exercise throughout the day.

Most French bulldogs reach 13 inches tall at the withers and weigh under 28 pounds. They are famous for their endearing bat-shaped ears, teddy bear-like facial features, and happy-go-lucky smiles.

French bulldogs have short single coats that come in a range of colors. They don’t require much grooming, though their wrinkles will need the occasional wipe to keep skin infections at bay.

French bulldogs are lap dogs through and through, and they’re sure to warm up your lap (and heart) during the frosty months.

3. Miniature Poodle

• Size: 10 to 15 inches, weighing 10 to 15 pounds
• Temperament: Intelligent, sociable, gentle
• Shedding Frequency: Very low
• Exercise Needs: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years

The miniature poodle is a gentle, proud, and lively pooch known for their noble demeanor and appearance. They’re a happy medium between a zoomie-loving ball of energy and a couch potato, meaning their exercise needs are manageable but they’ll still happily join you on all your strolls or hikes.

Most miniature poodles grow up to 15 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 15 pounds. While miniature poodles do need regular brushing to keep their curly-haired coats in top condition, they shed very lightly and don’t produce much dander. This can make them great pets for seniors or for those who don’t have the physical means to vacuum up fluff every day.

Miniature poodles are also intelligent, alert, and eager to please — qualities that allow them to pick up commands effortlessly and quickly. Miniature poodles are adaptable and can thrive in most households, but they are prone to separation anxiety and do best with an owner who can spend time with them for most of the day.

4. Greyhound

• Size: 27 to 30 inches, weighing 60 to 70 pounds
• Temperament: Easygoing, sensitive, affectionate
• Shedding Frequency: Low to moderate
• Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years

Greyhounds may be known as the speediest pooches around, but in reality, they love nothing more than snoozing! This makes them fabulous companions for seniors after an easygoing large breed that doesn’t have demanding exercise needs. Most greyhounds only require up to an hour of exercise per day and appreciate a quiet, peaceful environment.

Greyhounds typically stand 27 to 30 inches tall and sport athletic, agile statures with short, smooth coats. Their fur isn’t prone to tangles and doesn’t trap dirt easily.

Greyhounds are incredibly affectionate and are attuned to their owners’ emotions, so you can rely on them to offer you companionship when you need them most. However, they struggle with abrupt changes in their environment or schedules, so it’s important you give them a sense of routine and consistency in their day-to-day lives.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Size: 12 to 13 inches, weighing 13 to 18 pounds
• Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing, gentle
• Shedding Frequency: Moderate
• Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The cavalier King Charles spaniel is the ultimate velcro dog. They are attached to their owner by the hip and rarely ever leave their side (and if they do, it’s usually to wolf up some treats…). They’ve also been specifically bred to be the perfect lap warmer, meaning you can rely on them to keep you feeling snug and comfortable at all times.

The cavalier King Charles spaniel grows up to 13 inches tall and is known for their heartwarming expression. They get along well with dogs, children, and even other animals like cats, so they can be a great option if you have the grandkids (or grandpups) frequently around the house.

6. Bichon Frise

• Size: 5 to 11.5 inches, weighing 12 to 18 pounds
• Temperament: Playful, curious, outgoing
• Shedding Frequency: Very low
• Exercise Needs: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years

The bichon frise is a small dog known for their extremely soft, plush coat. While their fluffy coat may look like it’s going to shed everywhere and anywhere, it actually rarely sheds. In fact, the bichon frise is considered a hypoallergenic pup, so they can make particularly great pets for seniors sensitive to dog hair.

Just be aware that these pups will require a professional groom every month to keep their coats well-shaped and in good condition. They may also still trigger allergies in some individuals — a dog that’s 100% hypoallergenic doesn’t exist.

The bichon frise reaches 11.5 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 18 pounds. They don’t have a whole lot of energy, so they’re manageable and well-suited to apartment living. They also respond to training well and have an enthusiasm for it that very few dogs can match.

Bichon frises are alert, outgoing, and curious — traits that make them a good watchdog. However, don’t expect them to ward off threats. While they’ll bark to alert you to people, their appearance isn’t exactly “threatening” and they usually see everyone as their friend, even strangers.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

• Size: 7 to 8 inches, weighing up to 7 pounds
• Temperament: Feisty, bold, playful
• Shedding Frequency: Low
• Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
• Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years

Next up is the small but mighty Yorkshire terrier. Now, this isn’t a pooch for every senior out there. But for those who want a spunky companion who will motivate them to keep to their exercise routine? The Yorkshire terrier is the perfect fit! They’re energetic, extremely playful, and have a lovable mischievous streak.

Yorkshire terriers stand 7 to 8 inches tall at the withers, making them one of the smallest breeds in the world. They typically have long, straight coats that give them an elegant appearance.

Yorkshire terriers are extremely affectionate and gentle, but they can be stubborn and are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Due to this, they’re more compatible with a senior who has the means to train them regularly and has some previous dog care experience under their belt.

While the Yorkie does require more exercise than many other pooches featured on our list, they adapt well to their owner’s lifestyle and will go at their pace.

8. Pug

• Size: 10 to 13 inches, weighing 14 to 18 pounds
• Temperament: Charming, goofy, easygoing
• Shedding Frequency: Moderate to high
• Exercise Needs: Low
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

This wrinkly bundle of fluff has a personality that’s just as sweet as their appearance. They’re affectionate, loving, and forever doting over their owner. They love a cuddle and their goofy, comedic side is sure to keep you smiling throughout the day.

