The 32 best dogs for seniors
Life is better with a dog around, but choosing from amongst the best dogs for seniors can be a complicated and stressful process. Picking any dog is a big decision, particularly if you're bringing home a puppy and making a 10-15 year commitment, but as we age, we also need to take into consideration our mobility levels, living space and lifestyle as well.
A dog that requires long walks and lots of mental stimulation, like a collie, may not be a good choice for someone with limited mobility, just as a large dog will be unsuitable for someone living in a small home. If you have arthritis, you may find that maintaining the coat of a long-haired dog is difficult, so a wire-haired or smooth-haired breed might be a better choice. It is also worth noting the financial needs of your dog and if they are affordable for you; the cost of the best dog food, grooming and potential health issues that might need expensive medication will need to be accounted for.
While all of these factors make the choice all the more daunting, it's still well worth considering owning a dog in your later years, as it could genuinely change your life. Spending time with a four-legged friend has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while increasing serotonin in the brain (the 'feel-good chemical'), according to an article in Harvard Health.Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinictells us that owning a dog doesn't just add to your happiness but also encourages you to lead a healthier lifestyle.
A dog can also be a powerful counter to the loneliness that often accompanies our twilight years, particularly after the loss of a partner, and some more affectionate breeds are well known for their tendency to shadow you about the house. So, without further ado, let's find the perfect companion for you to share your retirement with in our top 16 best dogs for seniors.
The 16 best dogs for seniors
1. Pug
Quick stats
Height: 10-14 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-15 years
Looking for a housedog that’s happy to snuggle up with you throughout the day rather than begging you to take them out for a long hike? Pugs are a great breed to consider. They don't require a lot of exercise and like to avoid hot and cold weather.
Cuddly, loyal and affectionate, Pugs are happier having a nap next to (or on!) their human companion than braving warm weather or snow. They are also incredibly playful and entertaining, and love being the center of attention. Grab a couple of toys and they will entertain themselves – and you – for hours. Be warned though, they do love food, so you will need to resist those pleading eyes if you don't want them to get overweight.
2. Bichon Frise
Quick stats
Height: 9-12 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-15 years
This fluffy and adorable, white-coated dog is one of the most affectionate dog breeds, so they're an ideal choice if you're looking for a canine companion that loves to snuggle. Intelligent and obedient, the Bichon Frise is happy to share their living space with other pets and children, and their pleasant and cheerful view on life means they are perfectly happy to chill with their owners for most of the day.
A couple of short walks will ensure this breed stays fit, and they are very easy to housebreak and train. Their calm temperament means you shouldn't have any issues with barking, but they do need grooming once a day to keep their gorgeous coat in perfect condition.
3. Greyhound
Quick stats
Height: 24-30 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
You may think of Greyhounds as whipping around a race track, and that the fastest dog in the world probably isn't a great fit for your retirement years, however, Greyhounds are some of the calmest, quietest and easiest breeds to manage.
Greyhounds go for short bursts of speed rather than needing exercise all the time, so as long as you can give them a chance to sprint all-out in a fenced-off area for a short period of time each day, they'll be happy loafing around on the sofa for the rest of it. They also need very little grooming and are one of the easiest-going and trainable breeds. This is one larger dog that won't be too much to handle.
4. French Bulldog
Quick stats
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 18-30 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
The incredibly easy-to-please and cheerful 'Frenchie' is never happier than when giving out and receiving affection. Perfect for apartment life, the affable French Bulldog isn't too keen on a lot of exercise – a quick trot to the shops or a play out in the yard will do them for the day. They’re a spirited breed and love getting up to goofy antics, but they also love curling up on your lap or next to you on the sofa for a cuddle. They are prone to overheating though, so aren't suited to hot environments.
Keen to learn more about this lovable breed? Decide if the Frenchie is the right canine companion for you by checking out these six fascinating French Bulldog facts.
5. Shih Tzu
Quick stats
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 9-15 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Shih Tzus are very friendly small dogs that are perfect as lap warmers and thrive in smaller apartments. They crave love and attention and will be happy to follow you wherever you go. Playful, but only needing low amounts of exercise – one walk a day will suit them - they are otherwise happy to spend the rest of their time snuggling up with their owners.
Shih Tzus love people and other animals, so if you have grandchildren coming over you can be confident they will be very welcoming to them. They can be a bit stubborn, but they still respond to training without too much resistance.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Quick stats
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-19 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Patient, affectionate, gentle, and with eyes that will melt your heart, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is never happier than when snuggling up to their chosen human companion - in fact, they were bred to be lap dogs for royalty.
