Not all dogs are built for high-energy hikes and endless games of fetch. Some are better suited for quiet afternoons, gentle walks, and lots of snuggles on the couch. For elderly individuals or anyone leading a slower-paced life, the right dog breed can bring joy, companionship, and emotional support, without the chaos.
Imagine a pup that’s happy to match your rhythm, doesn’t demand hours of exercise, and greets each day with a calm, comforting presence. Whether you’re looking for a small lap dog that enjoys napping or a mellow medium-sized companion who thrives in quiet settings, there are breeds that fit perfectly into a low-energy lifestyle.
Today, we’ll explore the best dog breeds for seniors and low-energy individuals. We’ll look at their temperament, maintenance needs, health considerations, and more, ensuring that your new furry friend is a perfect match for your daily pace and personality.
If you’re searching for loyalty, love, and low-key companionship, these best dogs for seniors are ready to warm your heart and your home.
Dog Breeds for Elderly People with Low Energy
1. Bichon Frise
Size: 12 to 18 pounds
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Vibe: The cheerful, fluffy best friend who’s happiest by your side
The Bichon Frisé is a small, charming dog known for its fluffy, white coat that resembles a soft cloud. They have a sturdy, compact build with a rounded skull, dark, expressive eyes, and a black nose that stands out against their snowy fur.
Bichon Frises are tailor-made for seniors who prefer a calm, loving companion that’s easy to care for. These little fluffballs crave company—if left alone too long, they might get a bit anxious, showing it through chewing or whining, so they’re best for people who can give them regular attention.
The Bichon’s tail is plumed and typically curls over the back, adding to its cheerful and lively look. Overall, their cute, teddy bear-like appearance and bright, friendly expression make the Bichon Frisé an irresistibly adorable companion.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Less exercise needed—perfect for leisurely walks
✔️ Hypoallergenic coat—great for sensitive noses
✔️ Affectionate dog and eager for companionship, not high-maintenance
Petplan noted their soft, hypoallergenic coat means less sneezing and more cuddles, and their sweet temperament makes them wonderful lap dogs who’ll keep you smiling with their playful, affectionate nature. Low-key and loving, Bichons make the perfect sidekick for quiet mornings and cozy evenings.
If you’re looking for a loyal, gentle friend who’s always ready to brighten your day without demanding marathon walks, the Bichon Frise might just be your new best bud.
2. Pomeranian
Size: 3 to 7 pounds
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Vibe: The tiny fluffball with a big personality and even bigger heart
The Pomeranian is a fluffy, small dog breed known for its lively personality and striking appearance. These tiny dogs carry a bold and confident attitude much larger than their size. Perfect for seniors who want a lively, wonderful companion without the need for long walks.
Pomeranians have a thick double coat with a distinctive fluffy ruff around their neck and come in a wide variety of colors, including orange, black, white, cream, and more. Their fox-like face, bright eyes, and perky ears give them an alert and curious expression.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Small size, easy to carry, and cuddle
✔️ Moderate exercise needs—short walks and play sessions
✔️ Alert and loyal, great for companionship and security
These little dynamos love to be pampered and will happily curl up in your lap after a short burst of play. Their thick, fluffy coat needs regular brushing, but their compact size makes them manageable and perfect for apartment living.
Exercise-wise, a few short walks and some indoor playtime are usually enough to keep these tiny cheerleaders happy. Just be ready for the occasional alert bark—these pups make excellent watchdogs with their curious and bold nature!
3. Maltese
Size: 7 to 9 pounds
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Vibe: The elegant lap dog with a heart full of love and a touch of sass
The Maltese is a classic choice for seniors seeking a gentle, loving companion who thrives on closeness and affection. The Maltese is a small, elegant dog breed best known for its long, silky white coat that flows gracefully to the ground. Their overall appearance is one of beauty and grace, often likened to a little cloud or a living stuffed toy.
Due to their compact size, this breed is easy to take along, making them ideal travel companions wherever dogs are welcome. They also require smaller living space, which makes them particularly well-suited for small apartments or urban living.
Maltese dogs are smart and respond well to gentle training, and they often develop strong bonds with their humans, offering quiet comfort and companionship.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Small and lightweight—perfect for laps and easy handling
✔️ Low to moderate exercise requirements
✔️ Gentle, loving nature with a flair for companionship
With their beautiful, silky white coat and charming personalities, these dogs adore cuddles and short, leisurely walks. Their exercise needs are low to moderate, making them ideal for more relaxed lifestyles.
WebMD says they need significantly more grooming than many other dog breeds, but the results are well worth it. With the right care, their long, luxurious coats turn heads and showcase their stunning, elegant appearance.
