Dogs are our loyal companions, and they can provide a great sense of comfort, especially to seniors. Dogs keep elderly people fit and healthy by encouraging seniors to stay active, and can also encourage socialization. You can cherish your golden memories and have a companion with which to make new ones when you have a loyal companion at home. And for older individuals living alone, having a furry friend at their side is exactly the quiet comfort needed to make the most of every day. But not all dogs are the ideal candidate for older individuals, and can be too demanding or require more in the way of hands-on care. If you are a senior citizen looking for an adorable and active dog, we have compiled a list of the best dog breeds for older people.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
These dogs have a loving nature, and as a companion-group breed, they tend to be mild and gentle with polite children and seniors. This affectionate little dog breed is a particular fan of cuddling, petting, and physical affection. Because of their playful nature, they are loved by children and older people. They typically weigh around 12 to 18 pounds and have a height of 12 to 13 inches. They have an incredibly charming appearance, in no small part due to their wide and slightly protruding eyes and long ears adorned with black or ginger waves. Although they may need a little upkeep in the grooming department, they are very intelligent and come in an easily-manageable size. Overall, cavaliers are a great choice for elderly people and children.
Bichon Frise:
This fluffy dog breed is known for its high capacity for affection. If you are a first-time dog owner, then the Bichon Frise is a smart choice because these dogs require low maintenance and are easy to groom. Like the King Charles Spaniel, the Bichon Frise comes in a small package, with an average weight around 7 to 12 pounds and 9 to 11 inches in height. They are known for their playful nature and can get along well with children and other pets. Senior citizens will find loving companionship with this gentle and unassuming dog breed.
Poodle:
Being an older person, you can enjoy true companionship when you own a poodle. Commonly holding the title of “smartest dog breed,” these gentle dogs are quick to learn new things, and they are happy with regular exercise like a daily walk. A hypoallergenic breed, poodles are a great choice for anyone who faces an allergy problem. This dog breed is a perfect combination of beauty and brain, and comes in three different sizes: the larger standard poodle, the mid-sized miniature poodle, and the very small toy poodle, meaning there is a size to fit any lifestyle.
Golden Retriever:
The happy-go-lucky golden retriever is a friendly and intelligent dog breed well suited for elderly people as well as first-time dog owners and families. They are known for their patience, goofy demeanor, and gentle nature. This dog breed is great for the active senior because it thrives with regular daily exercise. They are playful and energetic dogs with an off-switch, and are rarely excessively demanding to train. Their approximate weight is between 55 and 75 pounds, and they range from 20 to 24 inches tall. If you are an active retired person looking for a true furry friend, then a golden retriever is a reliable choice.
West Highland White Terrier:
These smaller, compact dogs are very active and have a bold nature. They are sturdy and very easy to handle. The fluffy white hair makes this dog breed attractive, but due to the smoothness of its coat, it actually requires less grooming than many dogs. If you have an adventurous nature, this fluffy dog will enjoy quality time with you whether you’re exploring local trails or enjoying a quiet evening at home. They weigh approximately 13 to 20 pounds and are 10 to 11 inches tall. Overall, the West Highland white terrier is a great dog breed for seniors.
Maltese:
A smaller yet loyal dog breed for older people is the Maltese. Maltese have sweet nature, and their long, white, silky hair makes them very attractive. This toy-group breed is a true companion and loves to spend the time in its owner’s lap. At less than 7 pounds and only 7 to 9 inches tall, they are easy to transport and make a great choice for frequent travelers. They are very intelligent, and pick up on new things quickly; being so, they can adapt to many lifestyles. This little dog needs grooming and maintenance for its signature coat, and would be an ideal choice for anyone willing to take them for regular appointments with a good groomer.
Pomeranian:
This tiny dog breed is known for its loving nature. They are perfect lap dogs, once cherished by Queen Victoria for their bright and affectionate disposition. Pomeranians are non-discriminate in their pursuit of affection, making them incredibly satisfying companions for older adults. They are very adorable and are often pleased with the arrival of guests, rarely hesitating to seek out attention and sometimes being overly-excitable as a result. These dogs require regular brushing for their plush double-coat, but little else in terms of grooming. These dogs can be incredibly small, weighing around 3-7 pounds and standing 7 -12 inches tall. If you are a senior citizen looking for a compact dog with an irresistible coat, then a Pomeranian dog breed is the ideal choice for you.
Bonus: The Senior Rescue
For those senior citizens ready to slow down and enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle, an older rescue dog may be an even better match than any breed we could recommend. What you miss out on in predictability and papers you make up for in getting an adult dog that already comes housebroken, socially developed, and usually with a few commands already up its sleeve. Taking in an adult or senior dog means that even people who are in their very advanced years are likely to be their dog’s “forever home,” and many rescue organizations will help coordinate to find the best dog for each person’s needs. Rescuing an adult dog, whether that be an adorable mutt or one of the listed purebreds from a rehoming or a rescue, also means you get a dog that will typically take less work up-front, which in turn means that you can get right to the good part: enjoying your time together. Taking in an older dog is a great choice for elderly people who are looking for a companion, with plenty of options available for any lifestyle.
Did we miss any? What dog would you recommend for senior citizens? Let us know in the comments!