We all know that a dog is a man’s best friend, but it is high time to also give him the title of “senior companion”. Research shows that owning a dog lowers blood pressure, reduces stress levels, and makes you happier – all of these are very beneficial, especially for the health and well-being of the elderly.
If you’re already scratching your head, trying to figure out which one is right for the elderly person in your life, or if you’re an elderly person yourself, below are 34 of the best breeds of dogs that make excellent companions for the elderly.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, also known as the “lion dog”, is a small dog perfect for the elderly as it is loyal, friendly, and easy to live with. He doesn’t need a lot of exercises, but he will need a lot of cuddles. Don’t underestimate its small size, the Shih Tzu is an excellent watchdog. He is very affectionate by nature, which is why he is also protective of his masters. The Shih Tzu can adapt to any lifestyle, so whether you live in a big or small place, they will feel at home.
Bichon Bolognese
If you live in a small place that still has enough room for a big furry companion, the Bolognese bichon is exactly what you’re looking for. Small, quiet, and quiet nature, you will have no problem with noise and anything. They are also very intelligent and easy to train, which is why many owners of Bolognese bichons appreciate them.
Goldendoodle
As the name suggests, the Goldendoodle is a mixed breed consisting of two affectionate breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. If you need a little exercise, this dog is best for you as it must be taken often for a walk. Playful, loyal, intelligent, and affectionate, the Goldendoodle will surely guarantee you great company.
Beagle
For an elderly person, regular exercise is essential to keep a healthy and fit body. That’s why it’s useful to own a Beagle. They are fun and will surely make you exercise every day. And here’s another great news: it only requires relatively low grooming, so you won’t need to spend a lot of money on it.
What could be better than having the perfect dog for grandma or grandfather? A dog that even their grandchildren will love! Although the Beagles are known to be noisy, many elder care experts praise this breed for its kindness which makes it one of the best breeds for the elderly. In addition, the Beagle gets along well with young people, so even your grandchildren can feel the love of this breed.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian may be small, but his heart is extremely big.
When it comes to grooming, you don’t have to worry about spending a penny to maintain your coat so it’s perfectly fluffy. The Pomeranian doesn’t need regular grooming, as just brush it regularly.
Now, if you want to train your pet, this small breed guarantees great potential. They’re smart and will probably learn stuff in no time.
Mixed breeds
A furry companion does not have to be a breed dog. Mixed breed dogs also make very good companions. Many experts advise seniors to choose a mixed breed in their local shelter. Dogs that pass through a shelter are already evaluated by their owners for their care needs, personality, and other qualities. You don’t have to make assumptions or make an “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” to know which dog will be best for you because the owners will be there to guide you. Also, it’s good to know that shelter dogs are usually trained, so you can skip the training process and go straight to cuddling with them.
Yorkshire Terrier
If you want a sweet little dog that can be with you for a long time, we suggest you discover the Yorkshire Terrier. This breed can live up to an average lifespan of 13 to 20 years, provided you take care of it.
As the Yorkshire Terrier is another breed requiring low maintenance, it is commonly found in apartments and assisted living centers. Yorkshire Terriers just need daily brushing, so it’s not a problem to have them nearby. When it comes to exercise, they don’t often need it either. Even if we bet they’ll get down on their knees quite often, and that’s a good thing!
French bulldog
According to canine experts, the French bulldog is typically affectionate and lively. In addition to his adorable personality and big ears, you will love him especially since he requires little maintenance and does not need regular exercise. This means you’ll spend more time cuddling them.
Welsh Corgi Pembroke
If you are an elderly person who wants more vivacity in life, the easiest way is to get a Welsh Corgi Pembroke. These breeds are equipped with adorable giant ears and crouching bodies that will certainly win your heart.
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke is an intelligent dog that has long been a favorite of British royalty. But you don’t have to live in a big palace like royalties for the Welsh Corgi Pembroke to settle there happily, they are also very good at living in small places like apartments. Expect to have to be animated like them too, as they need to exercise frequently.
Otterhound
While greyhounds are not as popular as other dogs on the list, they are still an ideal companion for the elderly. With a life expectancy of about 12 years, otter dogs will fill you with love, fidelity, and intelligence for a long time. They’ll need to exercise regularly, but we think it’s not bad since you and your furry friend can spend more time together while getting in shape.
