17 Best Dog Breeds for Older Adults

Just because you are getting older or are retired doesn't mean that adopting a dog is out of the question. A dog can be a wonderful companion for an older adult who lives alone or who has more time to spend now that the working years are behind them. A dog can even be a wonderful "baby" for an older couple whose own babies are now long grown and out on their own. But choosing a dog in your golden years should be carefully considered; dog breeds that might have been good companions when you were young may not be the best choices now. Poodles, Maltese, Pomeranians, and pugs are a few breeds that make good pets for seniors.

The best dog breeds for older adults are mostly low-maintenance dogs with lower exercise needs. However, the canine best suited as a companion will vary from person to person depending on their lifestyle and abilities. As with any age dog owner, you need to make sure you can meet your dog's needs like exercise, grooming, and health care. Certain dog breeds are ideal for a more relaxed lifestyle. With so many dogs out there, you can find the type of dog that best fits your lifestyle and abilities, even when you're in your golden years.

Tip

Dog ownership has many health and emotional benefits. Dog companionship has been known to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Having a dog may even improve or prevent depression and anxiety. Plus, exercising with your dog is a great way to stay active.

Breed Characteristics

The best dog breeds for seniors have moderate energy levels, and most are smaller. An older adult who has moved to smaller living quarters may have less space for a large, more energetic pup. Look at breeds that make great companions and adapt well to the lifestyles of their owners. Larger dogs like Rottweilers or herding dogs like Briards can be a falling hazard if they herd or nudge their humans too hard.

Here are the 17 best dogs recommended for older adults for their golden years.

illustration of the best dog breeds for seniors — The Spruce

01 of 17

Bichon Frise

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The fluffy little bichon frise is a joyful and affectionate dog that makes an excellent companion. With an average weight of about 7 to 12 pounds, most people can handle this small breed easily. Bichons are also relatively simple to train. The bichon will need to be groomed periodically but is otherwise reasonably low maintenance. Many bichon owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every month or two. Moderate daily exercise is usually enough to keep the bichon healthy and happy as long as it has companionship.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Fluffy and curly white hair (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream), resembling a cotton ball or powder puff
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
02 of 17

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier is a beloved puppy-like spaniel that is affectionate and adaptable. This small dog is often happiest when snuggling with its owner. This breed typically weighs about 11 to 18 pounds and is easy to handle and train. The Cavalier has some grooming needs, such as regular hair brushing, ear cleaning, and possibly the occasional trip to a groomer. Overall, Cavaliers are favored among those who love small companion dogs that are well-suited for apartment living.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium-length silky, wavy coat; adults have feathering on their ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail; four-color varieties including tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tan
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
03 of 17

French Bulldog

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It's almost impossible to be sad around the happy Frenchie. French bulldogs are among the most cheerful of all dog breeds. They are compact, muscular, and active dogs. However, at about 19 to 28 pounds, they are still very manageable. Although they have a good deal of energy, they tend to lack endurance. Moderate daily exercise is usually adequate for this breed. Their grooming needs are relatively minimal, but be aware of health concerns like brachycephalic syndrome and various skin issues.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 19 to 28 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in brindle, fawn, white, or combination of brindle and white or fawn and white
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
04 of 17

Greyhound

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How can a racing dog be good for older adults? You may be surprised to learn that greyhounds are not the high-energy dogs many think they are. Although greyhounds will enjoy daily walks and the occasional chance to run, most tend to be couch potatoes that enjoy loafing around with their owners. They are usually very responsive to training and easy to handle, even though most weigh about 60 to 80 pounds. If you like larger dogs but worry about handling one, the greyhound is a breed to consider.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 25 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 80 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in a variety of colors including black, blue, fawn, red, white, and various shades of brindle, or a combination of any of these colors
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years

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Maltese

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Much like the bichon, a Maltese is the quintessential little white lap dog. This breed enjoys spending time in its owner's lap and going on short, easy walks. Its grooming needs are also like the bichon. It will need regular trips to a professional groomer to keep its coat maintained. The Maltese is also reasonably easy to train. At a weight of only 4 to 7 pounds, this dog is easy to handle. You can even carry it around in your bag.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Dark, alert eyes are shrouded by white fur that is naturally long and silky; single-layer coat without an undercoat
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
06 of 17

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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If you want a small to medium dog that makes a great companion, the corgi might be for you. Weighing 24 to 30 pounds, this breed is still small enough for most people to handle. Corgis are smart and fairly easy to train. They are also quite adorable with those short little legs. A herding dog by nature, corgis need routine exercise, but daily walks are sufficient. The corgi has minimal grooming needs—a great convenience.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 24 to 30 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium length double coat in black and tan, red, sable, or fawn (all colors are typically seen with white markings)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
07 of 17

Pomeranian

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If you're leaning toward a tiny dog, a 3- to 7-pound Pom is another easy-to-handle pooch that you can carry in your bag. This breed is an affectionate and happy companion. Your Pom will like snoozing in your lap and playing with toys. Most of all, this breed will enjoy your companionship.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, double coat that comes in many colors, though the most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
08 of 17

