17 Best Dogs for Seniors to Enrich Your Golden Years

Growing older or retiring doesn't have to mean giving up on owning a dog. Dogs can make wonderful companions for seniors who may live alone and have more free time. However, choosing a dog in your later years requires careful consideration, as breeds that suited you when you were younger might not be the best fit now.

Here are the 17 best dogs for seniors.

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 dogs for seniors are often low-maintenance and require less exercise. Breeds well-suited for a relaxed lifestyle include Poodles, Maltese, Pomeranians, and pugs.

Each dog owner's needs differ, so the best suited as a companion will depend on individual lifestyle and abilities. Regardless of age, it's essential to provide your dog with necessary care, including exercise, grooming, and health care. With many breeds available, you can find one that fits your lifestyle and abilities.

Also, the best dogs for seniors have moderate energy levels, and most are smaller in stature. An older adult who has moved to smaller living quarters has less space for a large, more energetic pup. Again, 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.

Consider, too, a dog’s age when purchasing or adopting one. Many dogs have a lifespan of more than 10 years. 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.

illustration of the best dog breeds for seniors — Credit:
The Spruce

01 of 17

Bichon Frise

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The Spruce / Kevin Norris

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 they have companionship.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Fluffy and curly; white (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream)
Life Span: 14 to 15 years
02 of 17

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Martin Rogers / Getty Images

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a beloved puppy-like spaniel that is affectionate and adaptable. This small dog is often happiest when snuggling with family. 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, these dogs 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
Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, patient
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium-length, silky, wavy; adults have feathering on ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail; tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tan
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
03 of 17

French Bulldog

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The Spruce / Kevin Norris

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, making them one of the best dogs for seniors.

Although they have a good deal of energy, French bulldogs 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
Personality/Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; brindle, fawn, white, or combination of brindle and white or fawn and white
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
04 of 17

Greyhound

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The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How can a racing dog be one of the best dogs for seniors? 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 who enjoy loafing around with their humans.

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
Personality/Temperament: Even-tempered, intelligent, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; variety of colors including black, blue, fawn, red, white, and various shades of brindle, or a combination of any of these colors
Life Span: 10 to 13 years

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05 of 17

Maltese

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John Mazzei / Getty Images

Much like the bichon frise, a Maltese is the quintessential little white lap dog. This breed enjoys spending time in your lap and going on short, easy walks. Their grooming needs are also like the bichon.

This dog will need regular trips to a professional groomer to keep their 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 them around in your bag.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, fearless
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long and silky; single-layer without an undercoat; white
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
06 of 17

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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The Spruce / Kevin Norris

If you want a small-to-medium dog that makes a great companion, the corgi might be for you. Although they weight between 24 and 30 pounds, this breed is still small enough for most people to handle.

Corgis are smart and fairly easy to train and 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
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium length double coat; black and tan, red, sable, or fawn (all colors are typically seen with white markings)
Life Span: 12 to 13 years
07 of 17

Pomeranian

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Andrew Fladeboe / Getty Images

If you're leaning toward a tiny dog, a 3 to 7 pound Pomeranian is another easy-to-handle pooch that you can carry in your favorite 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.

Grooming these dogs is a bit more complicated than for other breeds. They need to be brushed regularly, and they shed more heavily seasonally. Keeping their coat trimmed properly will also keep them looking great.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Bold, alert, lively
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, double coat; many colors, though most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
08 of 17

Poodle

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Birgid Allig / Getty Images

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: toy poodle, miniature poodle, and standard poodle.

Poodles are loyal, affectionate companions who learn fast and adapt well to all kinds of households, making them one of the best dogs for seniors. Basic daily walks are enough for most poodles, but they need to be professionally groomed every month or two.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 15 inches (standard); 10 to 15 inches (miniature); 10 inches and under (toy)
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds (standard); 15 to 18 pounds (miniature); 5 to 9 pounds (toy)
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, active
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Curly, dense, single-layer; solid colors, including white, black, gray, brown, and apricot
Life Span: 10 to 18 years

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09 of 17

Shih Tzu

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The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The shih tzu is another popular small dog and one of the best dogs for seniors. 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.

Special attention should be paid to this breed’s exercise and grooming needs to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks and periodic grooming are both important. 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
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, playful, alert
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long double coat; nearly any color but most commonly black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
Life Span: 10 to 16 years
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West Highland White Terrier

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Celso Mollo Photography / Getty Images

The West Highland white terrier is also known as the Westie. These dogs make excellent companions for people of all ages, including seniors. At 13 to 20 pounds, the breed is small but not as fragile as the Pomeranian or Maltese.

The Westie requires some grooming but not as often as other dogs on this list due to their wiry coats. Overall, the Westie is friendly and relatively low-maintenance.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier (AKC)
Height: 10 to 11 inches
Weight: 13 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Rough, medium-length double coat; white
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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Pug

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Anastasiia Shavshyna / Getty Images

The pug is another one of the best dogs for seniors for several reasons. This breed can match an older individual’s energy level well. This is also an intensely loving breed, content to sit in your lap or give you kisses if you let them.

Pugs are very excitable, but need only short walks. They can 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
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sweet-tempered, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth, short double coat; fawn or black
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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Miniature Schnauzer

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Peden + Munk / Getty Images

Miniature schnauzers are low-maintenance dogs. They shed very little and do not require a lot of grooming, and 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. Furthermore, they are a more energetic breed that likes to chase or retrieve a ball, so they are one of the best dogs for seniors who have a more active lifestyle.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 11 to 19 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, alert
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Double coat with wiry outer coat and soft undercoat; salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black
Life Span: 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
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, playful, even-tempered
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, silky double coat; nearly any color or combination of colors
Life Span: 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 easygoing 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
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; black and white tuxedo pattern or brown and white tuxedo
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
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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 bark excessively at times.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 6 to 8 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bright, playful
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Long, silky; black and tan, black and gold, blue and tan, or blue and gold
Life Span: 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
Personality/Temperament: Active, companionable, keen
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; many colors and patterns but most often a combination of black, tan, and white, with a saddle across the back
Life Span: 10 to 15 years

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Cocker Spaniel

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The Cocker spaniel is another one of the best dogs for seniors. 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
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, companionable
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, silky; just about any color or pattern
Life Span: 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 okay with a high-energy dog like a border collie, Australian shepherd, 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.

If you have health concerns that make it difficult to handle a large or giant dog like the Great Dane, German shepherd, Labrador retriever, or Bernese mountain dog, you may be better off with a small dog.

Getting Started with Your Dog

17 Best Dogs for Seniors to Enrich Your Golden Years

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Breed Characteristics

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Breeds to Avoid

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