Poodle
If you are an elderly person who is struggling to find a fur companion because of your allergies, we highly recommend the Poodle as it has a hypoallergenic coat that will not bother you. Apart from that, it is the smartest race that exists and is also very loyal. That said, the poodle is a true companion you would like to have.
Apso Lhasa
If you’re not a big fan of intensive grooming, this is the breed you need. The Lhasa Apso has an average life expectancy of 14 years, which means it will make you happy for a long time. We think the Lhasa Apso is ideal for the elderly because it is independent, loyal, and affectionate!
Japanese spaniel
We promise you that you won’t need to get tired when you have a Japanese spaniel. For a small canine, his physical activity is also not important, so this is good news for you. In addition, this breed requires little maintenance and one brush per week will suffice. Not good at noise? The Japanese spaniel doesn’t bark as much as other dogs either! When it comes to loyalty, they never disappoint. You can drop him in the park or in the yard to have fun and explore on his own, but at the end of the day, he’ll come back to you.
Italian greyhound
Who says that only small dogs can manage in small houses or apartments? The Italian greyhound proves otherwise. This breed is not small and not everyone can appreciate its beauty, but it is a very handy and friendly dog that can keep you company for about 12 to 15 years. If you are an elderly person who is truly dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, an Italian greyhound will support you in this process as it would need an hour of exercise.
Bolognese
Like a teddy bear, the Bolognese is cuddly and will do very well for the elderly. As this breed is a little molted, it does not need much grooming. Intelligent and easy to train, people like to take care of it. In addition, if you live in an apartment and a small space where noise can be problematic, the Bichon Bolonais is quiet and quiet and will not cause you trouble with the neighbors.
Corgi
For the active senior, you need a dog that has the same vibe. We suggest you buy a Corgi because it has a well-soaked personality and a level of energy comparable to that of big dogs, but that remains manageable. The Corgi is an adorable breed and a perfect companion, we all know that even Queen Elizabeth is under her spell.
Japanese chin
Japanese chin is the best choice when it comes to low-maintenance pets. For the elderly who want a dog but don’t want to get too tired, this breed is the most suitable. This breed has served as a companion for years and is known to be less “barking” than other breeds. Easy to groom with a weekly brushing, a run in the yard to exercise, and the usual hugs with you, the Japanese Chin will find that just enough to make him happy.
Terrier du West Highland
Seniors love burrows and remain a popular breed of choice such as the West Highland Terrier. This breed has a pleasant temperament that makes a good pet dog. Small in size, they can live comfortably in an apartment and need only one hour of exercise a day.
King Charles Cavalier Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has long been a favorite of royalty. As you may have noticed, even his name bears a touch of royalty. But, it is not necessary to be a member of royalty yourself to be worthy of this adorable pet dog, because it can adapt to all situations of life. This little canine does not exceed 18 pounds and taking care of it does not require a lot of effort. A bath once a week and a brush are enough to keep her coat soft and healthy.
Cocker Spaniel
Another spaniel managed to get on our list! We present the Cocker Spaniel who has a great temperament for seniors and an endearing personality. This breed fits well into an apartment, even if it needs regular brushing, you won’t mind that all of this serves to maintain the soft coat of the Cocker Spaniel that you’ll love to caress.
Scottish Terrier
Are you looking for a dog that will allow you to stay active without having to exercise too much? A Scottish Terrier is for you. It requires regular walks, not excessive running. This breed can adapt comfortably to apartment living; generally quiet, it has a loud bark rather than a bark. He will not disturb his neighbors, that’s for sure. As for his personality, he is affectionate, faithful, and can serve as a great watchdog.
Bichon Havanais
The Bichon Havanais can be a good companion for the elderly because it is playful, affectionate and it is a small breed that has a moderate need for exercise. This breed is dedicated to its owners and will love spending time with you, so expect a lot of love from it.
Maltese Bichon
Maltese is the best way to follow the lifestyle of the elderly. These are dogs that require little maintenance, which means you don’t need to get tired to take care of them. They have minor exercise needs and do not need excessive grooming. Small in size, they adapt perfectly to small spaces and will always be ready to receive many hugs.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hounds have an easy and loving nature with which the elderly will get along. Although they may be a little stubborn, they are nevertheless very affectionate and some say they like to follow you closely.
If you own a Basset Hound, you must pay attention to its weight. We know they are adorable and hard to resist, but spoiling them with excessive food is not encouraged as they easily gain weight.
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