The Best Dogs for Seniors

You’ve finally retired, your kids are grown and started their own families – suddenly, your house seems a little too empty. If you’ve never had a dog before, what a better time than your golden years to add a furry companion to your life?

A National Institute of Health study found that “It has been shown that a dog has an important meaning for older people and contributes positively to the lifestyle. The question concerning the age structure of dog owners could not be answered. Older people with dogs are covering an average daily distance of 1,500 meters (approximately 0.95 miles), depending on the garden property.” Dogs can help improve physical, mental and emotional health as you age.

The type of dog you adopt as a senior is extremely important. Depending on your mobility, health and energy levels, you may want to avoid a rambunctious breed that needs constant exercise and attention. Golden Retrievers and Huskies may not be on the table unless you are ready to take on what is essentially a four-legged child. There are numerous breeds that are better-suited for your lifestyle; here are the 12 best dogs for seniors.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This dog is affectionate and gentle. Because it’s a small dog that only grows to a maximum of 18 pounds, you are easily able to house them in a smaller apartment and carry them, too.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel enjoys short walks and a little bit of play time, which means that it’s energy level isn’t that much. When it comes to maintenance, regular grooming is required. 

2. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an outgoing, charming and loyal dog. Because they’re so small, growing up to only 16 pounds, they can fit in a small apartment and you can carry them easily.

In terms of energy level, Shih Tzus are on the low side. They like to take short walks and play indoors, so it shouldn’t take a lot of energy for you. In terms of maintenance, regular grooming is required, so make sure you make time for that.

3. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small dog, and thus, you can easily carry them and can be in spaces that are smaller than large houses. They are also cheerful, playful, and affectionate, which means they’ll curl up with you when you’re reading a good book on the couch.

The Bichon Frise is hypoallergenic, a plus for those who are sensitive to dander. They are also on the moderate level for energy — enjoying nice walks and some playtime.

4. Maltese

This gentle, playful, and loyally devoted dog is a small one. You will not have a problem carrying your Maltese around because they won’t weigh more than seven pounds.

The Maltese may be a small dog, but it enjoys short walks and some playtime, which means that their energy level is usually on the moderate side. The Maltese is also a hypoallergenic dog, perfect for the senior who is allergic (or their family member).

5. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a friendly dog. Because they’re only going to weigh at maximum of 20 pounds, you can easily carry them and won’t require a lot of space. Another plus is that they’re obedient, which means that you’ll have an easy time training them.

The Miniature Schnauzer requires regular grooming. They also love to take walks and have some play time, which means their energy level is at a moderate percentage.

6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Queen of England was famous for having Corgis; you too can have a Corgi. They are these alert, intelligent, and affectionate dogs. The Corgis are small to medium sized dogs, weighing a maximum of 30 pounds. 

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a dog that loves to take walks every day and also enjoys some play time. With a moderate level of energy, that is easily doable. Corgis also need to have consistent and regular brushing. 

7. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are an affectionate and lively breed. They are small and will never grow more than seven pounds, which means that you will be able to carry them to any get-together you go to. 

The Pomeranian is a dog that enjoys a moderate amount of exercise —  this means short walks every day and a little bit of play time. The Pomeranian is also a dog that you should regularly groom.

8. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are friendly, curious, and intelligent. they will be your loyal best friend throughout your golden years. They are small, too —  growing to a maximum of 25 pounds.

When it comes to their energy levels, it’s at a moderate amount, so you shouldn’t be able to stress yourself out about going on hikes every day. They enjoyed daily walks and a little bit of play time. Lastly, a big plus about Boston Terriers is that you shouldn’t worry about a lot of grooming.

9. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, colloquially called Yorkies, are some of the most lovable dogs ever. Yorkies are bold, spirited, and will cuddle up with you when you are deeply engrossed in a good movie. They are small dogs, never weighing more than seven pounds.

Yorkshire Terriers enjoy nice walks every day and a little bit of play time. The great part about the Yorkie is that they are hypoallergenic, which means that if you are allergic to or someone you know is allergic, this is a good dog to have. When it comes to grooming, you’ll have to brush and take him to the groomers on a regular basis. 

10. Havanese

The Havanese is a friendly, affectionate, and playful dog. These dogs are quite small, ranging from 7 to 13 pounds. Because they are small, you are able to carry them if need be.

They have a modern amount of energy levels, which means that daily walks will suffice for them. They do like to have some play time so make sure you dedicate some time during the day for that. In terms of grooming, you should take them to the groomers on a regular basis and brush them as well. They are also a hypoallergenic dog — a good thing for those with allergies.

11. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle became very popular because celebrities would take them everywhere. That’s the thing — it’s a possibility to do because of their size. They weigh a maximum of six pounds. They are intelligent, active, and alert dogs, too.

Toy Poodles love going on walks, but they should be short and sweet. Although they have moderate amounts of energy, they don’t love long walks. Poodles also love some play time. You should regularly groom them, too. Lastly, poodles are hypoallergenic — perfect for those allergic to dogs.

12. Dachshund

The Dachshund, or colloquially called the wiener dog, is extremely funny looking. It’s also a clever, lively, and totally courageous dog. They will stick by your side as much as possible. They also don’t weigh much — typically no more than 32 pounds.

The Dachshund has modern amounts of energy, which is usually met by going on short walks every day and having some play time throughout the day. The best part about having a Dachshund is that minimal grooming is required. But make sure you watch out for back issues because Dachshunds tend to have them. 

Tips for Seniors Choosing A Dog

When choosing a dog, you have to watch out for several things. Things like the dog’s temperament, the amount of time you’ll have to spend walking them or grooming them, and the energy level of the dog all are things to consider. You have to make sure that you get the right dog for you. Take a look at some of these tips so that you can choose the best dog for you.

• Make sure you compare your energy level and the energy level of the dog.
• Look at what you are able to accomplish physically, because there will come a time that you may have to.
• Research the breeds that can match your lifestyle.
• Adopting an older dog may be a better choice for your lifestyle, especially for the dog’s temperament and trainability.
• Lastly, you should spend time with the dog before you make a decision. 

Bottom Line

Sometimes, as you grow old, you are set in a lifestyle that, unfortunately, can be lonelier than others. Statistics show that senior citizens have a hard time maintaining an active social circle. This could be for a variety of reasons, but there are solutions. Besides joining an art class or traveling the world or even joining book clubs, you can get a dog.

Getting a dog is probably something that will bring joy to a senior’s life. A dog can also provide companionship — something important in the golden years. Dogs are happy animals that will be a positive for the senior that decides to get one.