15 Ideal Dog Breeds For Seniors And Elderly Owners

Dogs bring joy and love to us, none more so than the retirees. Here are 15 of the best dog breeds that are ideal to spend your golden years with.

1. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is not only a smart tiny people-pleaser but also one of the cutest dogs you will ever see. Being small and lightweight, they are easy to handle and don't need much exercise.

2. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is an easy-handling dog, ranging in weight from 9 to 16 pounds. Though this breed of dog is a bit stubborn, most can be trained without much trouble. Shih Tzus are prone to suffering from skin issues and brachycephalic syndrome.  

3. Pug

Pugs are mostly known as adaptable, charming, and playful without requiring much exercise to maintain their health. They are small enough to satisfy the size requirements of assisted living communities.

4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

If you want a small to medium dog as your companion, the Corgi might be perfect for you with those adorable short little legs.  Ranging in weight from 24 to 30 pounds, the breed is small enough for most people to handle. Corgis are fairly easy to train. The Corgi has minimal grooming needs, which can be very convenient.

5. Beagle

Although Beagles are traditionally hunting dogs, they can make excellent family dogs. At just 24 pounds, Beagles are among the best dog breeds for seniors. They do need plenty of exercise, which is great for fitness-minded seniors.

6. Labrador Retriever

If you have a yard for your dog to run around in, the Labrador Retriever may be just for you. They are very intelligent, meaning they train very fast. They are gentle and loving, which make for the perfect companion for seniors.

7. Poodle

The Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds and also one of the most popular of all dogs breeds. The best part is, you can choose your size. There are tiny Toy poodle, the small Miniature poodle, and the larger Standard. The Poodle can be a loyal and affectionate companion. The breed learns very fast and adapts well to all kinds of households. They need to be professionally groomed every month or two.

8. Maltese

The Maltese is the quintessential "little white lap dog.” The breed enjoys spending time in her owner's lap. Like the Poodle, this breed also needs professional grooming maintenance. The Maltese is fairly easy to train. Weighing only 4 to 7 pounds, the breed is very easy to handle. You can even take them around in your bag!

9. Yorkshire Terrier

Although Yorkshire Terriers have long hair that requires lots of grooming, they are small and adaptable, making them a good choice for assisted living. They need enough exercise daily, and can sometimes get a bit bossy.

10. Basset Hound

The easy-going nature of the Basset Hound makes them fantastic pets for seniors. The Basset Hound can sometimes be a bit stubborn but is very affectionate. Some fans of this breed say that they shadow you closely. Basset Hounds need daily exercise so as to not put on weight. Luckily, grooming requirements are minimal.

11. Greyhound

How can a racing dog be a good companion for older adults? You may be surprised to learn that the Greyhound is not the high-energy dog breed most people may think they are. Although they enjoy daily walks and occasional chance to run, most of them tend to be "couch potatoes" that enjoy loafing around with their owners. If you are a large dog lover, the Greyhound is breed to consider.

12. Bichon Frise

The fluffy little Bichon Frise is affectionate and makes a perfect companion. Ranging from 7 to 12 pounds in weight, this breed is extremely easy to handle. They are fairly easy to train. The breed needs to be groomed periodically but is otherwise fairly low-maintenance.

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier is a small dog that loves snuggling up beside her owner. Weighing from 11 to 18 pounds, the breed is easy to handle and train. They need some grooming needs, such as regular hair brushing, ear cleaning and an occasional visit to a groomer.

14. French Bulldog

It's almost impossible to be down around the cheerful French Bulldogs. They are among the happiest of all dog breeds. French Bulldogs are muscular, compact and active dogs. Ranging in weight from 24 to 30 pounds, they are quite manageable. The grooming needs are fairly little, but be aware of health concerns like brachycephalic syndrome and various skin issues.

15. Schnauzer

The Schnauzer comes in various sizes, including miniature, offering a lot of choices to a senior trying to meet a community's pet size requirements. They are playful, trainable, and good with children.