Best Dogs for Seniors
Dogs can make loving, affectionate, and friendly companions, especially for those in their golden years. Not only can their presence provide comfort and keep those loneliness pangs at bay, but studies have shown they can have a positive effect on physical health too, from encouraging mobility to lowering blood pressure.
If you’re looking to become a dog owner as a senior, you may be wondering which breed to choose. While any dog can provide you with unconditional love, some breeds are generally better suited to seniors than others.
These breeds are adaptable, fairly easygoing, and have manageable care needs. They won’t, for instance, require you to wear them out with hours of vigorous exercise each day (looking at you, huskies). Read on to learn more about the best dogs for seniors.
Best Dogs for Seniors: Top Five Breeds
The best dog breeds for seniors include the bichon frise, greyhound, cavalier King Charles spaniel, toy poodle, and golden retriever.
1. Bichon Frise
The bichon frise looks like a total teddy bear, and they have the personality to match! They’re affectionate, gentle, and loving, and form profoundly strong bonds with their family members.
These qualities alone can make them a wonderful companion for people of all ages. However, they have plenty more traits that make them an especially great fit for seniors.
Their slight physique and fairly low exercise needs mean they’re easy to manage, for instance, and they feel comfortable in small living spaces too. They also shed very minimally and aren’t particularly vocal.
2. Greyhound
Don’t let their reputation as the fastest dogs around scare you! Greyhounds are actually couch potatoes at heart. Most greyhounds would much rather spend their days snuggled up on the couch than racing across a track.
The greyhound’s laid-back temperament is just one of the reasons why these dogs can be a good fit for seniors. They’re gentle, loyal, and affectionate. They’re also quiet dogs who enjoy a peaceful space, so yes, they’ll thrive in a retirement apartment (provided your complex permits them).
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The cavalier King Charles spaniel was initially developed to keep laps snug, and it’s safe to say they’ve perfected that art today! They’re incredibly affectionate and will no doubt turn your lap into their perfect snooze spot — and yes, you can expect them to lovingly follow you from room to room too.
What makes the cavalier King Charles spaniel a particularly good match for seniors, though, is that they’re one of the easiest breeds to train. They’re biddable, work-driven, and possess a high intelligence that very few breeds can rival.
4. Toy Poodle
The toy poodle is an even-tempered, faithful dog who can adapt to their owner’s lifestyle and schedule easily. They have low to moderate energy needs, and their small size means they’re easy to manage (and travel with), even for those with mobility issues.
What’s more, the toy poodle is alert and intelligent. As a people dog at heart, they are especially attuned to the emotions of those around them. They can often pick up on when their loved one is feeling low and intuitively offer support in the form of companionship and affection.
5. Golden Retriever
A bit of a wild card, but who says you have to give up on adventures in retirement? If you still proudly love to explore and lead an active lifestyle, you’ll definitely want to consider the golden retriever. This fun-loving, large breed is outgoing and playful, and will happily join you on any hikes, road trips, or strolls.
While they do need an owner who can exercise them regularly, their other care needs are fairly low maintenance. They’re hardy and easy to train, and generally easygoing when they’re not outside playing.
The golden retriever is also perceptive and will go to great measures to help their owner feel safe and happy — a trait that has allowed them to thrive as an ESA dog too!
Finding Your Perfect Forever Best Friend
Finding your perfect forever best friend can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re in your golden years.
While there are plenty of factors to consider, choosing a breed that aligns closely with your lifestyle will ensure both you and your pup can spend your time together happily for years to come. The breeds above can all be great good fits for seniors due to their gentle temperaments and manageable care needs.