Cavies are laid-back companions and are very easy to train. They will need moderate exercise – two walks a day – but are otherwise content with apartment life. It's important to exercise them in enclosed spaces though or on an extendable leash as they do have a strong tendency to chase after anything that moves!
Their playful nature means they get on well with other animals and children. Their long silky coats will also need regular grooming sessions, so factor this in when making your decision on whether to own one.
7. Poodle
Quick stats
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-18 years
Personable, smart and easy to train, Poodles, despite appearances, are low-maintenance dogs. Requiring only one long-ish walk a day, they otherwise spend their time lounging around cuddling up to their owners. Poodles are also gentle and loving and will form strong bonds with more than one person, so they’re perfect for senior couples.
Poodles have a great sense of humor and love to be pampered. You do need to consider that their fur will need regular grooming, how often will depend on how much fun you want to have with their very shapable hair!
8. Maltese
Quick stats
Height: 8-10 inches
Weight: 5-7 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
The tiny and elegant Maltese is another placid breed that was bred to be a lap dog, so they have no qualms with just moderate exercise and otherwise spending time indoors. They are even small enough to be carried around in a bag!
Lively and with a gentle temperament, the Maltese love attention and is very responsive to the mood of their owners – so much so they are often used as therapy dogs. You can also train them to do fun tricks relatively easily - perfect for entertaining visitors. Be aware though, they will need regular grooming sessions to keep their white fur in tip-top condition.
9. Pomeranian
Quick stats
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
The Pomeranian is a gorgeous, fox-like little dog with a winning smile and heaps of personality. They don’t require much exercise, just two 30 minute walks a day, but they will be able to keep up with you if you are more active and enjoy longer hikes. Just make sure to bring lots of water and treats!
They are a highly intelligent breed and relatively easy to train, but you must be sure to socialize them properly as they can be confrontational with other dogs (they believe themselves to be much larger than they actually are). While small in stature, the Pomeranian is a very energetic breed, so perhaps not suitable for those looking for a quiet life.
They can also require quite a lot of grooming as they are long-haired, and might not be suitable for someone with arthritis in their hands, or someone not interested in the level of coat maintenance Pom’s require to prevent matting. However, they only shed their coats once or twice a year, so you won’t be always cleaning up after them. If you live in a small home or apartment, we think the pocket-sized Pomeranian will be a perfect companion, keeping you busy with lots of cuddles, curiosity and charming personality.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Quick stats
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 5-7 pounds
Life expectancy: 13-16 years
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular toy breeds in many cities across the United States, according to the American Kennel Club, and we can understand why. Among the smallest of breeds, they are easy to scoop up and put in a handbag if need be, and they are always up for an adventure (even if it’s just a trip to the shops). Loving, loyal and full of personality, these dogs are a fantastic companion for those later in life who want a friend, but not one that requires a huge amount of exercise and maintenance.
They don’t shed much and although they require daily walks, their small stature means that these walks needn’t be very long. They can be quite vocal, so if you don’t want a yappy dog, the Yorkie might not be a good choice for you. They are also known to be suspicious towards humans and other dogs if they are not socialized properly, so it’s important to ensure you train them to avoid reactivity and behavioral issues.
11. Corgi
Quick stats
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 22-30 pounds
Life expectancy: 11-13 years
The favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Welsh Corgi is a fabulous companion for those over 60. The American Kennel Club describes the Corgi as a “big dog in a small package,” due to the Corgi’s history as a cattle herding dog: you need a lot of confidence to face-off an animal many times your size. They are great companion dogs without being too needy and have an independent streak, which makes them suitable for people who may want to leave them behind at home sometimes.
They are generally quite vocal, so not ideal for those who want a quieter breed, and are also fairly high in energy, so not a good match for people who want a laid back dog that requires little exercise. They also shed quite a lot, as they have a waterproof double coat, so if you don’t want to dedicate much time to cleaning up dog hair, they may not be the best choice for you. However, Corgis are loving, loyal and very bright, so if you’re looking for a dog you can train, play with and take with you anywhere, then a Corgi may be the dog for you!
12. Dachshund
Quick stats
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 16-32 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Dachshunds are another breed that has the “large dog in a small dog’s body” energy and personality. Traditionally used as badger hunting dogs, this breed is full of courage and will fight anything that looks at them the wrong way, which is why you must be very careful to socialize them properly. Also known as wiener dogs or sausage dogs, they may require some home modifications to help them climb up and down from sofas and beds without causing damage to their long backs.