4. French Bulldog
Size: 16 to 28 pounds
Height: 11 to 12 inches
Vibe: The adorable little goofball with a big heart and a laid-back attitude
The French Bulldog is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its bat-like ears, compact build, and affectionate nature.
Originating in the 19th century as a companion dog for lace workers in England and later popularized in France, the French Bulldog has become a favorite among city dwellers due to its adaptability. French Bulldogs are the perfect couch companions for seniors who love a dog with tons of personality but low energy needs.
With a short, smooth coat and a flat, wrinkled face, they have an expressive, charming appearance that wins hearts easily. Frenchies are friendly, playful, and thrive on human companionship, making them excellent pets.
These charming little chunksters adore hanging out close to their humans and have a funny, almost clownish side that’ll keep you smiling.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Small but sturdy, great for indoor living
✔️ Low exercise needs—perfect for a leisurely pace
✔️ Sweet-natured, super affectionate, and a bit of a comedian
However, due to their flat faces (a brachycephalic trait), they can have breathing difficulties and do not tolerate heat or humidity well.
Regular vet care and a comfortable, climate-controlled environment are important for their health. Overall, the French Bulldog is a lovable, low-maintenance companion full of personality and charm.
5. Havanese
Size: 7 to 13 pounds
Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
Vibe: The charming social butterfly who lives to be your shadow
The Havanese is a small, cheerful dog breed known for its silky coat, expressive eyes, and affectionate personality. Originating from Cuba, it’s the country’s national dog and was bred as a companion, thriving on human interaction and attention.
Havanese dogs have a sturdy, compact body with a long, flowing coat that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Their eyes are dark and lively, and their tail is typically curled over their back.
Havanese dogs are like the perfect little companions for seniors who spend most of their day at home. They’re gentle, affectionate, and totally devoted—sometimes a bit too devoted, actually. Leave one alone for too long, and you might come home to some chewed-up shoes or a noisy welcome party!
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Small and lightweight for easy handling
✔️ Moderate exercise needs—daily short walks and playtime
✔️ Loyal and loving, but don’t like being left alone
Known for their playful and friendly nature, Havanese make excellent family pets and get along well with children and other animals. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
Although they don’t require extensive exercise, they do enjoy daily walks and interactive play. Their coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting, but it adds to their overall charming and cuddly appearance.
These fluffballs love to be involved in every activity, whether it’s sitting by your feet while you read or joining you on a short walk. They’re easygoing but thrive on attention, making them great emotional support buddies.
6. Boston Terrier
Size: 12 to 25 pounds
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Vibe: The charming little gentleman with a big personality and a bigger heart
Boston Terriers are like the perfect mix of watchdog and best buddy. The Boston Terrier is a compact, lively dog breed known for its tuxedo-like coat and friendly personality.
Boston Terriers have a distinctive appearance with a square-shaped head, large round eyes, and a short muzzle, giving them a charming and alert expression.
Their smooth, short coat usually comes in black, brindle, or seal with white markings, which resemble a formal suit, earning them the nickname “The American Gentleman.”
Boston Terriers are affectionate, intelligent, and sociable dogs that get along well with people of all ages and other pets. They adapt well to apartment living and don’t require a lot of outdoor space, though they do enjoy playtime and short walks.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Small and sturdy, easy to handle
✔️ Moderate exercise needs—enough to stay fit but not exhausting
✔️ Friendly watchdog instincts with a gentle personality
These tuxedo-faced cuties love to be around people and are especially great with kids, making them a wonderful choice for seniors who want a playful yet manageable companion. Their exercise needs are moderate—think short daily walks and some indoor play to keep them happy.
7. Shih Tzu
Size: 9 to 16 pounds
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Vibe: The royal lap warmer with a sweet, calm soul
Originating in ancient China, the breed was a favorite among royalty and bred specifically to be a companion dog.
Shih Tzus have a sturdy, compact body with a short muzzle, large, round eyes, and a distinctive chrysanthemum-like face framed by their long hair. Their coat can come in a variety of colors and requires regular grooming to keep it clean and tangle-free, although many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance.
Friendly, outgoing, and people-oriented, Shih Tzus thrive on human companionship and are happiest when they’re near their families. They get along well with children and other pets and adapt easily to different living environments, including apartments.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Small size perfect for lap cuddles
✔️ Low exercise needs—perfect for gentle daily walks
✔️ Calm, affectionate, and content with lots of downtime
These adorable fluffballs love snuggling up in laps and don’t demand tons of exercise—just a few gentle strolls and some indoor play will keep them content.
Their silky coats need regular grooming, but their mellow personality more than makes up for it. If you’re a senior looking for a loyal, great companion who loves a quiet, cozy lifestyle, the Shih Tzu is your go-to.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: 13 to 18 pounds
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Vibe: The elegant and endlessly loving companion with a heart full of devotion
If you want a dog who looks like they just stepped out of a royal portrait and acts like your best friend forever, Cavaliers are it. Originally bred as a companion dog for European nobility, the Cavalier still carries an air of elegance while remaining friendly and approachable.
They have a small, well-proportioned body with long, feathery ears and a smooth, wavy coat that comes in four standard color combinations: Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor (black, white, and tan), ruby (solid red), and black and tan.
These sweet pups are affectionate, friendly, and adapt well to all kinds of living situations, making them perfect for seniors.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Medium-small size, easy to manage
✔️ Moderate exercise needs—daily walks and some playtime
✔️ Exceptionally friendly, loving, and adaptable
They enjoy their daily walks and playtime, but aren’t overly energetic dogs—just the right balance of active and relaxed. Known for their gentle temperament and love of people, Cavaliers are the ultimate cuddle buddies who’ll brighten any day.
Despite their royal appearance, they are playful and enjoy both cuddle time and outdoor walks. They adapt well to apartment living but do appreciate moderate daily exercise, says Purina.
With their affectionate nature, beautiful coat, and calm demeanor, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a truly charming and devoted companion.
9. Pug
Size: 14 to 18 pounds
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Vibe: The lovable little comedian with a heart as big as their eyes
Pugs are small, charming dogs known for their wrinkled faces, big, round eyes, and playful personalities. With roots in ancient China, pugs were bred to be companions to royalty and still carry that same affectionate and loyal nature today.
They have a compact, muscular build, a short, smooth coat that comes in colors like fawn, black, silver, or apricot, and a tightly curled tail that rests over their back.
Pugs are known for their friendly, loving demeanor and get along well with children, other pets, and just about everyone they meet. They’re playful but not overly energetic, making them a great fit for apartment living or smaller homes.
Pugs are pure charm wrapped in a wrinkly, smooshy face that’s impossible to resist. They love to be the center of attention and thrive on companionship, making them fantastic pals for seniors who want a cuddly, goofy sidekick.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Small, sturdy, and easy to cuddle
✔️ Low to moderate exercise—short walks and playtime
✔️ Sweet-natured and loves being around people
While they don’t need a lot of exercise, they do enjoy short walks and interactive playtime. Because of their flat faces (brachycephalic structure), pugs can be prone to breathing issues and don’t tolerate heat well, so it’s important to keep them cool and avoid overexertion.
Exercise needs? Low to moderate—short walks and some indoor play will keep them happy. Just a heads-up: because of their adorable flat faces, pugs can struggle a bit in hot weather and may have some breathing quirks, so ease up on the exercise and heat.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Size: 11 to 20 pounds
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Vibe: The spunky little watchdog with a big personality in a small package
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its distinctive beard, bushy eyebrows, and lively personality. Originating in Germany as a farm dog and rat catcher, this breed combines intelligence, alertness, and a friendly disposition.
Miniature Schnauzers have a wiry, double coat that typically comes in colors such as salt and pepper, black, or black and silver, and their grooming often includes trimming to highlight their signature facial features.
Miniature Schnauzers are alert dogs and surprisingly affectionate, making them excellent companions for seniors who enjoy a bit more pep in their pup’s step. They have a wiry coat that requires grooming, but they reward you with a fun-loving spirit and loyal nature.
Senior-Friendly Points:
✔️ Small but full of energy and love
✔️ Moderate exercise—daily walks and play
✔️ Loyal, intelligent, and protective without being overbearing
They tend to be good with children and can get along well with other pets when properly socialized. Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent dogs who are eager to please, making them highly trainable, and they often excel in obedience and agility activities.
They do need regular exercise—think daily walks and some playtime to keep their energy in check. Mini Schnauzers are also smart cookies, easy to train, and great at letting you know when someone’s at the door (hello, little watchdog!).
Conclusion
For elderly people and senior citizens, dog ownership can greatly improve mental health and lower blood pressure. The best dogs for seniors are often small breeds or larger dogs with low energy, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, and Pekingese dogs. These easygoing pets and great lap dogs form strong bonds with their owners and fit well with the owner’s lifestyle, especially for those playing indoors or with limited activity.
Grooming needs and the dog’s age should be considered to ensure comfort for both pet parents and furry companions. Many elderly people find that furry friends not only provide companionship but also help connect with family members and other furry friends, making them ideal pets for older adults and their homes.
