The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors

Dogs can provide deep and enduring companionship in later life, but the best dog breeds for seniors may differ from the suitable breeds earlier in life. When picking a senior-friendly dog breed, you need to account for changes like reduced mobility or the arrival of grandchildren. 

Picking the right dog during your senior years can provide a wealth of benefits.

For example, the National Council on Aging suggests that being an older dog parent can help seniors meet daily exercise recommendations through walks and light play. Dogs can also contribute to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and better heart health. They can also help reduce loneliness and stress and support better mobility and balance as you age.

Mary Huntsberry, MA, ACAAB, of Helping Pets Behave in Montgomery County, Maryland, has identified ten breeds that often suit senior life.

Poodle

Poodles are among the most suitable dog breeds for seniors. They’re intelligent, easy to train, devoted to their people, and low-shedding (though they still need grooming). They also come in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—so you can pick the size that best suits you.

• Size: Standard (15+ inches at the shoulder), Miniature (10-15 inches), and Toy (under 10 inches).
• Personality: Social, affectionate, intelligent, and adaptable.
• Sociability: Most do well with children and other dogs.
• Energy level: Poodles are very active.
• Grooming and shedding: Seasonal shedding, but the shedding gets caught in their curls, making it barely noticeable. They require regular brushing and grooming as a result, and you could consider them to be high maintenance.
• Trainability: Poodles are highly intelligent and trainable.
• Barking: Poodles have a medium-high tendency to bark.

Papillon

Named after the French word for butterfly, most Papillons are happy, smart, outgoing, and low-maintenance, and they love getting affection. This makes them pretty perfect choices for seniors. They’re generally great with grandkids and other dogs, too. Their active natures are suitable for older adults who enjoy getting out and about or have a big backyard for playtime.

• Size: 8-11 inches.
• Personality: Affectionate, outgoing, and happy.
• Sociability: Most do well with children, adults, and other dogs, although they may be a little possessive with dogs.
• Energy level: Somewhat active. Papillons love the outdoors and are talented jumpers.
• Grooming and shedding: Papillons need little grooming, apart from around the ear fringe.
• Trainability: Easy to train to household routines.
• Barking: Some Papillons tend to bark.

West Highland Terrier (Westie)

The curious, smart, perky Westie loves being around their people and thrives on companionship. They do need a fair amount of mental stimulation, but the combination of not requiring a massive amount of exercise while appreciating a walk to explore the world makes them an excellent dog breed for seniors, encouraging regular, gentle activity.

• Size: Males are 11 inches tall, females usually around one inch less.
• Personality: This varies. Some love to frolic and seek out independent fun, while others are “Velcro dogs” who love nothing more than following you around or chilling in your lap.
• Sociability: They’re affectionate and friendly with adults and children.
• Energy level: They’re moderately energetic but don’t need intense exercise.
• Grooming and shedding: Westies shed a little so need regular brushing to remove dead hair. Grooming is necessary every eight to twelve weeks.
• Trainability: Easy to train to household routines.
• Barking: Westies are highly vocal.

Bichon Frise

A Bichon Frise’s trademark fluffy appearance perfectly matches their bubbly, cheerful, outgoing personality, and their size, temperament, trainability, and eagerness to please make them perfect for life with a senior.

• Size: 9.5-11.5 inches tall.
• Personality: Gentle, sensitive, affectionate, and playful.
• Sociability: Most do well with children and other dogs.
• Energy level: Somewhat active, and they need extra room for play
• Grooming and shedding: Bichon-Frises require trimming and are high-maintenance in terms of brushing but don’t shed.
• Trainability: A Bichon Frise is usually easy to train.
• Barking:  Bichon Frises may bark when necessary but aren’t notoriously vocal.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Breeders nurtured companionship into the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel during the breeding process, making them a great option if you want a dog that is equally happy snuggling in your lap or exploring. They’re also ideal family dogs and love getting attention and cuddles.

• Size: 12-13 inches
• Personality: Affectionate, happy, gentle, and eager to please.
• Sociability: King Charles Cavaliers are highly sociable. They love companionship and adapt easily.
• Energy level: Don’t let their happy, gentle, non-aggressive nature fool you: the King Charles Cavalier is a sporting dog and loves to run outdoors.
• Grooming and shedding: They only need bathing and regular brushing, and they don’t shed much.
• Trainability: King Charles Cavaliers are very easy to train.
• Barking: Cavaliers don’t have a reputation for barking much.

Pug

The short-faced pug is both gentle and quiet. But despite their laid-back personality, these compact dogs have a lot of personality. Pugs don’t need much exercise, but they enjoy being social and need to be a part of the group. They love to chill with you, making them one of the best dog breeds for seniors.

• Size: 10-13 inches.
• Personality: Sweet, patient, playful, goofy, eager-to-please, and devoted, if sometimes a little dramatic. They love to be involved with whatever you’re doing.
• Sociability: Pugs do extremely well with children and other dogs but enjoy life just fine as a single pet. They’re highly social and love being the center of attention.
• Energy level: Pugs need moderate exercise, and a leashed walk or small yard can account for this. However, take care to avoid overheating. They still enjoy sleeping and lounging around in the sun or on the sofa.
• Grooming and shedding: They do shed but are low maintenance when it comes to grooming and brushing.
• Trainability: Pugs are easy to train.
• Barking: Pugs aren’t excessive barkers.

Brussels Griffon

Don’t judge Brussels Griffons by their snooty expression and hipster beard—they’re highly intelligent and sensitive. Full of personality and bursting with devotion, Brussels Griffons can provide a sense of comic relief and surprising levels of dignity. They’re also a well-matched dog breed for seniors who are home a lot of the time, as they’re not too keen on being alone.

• Size: 7-8 inches.
• Personality: Social, playful, adaptable, sensitive, and intelligent.
• Sociability: Most do well with children and other dogs, but they don’t love rough-housing.
• Energy level: Brussels Griffons are somewhat active and need moderate levels of exercise and mental stimulation.
• Grooming and shedding: They’re moderate shedders but don’t take much maintenance. Smooth-coated Griffons shed for a week or two in the springtime and fall and need daily brushes during this time, but weekly is enough at other times. Rough-coated Griffons don’t shed.
• Trainability: Brussels Griffons are easy to train and eager to please.
• Barking: They can be vocal dogs.

Greyhound

The largest dog on our list is also the laziest. As some of the most enthusiastic canine couch potatoes, sharing retirement with a retired racing greyhound is a great option for seniors. If you adopt a greyhound from the track, you’re also rescuing a dog who’s seen a lot and is well socialized.

• Size: 27-30 inches.
• Personality: Even-tempered, gentle, and quiet.
• Sociability: They may be a little vigilant and sensitive around small children’s grabs and pokes, so be on alert when they’re around young relatives. Otherwise, they’re very sweet around everyone.
• Energy level: Greyhounds need a short sprint in a fenced area. While chilled out around the home, they can be clumsy due to their length.
• Grooming and shedding: Greyhounds are low-maintenance due to their short fur.
• Trainability: Greyhounds are slow to follow commands when sprinting, often due to hearing, but they’re moderately trainable, according to Huntsberry.
• Barking: They can be barky or territorial if they see other dogs or people through a fence but are generally pretty quiet.

Rough and Smooth Collie

Collies are true family dogs with a deep sense of loyalty, and their whip-smart personalities make them extremely polite and trainable roommates. They love being around their people, so if you’re retired and home a lot of the time, they can keep you engaged, and you can provide the company. Plus, they love to run and play but can be just as comfortable on the sofa, matching all elements of senior life.

• Size: Females are 22-24 inches, males are 24-26 inches.
• Personality: They’re intelligent, loyal, sensitive, friendly, and affectionate. Collies are great watchdogs without being aggressive.
• Sociability: Collies naturally love children and are highly sociable, especially with people.
• Energy level: Play and walks are their favorite, but they don’t need constant activity to be happy.
• Grooming and shedding: The amount of grooming a collie needs depends on the length of their coat. A smooth-coated Collie needs less maintenance than rough-coated Collies, who need a brush every week or two when they have a full coat.  Spayed Collies shed yearly, whereas intact females shed depending on when they’re in heat.
• Trainability: Collies are highly intelligent, eager-to-please, and trainable.
• Barking: As herding dogs, collies are very vocal.

Beagle

As far as dog breeds for seniors go, Beagles are definitely on the more active side. However, they have fantastic temperaments and would be very accepting of visiting grandchildren and young relatives. They don’t take much maintenance, and they’re endlessly cheerful and loyal.

• Size: Beagles are either 13 or 15 inches, depending on the variety.
• Personality: Happy, friendly, and courageous.
• Sociability: They’re heavily pack-focused, so they cooperate well with those around them. Most beagles get on well with children and other dogs.
• Energy level: Beagles are hunting dogs with quite a lot of energy, so they’d be great for seniors who love to get active. They need about an hour of walking on a leash daily.
• Grooming and shedding: They mostly shed in spring (and a little year-round) but don’t need much brushing due to a dense coat. Beagles are pretty low maintenance.
• Trainability: Beagles are trainable and generally treat-oriented.
• Barking: They definitely love to bark.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Breeds for Seniors

If you’re an older adult looking to introduce a new canine friendship into your home, you have a few factors to consider to make sure your new companion fits with your lifestyle.

Do seniors need to pick a specific breed?

Huntsberry says that although a dog’s breed can matter to some extent, it’s not the whole picture. “There are no guarantees with breeds. For example, I recently had a behavior case where the 70-year-old-plus pet parents’ misunderstanding of the beautiful little Cavalier’s needs resulted in an untenable situation,” she recalls.

“Just like people, dogs are individuals with unique needs and abilities regardless of breed. So while some breeds may be more ideal for people of a certain age, problems arise when the dog does not fit the lifestyle of their pet parent.” Huntsberry also recommends that seniors pick adult dogs, as they’re easier to manage than pups.

What should seniors look for in a dog?

Huntsberry says that dogs can provide a lot of joy and are great company, but both seniors and dogs are individuals.

“Dogs who are well-matched to their pet parents supplement their lives, not take them over. When looking for a dog, seniors should consider their lifestyle and ability to meet the needs of the dog they select,” advises Huntsberry. “In most cases, seniors get on best with small, low-maintenance, adult dogs with manageable activity requirements.” 

This means picking a dog with a suitable personality as well as thinking about the following:

• Exercise: Older adults have a higher risk of back pain, reduced mobility, or joint problems like osteoarthritis. This can mean that dogs who need regular exercise might place extra strain on the joints, or it might be challenging to keep up with a high-energy dog.
• Grooming: Grooming can be highly physical, and larger breeds who need a lot of grooming might not be suitable for a senior with joint issues or reduced dexterity. Plus, not all dogs take kindly to being in the bath, so picking a dog that you can confidently and gently restrain is crucial in breeds who need a lot of grooming.
• Healthcare: Both dogs and humans generally need more healthcare as they age. Picking a dog as a senior means a higher risk of looking after a dog with health problems as you tend to your own. This can be physically demanding and also requires careful budget planning, especially since many older adults rely on a pension or savings.

What extra considerations might seniors have when looking for a dog?

Just like anyone looking for a dog, seniors can take steps to increase the chances of a successful match.

“Prospective pet parents should ask specific questions about the behavior of the dog they are interested in,” advises Huntsberry. “Social people should seek dogs who are equally as social and enjoy the company of others in and outside the home but can also tolerate staying home alone. Apartment dwellers need quieter dogs to avoid disturbing neighbors.”

Finally, Huntsberry advises that smarter is not always better. “While motivated dogs may be ‘trainable,’ they can be a nuisance to live with if they don’t get enough enrichment.”

How can seniors make their homes pet-friendly if they have reduced mobility?

Reduced mobility can feel limiting, but Huntsberry suggests that making small changes around the home can support life with a dog.

“Plan to keep necessities like food, bowls, bedding, and pet medication in a centralized location, and provide the dog with ramps or pet stairs to aid in getting on furniture if you can’t pick the dog up,” she says. “A dog door or dog walker can reduce the need to get up to let the dog out.”

It’s also essential for the home to have a quiet area for restraining the dog. “Dogs need a safe space to go to in situations they are not prepared for or unable to handle appropriately,” advises Huntsberry. “Having a way to restrict a dog, either by a gate, closed door, or playpen, can make managing their behavior easier when training is not possible.”

Be sure to provide enrichment, like a puzzle toy, in this space. “By providing enrichment while confined, their mouths and minds can be appropriately occupied, resulting in a guilt-free situation for everyone,” says Huntsberry.

Is there an age at which a person really shouldn’t get a dog?

According to Huntsberry, age is just a number. What’s most important is having some self-awareness about your circumstances.

“Since we all physically age differently, it’s more important to consider ability and circumstance than numerical age,” says Huntsberry. “Consider challenges to mobility by family members, wanting to travel in retirement, and community expectations around behavior before bringing a pet home. Most dogs require daily walks, and society typically expects dogs to be leashed, picked up after, quiet, and non-threatening.

If you’re unable to meet the physical demands of your chosen dog or the expectations of your community, bringing a dog home may harm existing relationships and lead to isolation.

How can a dog walker or go-to sitter help an older adult if they choose to get a dog?

Dogs are eternal toddlers and a lot of work! Huntsberry suggests that it’s not just seniors who can benefit from the presence of a trusted sitter or dog walker in their support network. “It’s critical for all dog owners to have a strong support system in place. Depending on an individual’s capabilities, the more help they have access to, the better!” she claims. “In addition to support from all family members, having a trusted dog walker and/or pet sitter contributes significantly to a successful situation.”

Adding a new dog to the family? It’s never too soon to find a great dog sitter or dog walker to help with pet care and your dog’s exercise needs.