10 Best Dog for Seniors

There is no other animal in the world that is closer to us humans than dogs. Man’s best friend for millennia, these wonderful creatures have evolved alongside, growing more and more in terms of intelligence and loyalty. There is nothing more precious than the genuine love and affection a dog would give you unconditionally, and nothing more genuine than that. Their company is never dreaded, no matter how large and threatening they may look, for they are nothing more than big balls of fur and affection.

As we grow older, however, we grow frailer. It is unfortunate, indeed, but it is also the cycle of life, and it can never be hindered. As such, we grow a little less able to deal with the corded strength of larger breeds of dogs, even though we still crave their companionship. Enter smaller breeds.

Smaller dog breeds tend to be amiable and considerably easier to tote around in our frail arms or reign in when on their leads. They are also more compatible with senior fur parents since they mostly stay at home and give their fur babies all the attention they could ever ask for.

We all look for the best dog breed for us, and favor one, or ones, over the others. It is just how things are. While it is more advisable to adopt rescue dogs, it would not hurt to look for the breed that suits you most while waltzing through the dog shelter. Saving a dog is more than just instant gratification. It is also a bond forged in gold.

To help you choose which dog breed suits you best, here is a list of dog breeds who are very suitable for senior citizens. Who knows? One of them might be just what you are looking for.

1 Shih Tzu

Shit Tzu dogs are a very taciturn breed of dogs. They are very loving, would shower with heaps of affection, and are very gentle to boot. Shi Tzu dogs enjoy a daily walk, but can just enjoy strolling around the house if you feel like staying in. They are especially good for senior pet parents since they barely shed and require the occasional visit to a dog stylist to trim their fur and allow them to maintain their adorable looks without being shaggy and burdened by all the fur. Most Shi Tzu dog are extremely quiet so they will not bother you throughout the day.

2 Pug

Pugs have that kind of peculiar cuteness to them. They look weird to some, adorable to some, and everyone considers them to be high maintenance dogs. Pugs are infamous for shedding, but they are also rather easy to groom, which balances out. Pugs are a mostly healthy breed, albeit some of them may suffer from moderate to serious breathing issues, and their life expectancy is not the highest, but they are very loving dogs with tons of affection to offer, and they love being spoilt.

3 Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are very energetic dogs. Their zoomies are a force to be reckoned with. They are also fiercely loyal, and a very proud breed. Their small size makes them very suitable for lying on your lap, and their long naps make them perfect for a day of lazing around watching TV with your best friend keeping you company. Chihuahuas are not exactly quiet, and they are known for being excellent alert dogs. The puppies tend to be a little more rebellious, but they get house trained eventually.

4 Poodle

No matter whether it is the toy, miniature or standard poodle, this fluffy, yet not shedding, dog breed is a very loving friend to have, and an excellent dog for older folks. Poodles are easily trained, and can perform more tricks than most dogs. They are also very fond of being spoilt, and are very intelligent to boot. Mixes with other dog breeds tend to be amazing pets, as well.

5 Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are a rather easily trained dog breed. They are very well behaved and surprisingly agile for so a relaxed breed. Boston Terriers are notorious for being layabouts, which takes away the exhaustion wrought by any overtly active dog breeds. They are far from being difficult to groom. There are some cases where they can be a little difficult to house train since they are naturally bossy, but a good display of leadership is more than enough to tame them.

6 Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are rather friendly and affectionate. They are also very volatile if not trained well. They belong to the terrier family, which gives them that breed’s natural bossy attitude. It can be easily quelled, however, by a strong display of leadership. Miniature Schnauzers must be trained quite well for them to be taciturn and house friendly.

7 Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are incredibly good lapdogs. They are very gentle, loyal, and affectionate. They can a tad too independent for any overly affectionate and pining fur parent, but they love being pampered nonetheless. Yorkshire Terriers are fiercely protective, and will try to protect you from absolutely anything they think might pose a danger to you, no matter the size or nature. They are hard to house train, however, which is one drawback that can be easily overcome and disregarded in favor of their overwhelming positive traits.

8 Maltese

Maltese dogs are very active and energetic, which does not nothing to quell their loving nature. They look very soft and squishy, but they do not have an ounce of fear in them. They are constantly active, even as they age, and their fur requires daily grooming to maintain its healthy and glossy look. They do not shed, however, which is always a plus.

9 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier Spaniels are very quiet, yet very loving, with a healthy amount of cleverness thrown into the mix. They are known for their unwavering loyalty, their boundless patience, and their synchronicity with their owners.

10 Pekingese

The regal but slow-moving Peke is a real charmer. This is the ultimate lapdog, and while they need thorough daily brushing, you can do it while he’s sleeping on your lap. They are extraordinarily loyal and affectionate, although they’re also independent and willful at times.

Also great for seniors: Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Pomeranian, Scottish Terrier, and Standard Schnauzer.

Diane Morgan is a pet care expert in Williamsport, Maryland, who has authored numerous books on dog care and nutrition, and has also written many dog breed and horse books.