12 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors

The best dog breeds for seniors are easygoing and low-maintenance. As people age, they lose strength, and the last thing seniors need is a dog pulling or tripping them, causing injuries. When looking for a dog, take into consideration your strength, health, and lifestyle. The dog’s physical size is a factor in transporting your pup to vet trips and helping them if injured. Also, it helps to find a dog with a low to medium energy level, that isn’t too physically demanding. In this article, we are going to go over the best dog breeds for seniors.

How We Picked the Best Dog Breeds for Seniors

Judging whole breeds by generalizations is not always accurate, as dogs are individuals just like people. However, different types of dogs were bred for different purposes, which can greatly influence their energy level, adaptability, barking level, and grooming needs. To find the best dog breeds for seniors, we looked for small to medium-sized dogs that have a low or medium energy level. These pups are usually easier to handle for seniors. 

We also picked breeds that are generally low-maintenance dogs that do not require a lot of special care beyond regular grooming. These dogs are adaptable and usually do well with condo or apartment living. And if you have allergies, you are in luck because a few of the dog breeds on this list are also hypoallergenic. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The loyal, tolerant, and friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for seniors. These sweet pups form a powerful bond and love to be with their owners all the time. They are very gentle and very easy to train, according to the American Kennel Club. They love praise and a good pat on the head. They need about one hour of exercise a day, meaning it’s best to take them on daily walks. 

• Height: 12 inches to 13 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 13 to 18 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 10 to 14 years

• Personality: Loving, loyal, and sweet

Health Issues: Prone to heart disease, which includes mitral valve disease. They can also be susceptible to cataracts.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is always eager to please, very intelligent, and easy to train. These small dogs are great companions for older people. Begin socializing your Bichon Frise when they’re a puppy so they are used to different people and situations. The Bichon is a great fit for someone with allergies because they are hypoallergenic dogs. They need about one hour of exercise per day and daily grooming so their coats don’t get matted.

• Height: 9.5 inches to 11.5 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 12 to 18 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 14 to 15 years

• Personality: Playful, curious, peppy, and cheerful

Health Issues: Susceptible to otitis (inflammation of the ear) caused by an intense itch. Prone to skin allergies, and urinary disorders such as bladder stones. 

Greyhound

The greyhound is calm, quiet, and very loyal. These affectionate dogs love to cuddle up on the couch or under the covers. It’s good to have some open space outside for this pup to run around for about one hour a day. Although they are larger dogs, Greyhounds are not high-energy dogs. They have short coats and low grooming needs, only requiring a weekly brushing and regular nail trims. 

• Height: 27 inches to 30 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 60 to 70 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 10 to 13 years

• Personality: Very loyal and affectionate

Health Issues: Can be susceptible to injuries involving their legs and gum disease, which can affect their teeth. 

Maltese

The Maltese is an outgoing and playful pet. These smaller dogs are trainable but can be a little stubborn because they are so intelligent. To get them to do anything, use positive training methods. This breed needs daily brushing and a monthly bath with conditioner to keep their coat tangle-free. They have two popular hairstyles, the puppy cut or long-haired. They require at least two 30-minute walks a day for exercise.

• Height: 7 inches to 9 inches for females and males 

• Weight: under 7 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

• Personality: Playful and charming

Health Issues: Prone to knee cap dislocation in later years. 

Poodle (Toy and Miniature)

The Poodle is a very active and highly intelligent breed that comes in three sizes – Standard, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle. Just like Standard Poodles, Toy, and Miniature Poodles are loyal to their owners and very smart. The Toy and Miniature Poodles are smaller than Standard Poodles, making them well-suited for seniors. This breed is great for anyone who has allergies as they’re hypoallergenic. They will need a daily brushing for their coats. Poodles are a very smart breed and can be trained easily. The Poodle is an active dog, so if you like to be outdoors a lot, this is your partner. The Miniature Poodle loves to retrieve and is an excellent swimmer. Poodles do well in dog sports like obedience and agility as they are fast learners and athletic.

• Height: 10 inches to 11.5 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 10 to 15 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 10 to 18 years

• Personality: Active, proud, and very smart

Health Issues: Prone to obesity, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia.  

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are a curious and fun-loving breed that requires some long walks and regular playtime. These small, fluffy dogs love to be active and bond with their owners. This breed is packed with personality so you will never be bored. The Pom can be stubborn but positive reinforcement will help them develop good habits. Keep training lessons fun and short so they don’t lose focus. Poms are great watch dogs, as they are very alert. Their barks are louder than their physical appearance.  If you’re looking for the right dog that comes in a small package with a big personality, a Pomeranian may be the perfect choice.