Most pugs are content with 30 minutes of exercise per day in the form of brisk walks around the block, so they’re well-suited to seniors who struggle with mobility issues. However, it’s still important that you make time to bond with them through one-on-one games and training.

Pugs reach 14 inches tall and have an average life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. They have short single coats that aren’t prone to matting, making their fur easy to maintain.

Unfortunately, pugs often experience health complications that can be costly and difficult to manage due to their short heads and squashed noses (brachycephalic). You should avoid this breed if you do not have the financial means, time, or energy to manage the potential health issues that can arise.

But for those who can support them in every stage of life? The pug is a lifechanging companion who’ll give you plenty of unforgettable memories.

9. Golden Retriever

• Size: 5 to 24 inches, weighing 55 to 75 pounds
• Temperament: Friendly, eager to please, optimistic
• Shedding Frequency: High
• Exercise Needs: High
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

The golden retriever is a happy-go-lucky companion who sees a friend in everyone. Their admirable optimism, combined with their affectionate, loving nature, is sure to brighten up your day-to-day and give your house an extra “golden” glow-up.

Golden retrievers are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, so they can pick up complex commands quickly (especially if food is involved). However, they are large, muscular dogs with boundless energy. Due to this, golden retrievers are well-suited to seniors who still lead active lifestyles.

Golden retrievers adapt well and are happy to share their space with other animals, as long as you introduce them together properly. They are heavy shedders though, so you will need to be handy with a slicker brush.

10. Maltese

• Size: 7 to 9 inches, weighing under 7 pounds
• Temperament: Charming, calm, doting
• Shedding Frequency: Very low
• Exercise Needs: Low
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Often associated with royalty and elegance, the Maltese exudes charm from every facet of their fluffy being. Their dignified gait and luxurious coat are sure to melt your heart, and their calm disposition makes them one of the best dogs for seniors out there.

Maltese dogs fall under the toy category at 7 to 9 inches tall. Their size makes them easy to manage and they also don’t require a lot of exercise. However, they don’t take kindly to roughhousing (and their bodies are extremely fragile!), so make sure to supervise them when you have young grandkids around the house.

Benefits of Adopting a Dog in Your Golden Years

As we reach our golden years, it becomes all the more difficult to exercise regularly, keep up our social lives, and maintain a sense of routine. A pup can help with all this and more!

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of adopting a dog and how they can improve your day-to-day life for the better:

Motivates You to Exercise

Caring for a dog comes with plenty of responsibilities, and one of the main ones is ensuring they get enough exercise — and that means you’ll have to exercise alongside them too!

Most dogs require at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and some breeds (like golden retrievers) may need even more than this. Daily exercise can improve your physical health in the long term, and it’ll help boost your mood too.

Ensures You Stick to a Routine

Dogs need consistency and routine to thrive. They like to be fed at the same time every day, walked at the same time, groomed at the same time… And well, you get the picture. With a dog, you’ll have no choice but to stick to a routine, which can give you a greater sense of security and control in your daily life.

Improves Emotional Wellbeing

Dogs are man’s best friend through and through. They offer comfort, reassurance, and companionship, all things that can improve your emotional well-being and make even the toughest of days more bearable.

Dogs also provide their owners with a strong sense of purpose in life, which isn’t a surprise, considering they provide you with unconditional love and see you as their whole world.

Gives You an Excuse to Leave the House

When you have a dog, you always have a reason to leave the house and explore the outside world! You can go to dog parks, join pet community events, and even hit up your local dog-friendly cafes or restaurants. There’s a whole new world unlocked for dog owners, and you’ll become a part of it.

Improves Social Life

Getting a dog doesn’t just give you a companion who will listen to your every word — it also allows you to make new human friends too.

While this may seem far-fetched, just think about how many times you have personally gone up to a dog to pet them, and ended up in a full-blown conversation with the owner. These brief greetings can (and often do!) turn into friendships.

Best Dogs for Seniors: What to Consider

There are hundreds of breeds in the world, each better suited to different lifestyles, needs, and homes. While the dogs above all make great companions for seniors, there are a few things to be mindful of when making your decision:

• Size: Small dogs are usually the best options for seniors because they’re more manageable than large dogs and typically have lower exercise needs. Small dogs can also fit comfortably in any household, including retirement apartments. But don’t dismiss large breeds entirely; they can be ideal for people who still lead active lifestyles.
• Temperament: You typically want a dog that’s even-tempered, eager to please, and adaptable. Pups with these traits are a lot easier to care for than independent, work-driven breeds like the Siberian husky. However, the “best” temperament is what matches your personality and lifestyle. For example, if you’re laidback and enjoy quiet evenings, then a good fit would be the greyhound (a dog famous for their love of naps).
• Care Requirements: Whichever breed you have your eye on, you should familiarize yourself with their care needs and ensure you can meet them properly. Be mindful of your physical capabilities too; if you struggle with joint pain or mobility issues, a dog who requires at least an hour of exercise per day isn’t going to be a good fit.
• Age: While puppies are adorable, they come with a lot more work and are downright exhausting to raise. Stick to adult dogs who have already undergone training, or older dogs who are calmer and have settled down.

Finding the Right Dog for You

The decision to adopt a dog is a huge commitment, especially when you’re in your golden years. However, a dog can truly change your life for the better — they provide immeasurable emotional support, help mitigate feelings of loneliness, and provide you with a strong sense of purpose.

As our list has shown above, there are plenty of breeds that are well-suited to seniors. These pups are generally easy to train and come with low-maintenance care needs.