Dogs are great pets for senior citizens, but some dog breeds are better than others. When it comes to choosing the best dog breed for seniors and retirees, you have to take many factors into consideration.
Every dog has a different energy level, size, and overall personality, so before you adopt to make sure to do your research. We want to help you find the best companion, that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best dog breeds for seniors and retirees.
You may think that adopting a new puppy is expensive, but in reality, it only costs about $800 to raise a puppy in its first year. This is a small price to pay for the infinite love and affection you will receive from your new best friend.
Dogs are truly some of the best pets for seniors, they are natural stress relievers and can help you stay in shape, and that’s not at all! Dogs can also help seniors deal with health issues like Alzheimer’s and high blood pressure.
Are you ready to adopt a new dog? Keep reading to check out our 15 best dogs for seniors and retirees.
- Anderson, David (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 123 Pages - 01/10/2019 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
Table of Contents
Havanese Dogs
Can we be honest with you? Havanese dogs truly are the best small dogs for senior citizens. That’s because they’re conveniently tiny and strong at the same time.
Weighing about 10 pounds, Havanese dogs are only approximately 10 inches tall. For those who like a Havenese pup with a curly coat, expect to spend a lot of time grooming its fur. Want to know why Havanese dogs are the perfect fit for seniors?
The answer is simple: they’re super social and loyal. But here’s the catch.
They don’t like to be left alone for long periods throughout their day!
- Seymour, Alex (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 190 Pages - 03/02/2023 (Publication Date) - CWP Publishing (Publisher)
French Bulldog
When it comes to the best dog breeds for seniors, you can’t get any better than the French Bulldog. As a pretty rare breed, French bulldogs are known to be extremely friendly.
Usually weighing between 15 and 25 pounds, the average French Bulldog is just under a foot tall.
Although they’re known to shed and drool, French bulldogs are great pets for seniors that live in apartment buildings. Since they don’t bark very loudly, they won’t annoy your neighbors either.
Another word of advice: this particular breed of dog loves to have companionship around the clock!
- Hardcover Book
- Eldredge, Debra M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Is getting old wearing you down? Brighten your day with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Pro tip: they’re the best dogs for older people.
Popularized by British kings and queens, the Welsh Corgi is affectionate and small. Some have even said that they resemble foxes. Due to their small size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the ideal companion for long walks around your community.
Since Welsh Corgis were made to herd, they’re extra smart and extremely trainable. Want to shed a few pounds? Luckily for you, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a natural exercise fanatic!
Lhasa Apso
Are you sick and tired of looking for the perfect dogs for seniors? We’re here to help. If you’ve never heard of the Lhasa Apso before, you’re in the right place.
Coming from Tibet, the Lhasa Apso was originally trained as a watchdog for Buddhist places of worship. As a result, they’re typically very attentive and alert with long, thick coats of fur. Weighing about 15 pounds, they prefer moderate exercise.
Even though it might take a while to warm up to you, they’re known to have a lifelong bond with their owners. Another perk about Lhasa Apsos is that they can live for over 20 years!
They do require frequent brushing, so that is something to keep in mind.
Beagle
On the hunt for the best dogs for seniors? Luckily for you, the beagle is the ultimate companion for older adults.
As one of the most famous and well-liked dogs out there, Beagles are celebrated for their fantastic personalities.
On top of that, Beagles have an amazing sense of smell too.
The result: they’re excellent trackers and hunters.
Nevertheless, they can be super sweet and gentle as well. Beagles are perfect dogs for the elderly.
Want to know why Beagles are such a good match for seniors? Because they’re usually very loving and healthy.
Not only do they have incredible stamina, but they don’t need a ton of exercise either!
Greyhound
Wish you got a Greyhound earlier in life? We’re here to tell you that it’s never too late to adopt a pet.
Although Greyhounds are most known for their racing capabilities, they are also ultra-gentle and loving dogs. Greyhounds are easily one of the best dogs for elderly seniors.
At about 30 inches tall, the average Greyhound weighs less than 100 pounds. Even though they can run at a pace of 40 miles per hour, Greyhounds love to lounge around on the couch with their owners too.
It gets better: retired greyhounds rarely bite their owners.
West Highland White Terrier
Fun fact: West Highland White Terriers are commonly referred to as “Westies.”
As a popular breed of dog for seniors, this tiny terrier typically weighs around 15 pounds.
At less than one foot tall, the West Highland White terrier has a great deal of personality in a small package.