They don’t require a huge amount of exercise, as they are quite small and are happy to laze around all day, but they will require mental stimulation as they are a highly intelligent breed. They also come in a variety of coat types; long haired, wire haired or smooth haired Dachshunds all shed differently and will require different levels of coat care, so this is worth bearing in mind if you’re considering a Daxie.
13. Brussels Griffon
Quick stats
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
With many internet famous Brussels Griffons, these dogs are known for their grumpy expressions and ability to grow fantastically long beards. They are sensitive, loving companions with an inflated sense of their place in the world. They were originally bred as a ratting dog, so have a tendency to be aggressive and bark at the drop of a hat, but this makes them good as a guard dog for seniors living alone. A big voice attached to a small dog can be all it takes to scare off potentially undesirable visitors.
They come in long or short coated varieties and don’t shed a huge amount; there are dogs that shed less and dogs that shed a lot more. They also don’t drool too much, so if you’re worried about a dribbly dog, the Griff might be a good companion for you. You may, however, spend more time than you bargained for cleaning that magnificent beard if you choose to keep it long; many people keep their Brussels Griffons’ coats trimmed short for this reason.
14. Chihuahua
Quick stats
Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: 2.5- 4.5 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-20 years
The smallest dog in the world, the Chihuahua isn’t just a handbag-sized dog: it’s a pocket-sized dog! They can also live longer than most dogs, with Chihuahuas living to be some of the world’s oldest dogs. They are generally very loyal, bond fiercely with their owner and can become protective and snappy, so need to be properly socialized. This does make them a good companion for a person living alone, however, as they will have one person to focus their love and attention on.
They have low grooming requirements, particularly smooth-haired Chihuahuas (although longer haired types can be prone to matting). They are prone to barking, so if this is likely to annoy you or your neighbors, another breed might be better. They don’t require much exercise, due to their size, but are active dogs that require mental stimulation. They also one of several dog breeds that hate the cold, so are better suited to warmer climates.
15. Miniature Schnauzer
Quick stats
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 11-18 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
If you have a beard, the Miniature Schnauzer may put it to shame with their magnificent facial fluff. The much-smaller version of the Giant Schnauzer, these little dogs are more suitable for apartments or small homes than their larger cousins, but maintain a lot of the benefits of the breed. Schnauzers barely shed, so are a great choice if you struggle with allergies or just don’t like vacuuming.
Due to the lack of shedding, their coat requires regular grooming, with a trip to the groomers every month to six weeks to ensure it stays healthy and matt-free. They will also need their ears checked regularly as they can be prone to infection. They require two walks a day and are fairly high-energy dogs, so will be more suitable for an active home than for someone with limited mobility. These dogs generally bond more with one family member than others, so might be a good match for a single-person home and, unlike many terrier breeds, they are quite friendly with other dogs, so can live with other canine companions.
16. West Highland Terrier
Quick stats
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 14-20 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Their snowy-white coats and tenacious personalities make these gorgeous terriers a popular choice for many seniors. They are quite independent dogs, so are good if you’re not looking for a needy breed, and fairly compact, so good for apartment living.
Don’t be misled by their small stature; these are solid dogs and can be quite heavy, so not suitable for someone who might not be physically able to move a Westie around. They are also prone to weight gain, so you will have to ensure to keep them on a nutritious diet and keep your own food out of their reach. They require regular grooming, including “stripping” to clear out their undercoat as they are a double-coated breed.
They are known to have a high prey drive, can be vocal and can also be problem diggers, so keep them away from your favorite flower beds if this is of concern! They will need careful socialization as they are typical terriers and can be stubborn and aggressive with other dogs and sometimes people.
17. Maltipoo
Quick stats
Height: 8-14 inches
Weight: 5-20 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
A sweet poodle crossbreed, the Maltipoo makes a great companion for older people, especially those who don't want to be cleaning up lots of dog hair. The cross between Poodle and Maltese produces a sweet-tempered dog that generally wants nothing more than to cuddle up on the sofa with their human.
18. Boston Terrier
Quick stats
Height: 9-15 inches
Weight: 6-25 pounds
Life expectancy: 13 -15 years
Boston Terriers are smart dogs with short, low-maintenance coats. They are known as the "American Gentleman" due to their kind, polite natures and intelligence. They have relatively low exercise requirements, so are suitable for older people, and make great companions for those living in smaller spaces, as they are compact little dogs.
19. Whippet
Quick stats
Height: 19-22 inches
Weight: 20-30 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 -15 years
Contrary to popular belief, Whippets don't actually require a lot of exercise. They are miniature versions of the Greyhound, also known as the "world's fastest couch potato" and have similar temperaments. They enjoy a cozy sofa, and a cuddle and are generally very quiet, quite introverted dogs.
20. Cocker Spaniel
Quick stats
Height: 39-41 inches
Weight: 28-32 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 -15 years
If you're a more active senior, the show-line Cocker Spaniel can be a fantastic companion. Whether you get an American or English Cocker, this breed are affectionate and loving, much like the Cavalier King Charles. While they are sporting dogs historically, they adapt well to life on the couch and can be just as comfortable living in a city as in the countryside.
21. Italian Greyhound
Quick stats
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 -15 years
If you're looking for a sighthound in miniature, the Italian Greyhound can be a wonderful substitute for larger breeds like the Greyhound or Whippet. They are a small breed and don't require much space or exercise, which makes them a good choice for seniors. Sighthounds are generally very chilled out and the Iggy is no exception, although they can be prone to worry and nervousness.
22. Pekingese
Quick stats
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 -15 years
The Pekingese is a Chinese toy breed known for being smart and affectionate. They are quite small and therefore don't require too much exercise and are suitable for smaller homes. However, bear in mind that their long fluffy coats require a lot of grooming and maintenance.
23. Papillion
Quick stats
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Life expectancy: 13 -15 years
Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillion is one of the oldest dog breeds. They get their name from their butterfly-like ears (Papillion is French for butterfly), which are perky and lifted. If the ears droop, although the same breed, the dog is known as a Phalene, and often you can get both varieties from the same litter. They are known for being cheerful, friendly, and alert and they come in a range of colors.
24. Beagle
Quick stats
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 20-30 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 -15 years
Beagles can be clownish dogs and offer no end of entertainment to their owners. They can get bored, so are better suited to a more active household, but this doesn't exclude them as a great dog for seniors. If you enjoy gentle walks and can offer the option of a "sniff-ari" for your dog, a beagle might be perfect for you.
25. Basset Hound
Quick stats
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 40-80 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 -12 years
Basset hounds are squat dogs with droopy ears and mournful faces. They are known for being laid back, with affectionate and kind personalities. They require regular exercise, like any dog, but their short stature makes them quite easy to walk. They can be stubborn and difficult to train, but consistency and patience work wonders.
26. English Bulldog
Quick stats
Height: 15-19 inches
Weight: 40–55 pounds
Life expectancy: 8 -10 years
The English Bulldog may look mournful, but they're very sweet, soulful dogs that make great companions for any stage of life. Although short, they are a mastiff breed, and famously docile. They tend to waddle a little and keep their pace fairly slow, so can be good walking partners if your own pace is on the slower side.
27. Japanese Chin
Quick stats
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 4-11 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
If you're looking for a dog that is more of a cat at heart, the Japanese Chin is a toy breed known for their catlike tendencies. They enjoy high spots and have remarkable balance, which contributes to their oddly feline disposition. Also known as the Japanese Spaniel, these dogs make wonderful companions and lap dogs, being the perfect size to curl up on their favorite person's lap.
29. Chinese Crested
Quick stats
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
The Chinese crested comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff, both of which can be found in the same litter. The hairless (unsurprisingly) is a naked breed, with tufts on the ears and tail, while the powderpuff has more of a coat. They are playful and affectionate, bred as lapdogs for royalty after being brought to China as early as 200BC. They are loyal to their humans and suspicious of strangers.
30. Havanese
Quick stats
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and is similar to the Bichon in appearance and temperament. They are cheerful dogs, with smart minds and outgoing personalities that can get along with anyone. They're good with kids, and other dogs and love their family. They are suitable for city dwellers, due to their small size and great social skills.
31. Chow Chow
Quick stats
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 50-75 pounds
Life expectancy: 9-15 years
The Chow Chow is a spitz-type dog breed that was first bred in Northern China. While they look like little lions, they are affectionate with family and good with kids, quite unlike lions. They often have a black tongue, which is prized among breeders, have little odor and are protective dogs, making them a good choice if you're looking for a watchdog.
32. Australian Shepherd
Quick stats
Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
While perhaps a slightly unconventional choice, a well-trained Australian Shepherd can make a great service dog and can be trained to alert when their owner falls or experiences difficulties. They can also be trained to help around the house if you have limited mobility. They do have a strong herding instinct and high exercise needs, so they are happiest when they have a job.
To ensure your new fur friend stays fit and well, check out our vet's guide to flea medicine vs flea collars for expert advice on choosing the best flea treatment for your canine companion.
