Seniors love keeping dogs to add to their daily happiness. But what they don't know is that they are also good for their long-term health. Here are 15 dog breeds that are perfectly suitable for seniors. Keep scrolling to see what the adorable friends are.
1. Pomeranian
If you want to keep a dog that you can carry in a bag, then Pomeranian is exactly what you are looking for. This tiny people-pleaser has adorable looks and will save you many trips for professional groomers.
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis are perfect for seniors who tend to be more active. Everyone who has laid eyes on them will adore their little short legs. Grown Corgis can weigh up to 30 pounds, which can be a little heavy lift.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a great fit for people who live in homes without backyards to keep. Weighing from 9 to 16 pounds, the tiny pet is easy to handle. Also, it loves playing with kids. So, if you have grandchildren, then it's a major plus!
4. Pug
Pugs make a wonderful pet for seniors with their naturally happy looking. They have a sweet temper and don't need much space to keep one. One more thing to note is that though they shed really heavily, they are easy to groom.
5. Beagle
Are there any hunting dogs that can make excellent family dogs? Of course! In this case, you can keep Beagles as pets. They are intelligent, independent, friendly and easy to train. If you have a backyard, then consider having one as your companion!
6. Labrador Retriever
If you have a yard for your dog to run around in, the Labrador Retriever may be just for you. They are very intelligent, meaning they train very fast. They are gentle and loving, which make for the perfect companion for seniors.
7. Poodle
The Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds and also one of the most popular of all dogs breeds. The best part is, you can choose your size. There are tiny Toy poodle, the small Miniature poodle, and the larger Standard. The Poodle can be a loyal and affectionate companion. The breed learns very fast and adapts well to all kinds of households. They need to be professionally groomed every month or two.
8. Maltese
The Maltese is the quintessential "little white lap dog.” The breed enjoys spending time in her owner's lap. Like the Poodle, this breed also needs professional grooming maintenance. The Maltese is fairly easy to train. Weighing only 4 to 7 pounds, the breed is very easy to handle. You can even take them around in your bag!
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Although Yorkshire Terriers have long hair that requires lots of grooming, they are small and adaptable, making them a good choice for assisted living. They need enough exercise daily, and can sometimes get a bit bossy.
10. Basset Hound
The easy-going nature of the Basset Hound makes them fantastic pets for seniors. The Basset Hound can sometimes be a bit stubborn but is very affectionate. Some fans of this breed say that they shadow you closely. Basset Hounds need daily exercise so as to not put on weight. Luckily, grooming requirements are minimal.
11. Greyhound
How can a racing dog be a good companion for older adults? You may be surprised to learn that the Greyhound is not the high-energy dog breed most people may think they are. Although they enjoy daily walks and occasional chance to run, most of them tend to be "couch potatoes" that enjoy loafing around with their owners. If you are a large dog lover, the Greyhound is breed to consider.
12. Bichon Frise
The fluffy little Bichon Frise is affectionate and makes a perfect companion. Ranging from 7 to 12 pounds in weight, this breed is extremely easy to handle. They are fairly easy to train. The breed needs to be groomed periodically but is otherwise fairly low-maintenance.
13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is a small dog that loves snuggling up beside her owner. Weighing from 11 to 18 pounds, the breed is easy to handle and train. They need some grooming needs, such as regular hair brushing, ear cleaning and an occasional visit to a groomer.
14. French Bulldog
It's almost impossible to be down around the cheerful French Bulldogs. They are among the happiest of all dog breeds. French Bulldogs are muscular, compact and active dogs. Ranging in weight from 24 to 30 pounds, they are quite manageable. The grooming needs are fairly little, but be aware of health concerns like brachycephalic syndrome and various skin issues.
15. Schnauzer
The Schnauzer comes in various sizes, including miniature, offering a lot of choices to a senior trying to meet a community's pet size requirements. They are playful, trainable, and good with children.
