What Dogs are Best for Seniors to Adopt? Experts Share Their Picks
Research has shown time and time again that pet ownership has a wide range of important benefits for older adults, from lowering blood pressure and decreasing loneliness to improving cognitive functioning and providing more opportunities for socializing. But whether you're retired and thinking of adopting a pooch, or want to encourage a loved one in their golden years to get one, you're undoubtedly asking yourself what the best dog breeds for seniors are. A smart puppy that's easy to train is probably a must. Chances are you're going to also want a smaller breed—they're easier to handle—like a lap dog that doesn't require too much exercise. A low-shedding dog would be ideal, too, because no senior wants to add to their cleaning chores.
If all that seems like a tall order, don't worry—we've got you covered! We've consulted with a pair of renowned vets to get their thoughts on the best dogs for seniors. From long-beloved breeds like pugs and cocker spaniels, to small-but-mighty suggestions including Pomeranians and Yorkies, this list will help you narrow down the choices. The key is to find the dog that's best suited to the senior's circumstances and capabilities. That way, according to Dr. Terry Fossum, board-certified veterinary surgeon and CEO/Founder of Dr. Fossum's Pet Care, "Both the dog and the senior citizen benefit from the relationship."
More for pet lovers:
Toy Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes—the largest variety, the standard, can weigh up to 70 pounds. But the fun-sized toy poodle might be most enjoyed by seniors looking for a lovey-dovey lap dog to cuddle while perched in front of the tube watching Netflix. According to Dr. Fossum, poodles are "highly intelligent and easy to train," with "low-shedding" single-layer coats, so they're also a great option for folks with allergies. Unless their hair is kept trimmed short, they should be brushed every day.
First bred in Germany to retrieve waterfowl some four centuries ago, the poodle was adopted as the national dog of France thanks to his good looks and refinement. To this day, all sizes of the breed still enjoy playing fetch and swimming, so a senior with a fenced yard (or even a pool) would be an especially good match for this puppers.
Height: no more than 10 inches
Weight: 4-6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Boston Terrier
Dubbed the "American gentleman" for his tuxedo jacket-like markings (and proper manners), the Boston terrier was developed over the last century or so in the Massachusetts city for which he's named. Vibrant and vivacious, with a flair for comedy, these are people-oriented pups and as such are relatively easy to train. Their energy levels and exercise requirements vary, but a good walk and fetch every day should suffice.
Thanks to this breed's short, low-maintenance coat and notably kind-hearted character, Dr. Fossum calls them "ideal for seniors." They don't shed too much, and only require a weekly brushing, at most. Boston do need, and seek, the company of their humans, so they won't be happy if left alone for long periods.
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 20-25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Shih Tzu
A cheerful charmer known for his devoted nature, the shih tzu is "a great choice and popular breed with people of all ages," says Dr. Gabre Denton, veterinarian with TeachMe.To. "They can be lively and energetic but similarly love to be a lap dog and get a lot of human attention. Grooming is required frequently, including daily brushing of the coat and trimming with a groomer to prevent mats and to keep the face clear."
For seniors who don't care to put in the time and money required to keep a long-haired shih tzu looking good, shorter "puppy" clips are a popular option. Bred to be the companions of Chinese emperors centuries ago, this very good boy's name means "little lion" in Mandarin. The shih tzu gets along famously well with other pets and kids, too.
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Pomeranian
This bitty bundle of floof hails from the northwest European region from which it takes its name, but the Pomeranian is actually the descendent of Arctic sled dogs (yes, really). A favorite of movers and shakers like Queen Victoria, Mozart and Marie Antoinette, this breed can be a bit barky—they make great watchdogs!—and should be brushed weekly to prevent matting.
In addition, they need to visit a groomer every month or so to keep that remarkable double coat looking its best. But for seniors with the disposable income to see to their needs, they make "affectionate and lively companions," owing to their "loving nature," notes Dr. Fossum. While they're born cuddlers, they do love walks and benefit from plenty of playtime.
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Greyhound
The most fleet-footed of all canines, the elegant greyhound dates back 5,000 years to the days of the Egyptian pharaoh. Used to chase and capture prey through the ages, this breed offers seniors a "calm personality despite the athletic build," says Dr. Denton. Surprisingly, they "do not need a large amount of exercise and are very happy to spend a lot of their time cuddled on the couch or dog bed," he adds.
Graceful and decidedly gentle, the greyhound does have an independent streak, and training sessions require a soft but firm demeanor. No matter how well-trained this sweetie is, he was made to run and should never be allowed off-leash unless he's in a fenced-in area.
Height: 28-30 inches
Weight: 65-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Maltese
While famed for their long, silky white coats, Maltese can also be groomed in a shorter, much more carefree clip for seniors who don't want to brush their dog every day. They're easy to look after in other ways too, needing little exercise beyond a short walk or indoor play. The breed, which dates back thousands of years to the Mediterranean island of Malta, also makes a fine watchdog.
Best of all might be the Maltese temperament, which Dr. Fossum terms "gentle and affectionate." They're also "low-shedding," she adds, "making them perfect for seniors." Incredibly smart, if slightly stubborn, they do best with positive training methods.
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Yorkshire Terrier
While the Yorkshire terrier would eventually become the fashionable accessory of well-heeled women in Victorian England, the breed started out in far humbler circumstances: as a ratter in Scottish textile mills. More than 150 years later, this wee wonder is as spunky and determined as ever and makes a wonderful dog for seniors.
"They have a lot of personality," Dr. Denton says of the breed, "are very loyal and affectionate and can demand a lot of attention from the owner." Long-haired Yorkies should be brushed daily and bathed every week or two, but their coats, which resemble human hair, are hypoallergenic. Two short walks a day should be enough exercise for any Yorkie.
Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This lovely little dog with the adoring expression and perpetually puppyish looks "can make a loving companion for a senior," according to Dr. Fossum. "They have an affectionate and gentle temperament, which is their biggest pro. However, they do have some significant health issues, so they require regular veterinary care and consistent attention to their grooming needs."
A favorite of the British ruler whose name they carry, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel has a long, silky coat that should be brushed regularly. Health troubles can include ear infections and heart problems, but most live a long life. They enjoy moderate exercise but can adapt well to a more sedentary lifestyle if necessary. Intelligent and eager to please, this breed can be easily trained.
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Bichon Frise
Related to the Maltese and Havanese, the bichon frise developed many centuries ago on the Canary Islands. Beguiled by the breed's easygoing disposition, cleverness and good looks, 13th-century nobles throughout Europe brought them into their homes and onto their laps. Today, according to Dr. Denton, they remain "an affectionate breed and are a great choice for seniors...They are a beautiful dog with great temperament."
The bichon frise, whose name developed from the French term meaning "curly haired small dog" should be brushed at least several times a week, and professionally groomed about once a month. But because they shed very little, they are considered hypoallergenic. The breed's also fairly easy to train—they love to perform tricks for their people!
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Brought to Britain by Flemish weavers nearly a thousand years ago, the short and sturdy Pembroke Welsh corgi is most famous as the beloved breed of Queen Elizabeth II. Corgis were developed from dogs including the Pomeranian, Keeshond and even the Samoyed to herd cattle, and they still "have high energy levels, so they require regular exercise," notes Dr. Fossum.
They also are notorious shedders—seniors should be up for not only daily walks but also daily brushing of their corgi's thick, double coat. In return, they'll be rewarded with the company of a sweet, sensitive and smart doggo that can be counted on to guard the house.
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: up to 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
West Highland White Terrier
A truly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed breed indeed, the West Highland white terrier dates at least to the 18th century, when they were bred to hunt rats on Scottish estates. Seriously smart and intensely devoted to their family, including children (they'd be great with grandkids!), Westies need a patient and consistent training approach due to their independent streak.