• Height: 6 inches to 7 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 3 to 7 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

• Personality: Curious, lively, and bold

Health Issues: Delicate windpipes, dental issues with baby teeth, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory system, patella luxation, and skin disorders.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are friendly and happy dogs with great personalities. They love to be around people and their families. It’s important to give these little ones daily walks of at least 30 minutes. They also need daily brushing so their hair doesn’t get matted. And did you know they are a hypoallergenic breed? So if you have allergies, no need to worry about this little lion as your companion. Shih Tzus do not need a lot of exercise beyond a few short walks a day, making them popular for apartment living.

• Height: 9 inches to 10.5 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 9 to 16 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 10 to 18 years

• Personality: Outgoing, playful, and affectionate

Health Issues: Eye disorders, skin allergies, urinary system disorders, Cushing’s disease, and back issues.

Pug

The Pug was bred as a companion dog. They love to be close to people, even right up on your lap. The Pug is one of the best dog breeds for seniors because they are low-maintenance as they are not high-energy dogs and do not require a lot of grooming. When you get a Pug, it’s important to socialize your pup because they can be standoffish to other dog breeds. It’s also important to start training them young, as they can be stubborn. Pugs love to have fun and live it up with their owners. They usually need about two 30-minute walks per day.

• Height: 10 inches to 13 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 14 to 18 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 13 to 15 years

• Personality: Charming, loving, and mischievous.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature Schnauzers are the smallest of the Schnauzers and they are hypoallergenic for those with allergies. The Miniature Schnauzers are great for seniors with an active lifestyle. They’re excellent companions who love being active watchdogs. They are very loyal and have strong bonds with their owners. These pups need daily brushing for their coats. They are very intelligent and eager to please, making them very easy to train.

• Height: 12 inches to 14 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 11 to 20 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

• Personality: Friendly, smart, and obedient

Health Issues: Kidney stones, Myotonia Congenita, and hypothyroidism.

Havanese

Meet the Havanese, the only breed from Cuba. These pups are happy dogs and can do it all – from obedience to therapy, and even dog sports like agility. Although they have a lot of fur, Havanese just need a 10-minute brushing each day. Also, the Havanese is a hypoallergenic breed, perfect for anyone with allergies. They are very easy to train and only require a few walks away for exercise. The Havanese is one of the best dog breeds for seniors due to their low-maintenance upkeep and small size.

• Height: 8.5 inches to 11.5 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 7 to 13 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 14 to 16 years

• Personality: Intelligent, outgoing, and funny

Health Issues: Cataracts, liver shunt, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

Boston Terrier

Known as the American gentlemen, the Boston Terrier is a wonderful companion. This versatile small dog can do dog sports, serve as a watchdog, and even excel at therapy work. This breed is sensitive, so positive training is a must. They are eager to please, making training a breeze. Daily exercise with these pups is a must. They require weekly brushing because they do shed.

• Height: 10 inches to 12 inches for females and males 

• Weight: 12 to 25 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 11 to 13 years

• Personality: Amusing, bright, and friendly

Health Issues: Luxating patellas, Brachycephalic syndrome, Hemevertebrae, dry eye, cherry eye, atopy, and c-sections.  

French Bulldog

Affectionate, easygoing French Bulldogs are known for their companionship. They love to cuddle in laps and sleep in comfortable places. The sole purpose of this breed was to be a companion dog and this is what they do best. It’s very easy to take care of this popular breed. According to the AKC, French Bulldogs are now the most popular dog breed in America. They like short walks for exercise and need minimal maintenance for brushing. They’re popular dogs for city living as they adjust well to small spaces.

• Height: 11 inches to 13 inches for females and males 

• Weight: under 28 pounds for males and females

• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

• Personality: Playful, smart, and adaptable

Health Issues: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, heat stroke, and sensitive skin.

Hopefully, you found this blog helpful and were able to find some good companion dog options for seniors. Remember to keep researching, and interact with the breed you are most interested in to see if you are a good fit. 

Adopting a Dog

If you’re ready to adopt a dog, check with your local rescue groups to see what pups are available in your area. Petfinder is a great resource that allows you to search for different dog breeds and mixes near you.

Related Posts: Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners, 10 Tips to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog