Best Dogs for Seniors

Many factors influence which dog breed is best for senior citizens. Just like people, dogs vary greatly in personality, size, exercise needs, and general care requirements. Finding a four-legged sidekick to match your loved one’s lifestyle is important. Would they benefit from a more active dog to keep them on their toes? Or would they mesh better with a calm, affectionate lapdog? Are they a dementia patient that would benefit from a dementia-specific service dog?

It’s equally as important to consider the animal’s personality, hair, size, and costs. Here are some of the top dog breeds for seniors based on information from the American Kennel Society.

Best low-maintenance dog for seniors

Boston terrier

Boston terriers are top dogs for seniors because of their friendliness, manageable size, and ease of grooming. Quiet, charming, and easy to train, they’re known for their boundless energy and fun-loving ways, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

• Height: 15 to 17 inches
• Weight classes: under 15 pounds; 15 to 19 pounds; 20 to 25 pounds
• Life expectancy:11 to 13 years
• Average cost: $600 to $1,200
• Temperament: friendly, well-mannered, affectionate
• Hair: hypoallergenic, infrequent shedding

Best active dog for seniors

Poodle

Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. They’re active and intelligent dogs, and they rank seventh on American Kennel Club’s most popular list of dog breeds. They’re easy to train, enjoy a variety of activities, and can adapt to different kinds of living environments. Poodles are hypoallergenic, but their coats require regular grooming.

• Height: toy poodle: 10 inches; miniature poodle: 11 to 15 inches; standard poodle: 18 to 22 inches
• Weight: toy poodle: 6 to 9 pounds; miniature poodle: 15 to 17 pounds; standard poodle: 45 to 70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10 to 18 years
• Average cost: $2,000
• Temperament: intelligent, eager, active
• Hair: hypoallergenic, infrequent shedding

Best companion dog for seniors

Miniature schnauzers

Schnauzers come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and giant. They’re energetic, playful, and good with children. Their alertness, devotion, and sometimes vocal nature make them an excellent watch or alert dog, says the American Miniature Schnauzer Club. Although they can be protective companions, they’re not aggressive. Instead, they’re obedient and eager to please, and they want to be your best friend — all qualities that make them one of the best dog breeds for elderly adults.

• Height: 12 to 14 inches
• Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
• Life expectancy:12 to 15 years
• Average cost: $500 to $2,700
• Temperament: spirited, trainable, loveable
• Hair: hypoallergenic, infrequent shedding

Best dog requiring the least amount of exercise

Pugs

Pugs are adaptable and charming. They require less exercise yet remain affectionate and playful. They’re small companion animals, and although they can be stubborn at times, they tend to be extremely social and devoted to their owners.

Let our care assessment guide you

• Height:10 to 13 inches
• Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
• Life expectancy:13 to 15 years
• Average cost: $600 to $1,500
• Temperament: delightful, comical, charming
• Hair: sheds coat frequently, requires facial skin folds to be cleaned with a damp cloth and wiped dry

Best lapdog for seniors

French bulldog

French bulldogs are among the best dogs for seniors because they’re adaptable, extremely kind, easy to groom, and don’t require excessive walks — it’s no wonder they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States! French bulldogs are entertaining and love nothing more than their owner’s company.

• Height:11 to 13 inches
• Weight: under 28 pounds
• Life expectancy:10 to 12 years
• Average cost: $1,500 to $3,000
• Temperament: easygoing, patient, affectionate
• Hair: infrequent shedding

Best small dog for seniors

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are intelligent, perky, and overall people pleasers. They’re energetic and love attention but don’t require a lot of work or exercise. Their thick coat needs to be brushed regularly, otherwise, their grooming needs are fairly straightforward. Pomeranians may bark more than other breeds — but not excessively — and make excellent alert animals.

• Height: 6 to 7 inches
• Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
• Life expectancy:12 to 16 years
• Average cost: $500 to $1,500
• Temperament: vivacious, sociable, extroverted
• Hair: frequent and seasonal shedding

While the options above are excellent choices for seniors and retirees, there are plenty more loving breeds to choose from. Here are some more top picks:

• Shih Tzu
• Maltese
• Beagle
• Chihuahua
• Yorkshire terrier
• Cocker spaniel

Yes! More and more assisted living communities are allowing pets, including dogs. Our guide to pet-friendly assisted living features a sampling of senior communities, listed by city and state, where animal companions are welcome.

Here are three factors to consider when looking:

1. Community requirements: When talking with an A Place for Mom senior living expert or touring a community, ask about their rules regarding dogs. Many communities have size limitations, and some charge an extra fee to pet owners. You may need to have your dog pre-approved, show that they’re house-trained, and/or provide a statement of veterinary health.

1. Care resources: Some communities offer dog-walking services and host or plan events for pets and pet owners. Others have a pet-care coordinator who ensures vaccines are up-to-date and pets are groomed, fed, and taken care of. Your community might even offer pet therapy.

Talk with a Senior Living Advisor

1. Owner’s health: Does your loved one have mobility issues that may prevent a dog from getting proper exercise? Do they have oxygen tubing that could tempt a puppy who loves to chew? Consider who will assume ownership if your loved one’s health changes.

Besides breed, age is another factor to think about when deciding on the best dog for a senior. While an older dog’s calm temperament may be a good match for seniors, you’ll want to consider all the pros and cons.

Pros of older dogs

Many animal shelters allow seniors to adopt senior dogs at reduced costs. For example, The Grey Muzzle Organization helps fund senior dog adoption nationwide. Here are some benefits of older dogs, from the ASPCA:

• Less monitoring and training needed
• Calmer demeanor
• More likely to be house-trained
• Can be left alone for longer periods of time
• Defined personality and habits
• More likely to have shots and vaccines

Cons of older dogs

The biggest challenge with older pets — including dogs — is health issues, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. While there are treatments for certain conditions, the medical or prescription drug bills could be costly. Organizations like Pets for the Elderly can assist with these obstacles by helping seniors pay for vet bills and other pet care costs. Generally, some cons of older dogs include:

• More likely to have arthritis, heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, or senility
• May have developed bad habits or poor social skills over time
• May have too little energy
• May require shots, special food, or help moving around
• Behavioral changes related to age, including irritability, anxiety, and increased vocalization

No matter which four-legged friend you choose, spending time with a dog and asking questions about their medical history can help guide you to the perfect companion.