"They also do have regular grooming needs and an energetic nature, requiring consistent attention and exercise," Dr. Fossum says. Fenced areas are a must, and so is daily brushing and combing, as well as professional grooming every six weeks or so. But what Dr. Fossum terms "the friendly and adaptable" Westie personality is sure to add much joy to any senior's life.
Height: 11 inches
Weight: 15-20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
French Bulldog
With origins in Great Britain, these little bulldogs eventually emigrated to France, where they became so popular artists including Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec featured them in paintings. Alert and intelligent, they make good watchdogs and even better buddies for seniors. As Dr. Denton notes, Frenchies are "the most common-owned breed in America right now," and are "very cute, very social and energetic dogs."
French bulldogs are prone to eye problems and, like other flat-faced dogs such as pugs, breathing problems as well. Heat affects Frenchies adversely and they should remain indoors on hot or very humid summer days. In general, Frenchies don't require much exercise, shed very little and are also relatively easy to train (although they can be a bit stubborn).
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: under 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Pug
Believe it or not, this goofy little nugget was the favored consort of Chinese emperors 2,000 years ago, is said to have saved the life of Holland's Prince of Orange and hung out with Buddhist monks in Tibet. Nowadays, the breed makes "very loving, affectionate and great companion dogs that are usually quite easy-going," according to Dr. Denton.
Pugs in particular are a great pet for less mobile seniors, as they adore nothing more than cuddling on the couch with their people and don't require terribly much exercise. In fact, like other flat-faced breeds including Frenchies, they should stay indoors on hot and humid days to avoid breathing issues. And although they do shed, the endlessly adorable pug needs almost no grooming.
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Havanese
Like their cousins the Maltese and the bijon frise, "Havanese dogs are affectionate and low-shedding companions, making them ideal for seniors," says Dr. Fossum. While they are often seen wearing their soft, silky hair long, this breed can be clipped short to keep grooming time to a minimum. The only dog native to Cuba, the Havanese is sociable, smart and an effective watchdog.
They do not, however, do well if left alone for long periods, so seniors who are gone from their home all day might do better with another breed. Otherwise, the Havanese is a remarkably joyful little dog that's sure to put a smile on the face of anyone he meets.
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Cocker Spaniel
A long-time favorite in this country, the cocker spaniel is an American dog descended from Spanish bird-hunting canines. Despite his sporting origins, this pooch doesn't have a ton of excess energy to burn, so a walk and a good game of fetch every day should suffice. Their sweet dispositions make them a good match for older folks, too—as Dr. Denton says, cocker spaniels "tend to be very friendly, calm and affectionate, also with a playful side."
They're known to be particularly patient with children and other pets, and can be trained without too much trouble because they have a drive to make their humans happy. But be aware that this dog requires meticulous grooming, including frequent combing, bathing and even blowdrying of their silky soft coat.
Height: 14.5-15.5 inches
Weight: 25-30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Pekingese
Like pugs and shih tzus, the Pekingese is an ancient breed developed to perch on the lap of Chinese emperors. As such, this is a famously friendly little dog that forms a powerful bond with his person. However, they aren't the biggest fans of kids—the best that can be said of their potential relationship with grandchildren is that they'll probably tolerate them.
Potential owners should also be aware that breathing and eye issues may be a problem, as with any flat-faced breed. But otherwise, this is a sturdy and stocky companion that doesn't need much exercise and really only requires a good. long brushing session weekly.
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: up to 14 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Miniature Schnauzer
Bright, adaptable, extroverted, trainable and generally quite healthy, the miniature schnauzer is the perfect pint-sized poochie for seniors. They're wonderful with kids and other pets, don't shed much at all and absolutely dote on their people. However, that wiry double coat should be brushed and combed frequently, and professionally groomed about every two months.
With a bloodline dating back to 15th-century Germany, where they were used to catch rodents on farms, the miniature schnauzer needs a good amount of exercise every day. Playing fetch in a fenced backyard is best; this intelligent and outgoing dog should never be allowed to walk unleashed due to his strong prey instinct.
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 11-20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
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