Poodle

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The poodle is one of the smartest dogs and also among the most popular of all dog breeds. Best of all, there are three sizes: tiny toy poodle, small miniature poodle, or larger standard poodle. Poodles are loyal, affectionate companions. Poodles learn fast and adapt well to all kinds of households. Basic daily walks are enough for most poodles. They need to be professionally groomed every month or two but otherwise fairly easy to care for.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: Standard: 15 inches; Miniature: 10 to 15 inches; Toy: 10 inches and under
Weight: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds; Miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; Toy: 5 to 9 pounds
Coat and Color: Curly, dense single-layer coats that may be one of many solid colors, including white, black, grey, brown, and apricot
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years

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Shih Tzu

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The shih tzu is another popular small dog. Ranging in weight from 9 to 16 pounds, the breed is easy to handle. Though the shih tzu has a bit of a stubborn streak, most can be trained without too much trouble. Daily walks and periodic grooming are both important for this breed. The shih tzu is prone to skin issues and brachycephalic syndrome.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Coat and Color: Long double coat in nearly any color, most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
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West Highland White Terrier

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Westies make excellent companions and are very easy to handle. At 13 to 20 pounds, the breed is small and not as fragile as the Pomeranian or Maltese. The Westie requires some grooming but not as often as other dogs on this list. Overall, the Westie is friendly and relatively low-maintenance.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier (AKC)
Height: 10 to 11 inches
Weight: 13 to 20 pounds
Coat and Color: White, with a rough, medium-length double coat, black eyes, and nose
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
11 of 17

Pug

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Overall, this breed matches its owner's energy level well. It's an intensely loving breed; content to sit in your lap or give you kisses if you let them, very excitable, but needs only short walks for the most part. This breed can also suffer from brachycephalic syndrome and can be prone to becoming overweight. Obesity can exacerbate symptoms of brachycephalic syndrome as well as cause other health problems for pugs, so it is important to keep them on a healthy diet.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth, short double coat in fawn or black
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
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Miniature Schnauzer

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Mini schnauzers are a lower maintenance type of dog. They shed very little and do not require a lot of grooming. Their smaller, compact size makes them easier to tote around town and take on walks. They do have a longer lifespan than some other breeds, living upwards of 12 years on average. They are a more energetic breed that likes to chase or retrieve a ball. This breed is a good match for a more active senior.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 11 to 19 pounds
Coat and Color: Double coat with wiry outer coat being wiry and soft undercoat; common color combinations: salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

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Havanese

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Small dogs that weigh less than 13 pounds, Havanese are very affectionate, social dogs that love to spend time with their favorite humans, making them a good choice for a senior who is mostly at home. These adorable dogs are intelligent and playful, and they learn tricks easily. They also are good guard dogs, although not prone to excessive barking. They do require regular grooming, however, to keep their coats smooth and without tangles.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 8.5 to 12.5 inches
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, silky double coat in nearly any color or combination of colors
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
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Boston Terrier

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Boston terriers always look like they are dressed up for a formal affair, but in reality, they are easy-going dogs that are happy to stay at home and socialize with their human. They can be energetic and playful, and they do enjoy a daily walk, but their overall activity level is not too overwhelming. And thanks to their short coats and fairly low level of shedding, they are easy to groom; just brush them every week or two.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in either black and white tuxedo pattern or brown and white tuxedo
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
15 of 17

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)

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The Yorkie is a small dog, but big in personality. These dogs are feisty, affectionate, and occasionally stubborn. They do demand a lot of attention, and like to go for walks or play, but they are also happy to spend time relaxing near their favorite humans. They don't shed much, but their long, silky coat requires daily grooming to keep it looking its best. And these tiny dogs are fine guard dogs, but can be barkers at times.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 6 to 8 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, silky coat that's black and tan, black and gold, blue and tan, or blue and gold
Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
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Beagle

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For seniors who are still fairly active, a beagle makes a great companion. These medium-sized dogs are energetic and sociable. They love going for walks, but may try to chase squirrels or other small animals. These are happy, intelligent, and loyal dogs who are quite devoted to their humans. Their short hair is easy to groom, but they do shed and require regular brushing. And they'll always be thrilled when the grandkids visit.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Coat and Color: Short smooth fur in many different colors and patterns, but most often a combination of black, tan, and white, with a saddle across the back
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

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Cocker Spaniel

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This popular breed is a happy, friendly, and playful dog that loves to go for a walk or do tricks. Cockers are intelligent dogs that like to stay busy, but with regular walks and interaction, it's easy to keep their energy level under control. This is a breed that requires regular grooming to maintain their long, silky coat. They are somewhat good watchdogs, but some would rather make a friend of a stranger than bark at them.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Coat and Color: Long silky coat in just about any color or pattern
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years

Breeds to Avoid

If you lead an especially active lifestyle and can provide plenty of exercise for a dog, then you might be OK with a high-energy dog like a border collie or husky. But, if you are concerned about being able to keep up with an energetic dog as time goes by, you may want to choose a breed with lower energy needs. If you have health concerns that make it difficult to handle a very large dog, then you may be better off with a small dog.

Also, many dogs have a 10 year-plus lifespan. Most dogs are considered seniors when they reach age 7, but not all of them slow down. If caring for and training a puppy sounds like it wouldn't suit your lifestyle, consider adopting a middle-aged or senior dog to avoid the intense needs of a puppy or adolescent dog.

Getting Started with Your Dog

17 Best Dog Breeds for Older Adults

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Breeds to Avoid

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