Best Dog Breeds for Seniors

No matter your age, few things are better in life than a faithful friend who is there to cheer you up when you’re down, make you feel appreciated and important, and to inspire you to be more active and outgoing.

While in some ways it might seem impractical for our senior loved ones — who may be a little more dependent on others for help these days — to have someone or something else for which they must be responsible, experts say exactly the opposite is true! A trusty canine can fend off loneliness and depression and give seniors a sense of purpose. Their time spent walking, cuddling and playing with their pets give older adult pet owners something to look forward to every day. This is especially important when you’re retired and live alone.

In addition, having a dog can reduce stress and lower blood pressure, and keep the senior mentally sharp.

If you’re thinking about a dog for your senior loved one, remember that not all canines are created equal. Important factors to consider when choosing an animal include finding one that has an appropriate energy level, doesn’t require too much vigorous activity, and isn’t aggressive.

Here are some of the best dog breeds for seniors:

• Pugs are just the right size to be perfect lap dogs. Known for their intelligence and attentiveness to their owners, pugs are also extremely low maintenance which makes them one of the best dog breeds for seniors. They don’t shed too much, and they rarely require bathing and grooming.
• Yorkshire Terriers are also highly suitable as lap dogs, measuring in at even a little bit smaller than pugs. They’re not big barkers, typically, and are otherwise relatively calm and quiet pets. Yorkies prefer to save their energy for walks with their owners and are generally well-behaved at the end of a leash and in the car when it’s time to go for a ride.
• If you’re looking for a sofa buddy, a Maltese might be just the dog for you. They’re content to nap for hours, especially if they can cuddle up to their beloved owners. When they’re awake, Malteses are equally easy going. They don’t care what you’re doing, they just want to do it with you! They’re also not big shedders and don’t require much grooming to look their best.
• Another popular dog among seniors is the Boston Terrier. These pets have short hair and don’t shed much. They’re typically healthy and happy dogs that don’t require too much exercise. They quickly learn commands and are relatively easy to train.
• Miniature Schnauzers are one of the best dog breeds for seniors who want a pet that looks out for them. Schnauzers are very alert and will bark intently at unexpected noises — so you can be certain no one is going to sneak up on you when your Schnauzer is on guard duty! Schnauzers can be a little bit more high maintenance than other dogs on this list, and their coats can become matted and tangled if they’re not occasionally groomed. Most owners prefer to keep their hair trimmed short, especially in the warm weather months.
• Miniature Poodles are great for people who suffer from allergies because their coats are hypoallergenic. While some people want a pet with fur that is low maintenance, Miniature Poodles are ideal for seniors who want to spend some time giving their pet an occasional spa day. Their fur can be shaped, curled, straightened and some people even dye it to have a little fun glamming up their pooch.
• Dachshunds, both regular and miniature-sized, are perfect for older folks who are less active because they don’t require much exercise to be happy. They’re attentive guard dogs and are easy to care for.
• Interested in something a little bit larger and higher energy? Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are wonderful companions that are very loyal and have excellent temperaments. These dogs have a lot of energy — especially when they’re young — and benefit from having an owner that can take them for frequent walks and throw their favorite ball for a game of fetch. They also shed a lot, so their fur will end up on Mom or Dad’s clothes and on the carpet. But there is no better companion than a faithful retriever.

A Bond Between Seniors

Regardless of what type of dog your senior loved one prefers, don’t overlook the fact that older dogs need love, too.

Puppies have a lot more energy to burn than older pets and require a lot of time and attention when training. Older dogs from rescue organizations or from your local dog shelter often end up there because their previous owners were no longer able to take care of them. Choosing to adopt an adult or senior dog could be beneficial for both the animal and the owner. Their temperaments and personalities are more predictable, and they’re more settled down, making them ready to be their new owner’s best friend!

To learn more about enhancing the lives of seniors, visit Bethesda’s blog.