Best Dogs for Seniors According to Size and Breed

The best dogs for seniors are the ones that enrich your life while still meeting your unique needs as you age. Bringing a canine companion into your world can offer a positive, nurturing, and deeply personal relationship to your life as a senior. Not only do dogs help many seniors feel more safe and secure, but they can also lower stress levels, encourage you to spend more time exercising or walking in your neighborhood, and even feel more confident and connected.

The physical, emotional, and psychological impact of owning a pet can be life-changing. According to several studies, having a pet can lower blood pressure, increase activity, and even ease anxiety and depression. Another study discovered that owning a dog improves “environmental mastery,” which is one’s ability to fit and cope with their surrounding environment. For some seniors, this included basic tasks related to daily living. By walking, feeding, and caring for their dogs, seniors reported a deeper connection with themselves and with their greater environment.

If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, it’s important to begin with some research on the best dogs for senior citizens, and the best size and breed for your unique needs. Some seniors prefer a small companion dog that’s easy to travel with and requires minimal exercise; others opt for a more adventurous breed that demands more attention. Whatever you’re looking for, keep reading to find the perfect dog.

The best companion dogs for seniors and older people are very unique to your individual needs and abilities. While some seniors prefer large, active, and energetic dogs, others might prefer a mellow companion to pass the time. Regardless of exactly what’s right for you, here’s a list of some of the most popular and dependable dogs for senior citizens—ranging from high-energy noble creatures, such as the Greyhound, to a hilarious and fluffy companion, like the Havanese.

Adopted Dogs

Instead of buying a young puppy, consider adopting an older dog. There’s no doubt that puppies require tons of extra work—from housebreaking to obedience training to endless hours of playtime. Older rescue dogs, however, are often overlooked at shelters and can often be some of the best dogs for seniors. Adopting an older rescue dog gives them a new, bright lease on life.

Adult dogs also tend to have balanced, calm temperaments and can be good dogs for seniors. If you decide to move forward with adopting a rescue dog, take your time: Meet with shelter staff members who can answer any questions you may have on a dog’s personality or unique traits and tendencies. Try to gain as much information as you can about each dog before making a decision.

To locate local rescue groups, we recommend spending some time perusing the dogs available on Petfinder.com. This website includes listings of all available rescue animals within a specific mile radius of your location. Plus, you can also sort by breed, age, size, gender, coat, color, and much more. There are also quite a few rescues that cater primarily to matching seniors with the perfect pet. Take a look at local rescue groups in your area and see if there’s an organization with a similar mission—even if you don’t find the perfect dog, these rescues can be a great resource in helping you find the right match.

Poodles

Oh, the classic Poodle. This iconic breed comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, and is often touted as one of the best dog breeds for seniors. So whether you’re searching for a dog on the larger or the smaller side, the Poodle makes a great fit. Incredibly smart, Poodles love activity and attention. They are their happiest when exploring the local park and enjoying your undivided attention. The only downside? With their curly hair, Poodles can require quite a bit of grooming.  

Activity Level: Low to moderate

Care Level: Moderate

Size: Standard: 45–70lbs, Miniature: 15–18lbs, Toy: 5–9lbs

Bichon Frise

Smart, funny, and playful, the Bichon Frise is a joyful small dog that makes a loving and devoted companion. These fluffy dogs are the perfect size if you’re looking for a trusted companion on the smaller end of the best dog breeds for seniors. Bichons are also quite easy to train and eager to please. Many bichon owners opt to take their dogs to the groomer every few months to ensure their curls are kept in check. 

Activity Level: Low to moderate

Care Level: Low

Size: 12–18lbs

While all dog breeds are wonderful, not all of them are right for your specific situation. If you lead a particularly active lifestyle and have the availability and space to exercise a high-energy dog, then a high-energy, larger dog might be a good fit.

But if you worry about keeping up with an energetic, intense dog as you age, it may be best to choose a calmer or older dog. Additionally, if you suffer from any health conditions that would make it difficult to handle a stronger dog, take a look at some of the best small dog breeds for seniors.

Here are some breed traits that could be a bad match for most seniors:

• Intense exercise requirements
• Overly playful or hyperactive
• Excessive barking or extremely vocal
• Destructive or aggressive tendencies
• Stubborn, hard to control, or unruly

As you review your options, remember that most dogs have a lifespan of over 10 years. The standard age for considering a dog “senior” is when they reach the age of 7—but a great many dogs still have the same amount of vim and vigor as they did in their middle-age years, so don’t count on them slowing down right away.

For young seniors choosing a dog, be realistic about what the future may hold. If you have hesitations about committing to a dog for a decade or longer, look into adopting an adult dog instead. In many cases, middle-aged or senior dogs are looked over at rescues—but they’re usually wonderful, sweet, and loving dogs looking for the perfect human.

Havanese

The Havanese is an outgoing, curious, and highly intelligent small dog breed. Originally the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese were once bred for their companionship — easily making them one of the best dog breeds for seniors. Today, they’re some of the most playful, affectionate, and vivacious dogs you can add to your family. If you choose to keep your Havanese’s coat long, be prepared for quite a bit of grooming—it can tangle quickly.

Activity Level: Low to moderate

Care Level: Low to moderate

Size: 7–13lbs

Pomeranian

Beloved for their quirky expressions, the Pomeranian has been a long-time popular companion and considered one of the best dog breeds for seniors. With a glorious chestnut coat, the Pomeranian is one of the world’s most popular toy breeds. They tend to be alert, engaged, and intelligent—you’ll want to make time to play with your Pom, exercise them with short walks or obedience classes, and teach them tricks and games to keep their brains engaged.

Activity Level: Low to moderate

Care Level: Low

Size: 3–7lbs

Maltese

The tiny Maltese, the smallest toy breed on our list, is a stunning, elegant, and adaptable dog to add to your family. Maltese are affectionate and loving dogs-–but on the flip side, they are also fearless, make good watchdogs, and can even be athletes on the obedience or agility course. This small dog seems to pack in all of the great qualities of the best dog breeds for seniors in a tiny but bright package.

Activity Level: Low to moderate

Care Level: Low to moderate

Size: Under 7lbs

French Bulldog

The classic French bulldog—we all know and love the Frenchie’s playful, irresistible, and smiling face. Known for their goofy, personable temperament, Frenchies are deeply adaptable, flexible, and happy to settle into new routines. While they’re certainly playful, Frenchies also have a calm, content, and relaxed side — making them a great option for one of the best dog breeds for seniors. Don’t be surprised if they want to cuddle on the couch after a day spent in the yard. If you live in a hotter climate, a French Bulldog—or a Bulldog of any type—might not be the best option as they tend to overheat easily and can suffer from breathing difficulties.

Activity Level: Low to moderate

Care Level: Low

Size: Up to 22lbs

Corgi

Corgis, the iconic favorite pet of Queen Elizabeth II, are one of the most popular and best dog breeds for seniors. Instantly recognizable by their long bodies and short legs, Corgis are high-energy, lively, and intelligent dogs. Originally bred for herding, corgis do require a bit of activity each day. They love hiking and being outside—so frequent walks and mental stimulation are great ideas. Corgis can also be protective of their people, so if you feel more confident by having a guard dog, they’re a good option.

Activity Level: Low to moderate

Care Level: Low

Size: 24–30lbs

Scottish Terrier

The Scottie is a playful, spirited, and confident breed that is easily recognizable by their pointy ears and fluffy black coat. Scottish Terriers are perfectly content in small homes or condos, however, they do have spurts of energy and they’ll need a daily walk and some dedicated playtime every day. Originally working dogs, Scotties are very independent and efficient—but sometimes, they can be prone to acting a little bit aloof. Because of their lineage as a working breed, some Scotties may want to chase cats or other pets in your household, so it’s best if they’re your sole companion. Thanks to their silky coat, Scotties require weekly brushing and monthly grooming visits for maintenance.

Activity Level: Low to moderate

Care Level: Low

Size: 18–22lbs

Retrievers

One of the most dedicated and loyal breeds, Golden and Labrador Retrievers are incredibly wonderful dogs that make our list of best dog breeds for seniors that will add joy and affection to your life. A living embodiment of “man’s best friends,” Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and deeply committed to their owners. With their eager-to-please, highly-trainable personalities, Golden Retrievers enjoy long walks, frequent exercise, and plenty of attention—from you and strangers alike. If you choose a Retriever, be prepared for a daily hike or walk to keep your Retriever happy and healthy.

Activity Level: Moderate to high

Care Level: Low

Size: 55–75lbs

Greyhounds

If you’re a senior who loves exercise or has a large backyard or property, the Greyhound may be the perfect fit for you. These powerful dogs are known as the fastest dog breed—so at first glance, they might not seem like the best fit for seniors. However, Greyhounds are deeply kind, graceful, and gentle dogs, making them one of the best dogs for seniors. Many people opt to rescue a retired racing Greyhound to give them a second chance at life—helping these dogs find a nurturing, safe place to call home can be a powerful bonding experience for both of you. Beware though: they’ll probably need to go on a sprint every day just to burn off that excess energy. If you have a nearby dog park or a large backyard, that’s perfect—grab a frisbee or ball and go have some fun.

Activity Level: Moderate to high

Care Level: Low to moderate

Size: 60–70lbs

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles combine the best traits of poodles and golden retrievers, easily making them one of the best dogs for seniors. With a goldendoodle you know you’ll be getting a wonderful, affectionate, and loyal dog. Goldendoodles are also hypoallergenic, so you won’t have to vacuum your sofa every day to maintain the hair. They’re also very intelligent and very trainable.

Activity Level: Moderate

Care Level: Low

Size: 50–90lbs

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