Dog ownership in old age sounds good, but only when you pick the right breed. Senior owners crave companionship most when they see their children and grandchildren being busy in their own lives. Instead of feeling lonely, it is better to enjoy the companionship of affectionate dogs.
Not only are small dog breeds considered to be low-energy dogs, but even medium-sized dogs also qualify. But at this point, owners’ focus should be on these factors: lower exercise and grooming requirements, adaptability, and being easy to train.
On top of all these, the incredible benefit is their loyal companionship. The other benefits that their companionship offers to seniors are reducing stress, curing depression, and lowering blood pressure.
Find out some of the best dogs that are suitable for older adults. From their minimal grooming to moderate exercise needs, every quality will make you want to bring them home immediately.
Perfect Pocket Dog Breeds for Seniors
1. Maltese
Maltese has a long history of being a lap dog that is gentle and affectionate. It weighs under 7 pounds and has low to moderate energy levels, which makes it the right choice for senior people. It has a luxurious, floor-length white coat that is low-shedding and requires daily minimum grooming to keep it tidy.
Their admirable personality traits and adaptability make them adjust well to any kind of living situation. Along with occasional exercise, a daily walk and some playtime are recommended. Considering training, it is easy because they are intelligent and learn tricks quickly.
It is a loving and easy-to-handle dog that you can carry in your bag wherever you go. But early socialization is important to help them become confident dogs.
2. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle is an agile, intelligent, confident, and sociable tiny breed that weighs not more than 4-6 pounds. Although it is a small dog with a playful personality, but it’s energy is that of a big dog. Their impressive mind, petite frame, and people-pleasing qualities make them a manageable breed for senior people.
These are easy-to-train, smart dogs that learn and respond to commands quickly. Their energy demands light exercise of about 30-40 minutes, which can be done through engaging them in activities like agility, enrichment puzzles, and tug-of-war games, and a couple of walks, etc. Also, it is key to have a happy Poodle.
They have a curly, low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming every four to six weeks because it grows continuously. Having them as a loyal companion brings another benefit: they serve as good watchdogs, says Purina.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate, independent, loving, and playful dogs that crave a warm lap to lie on. They weigh between 9-16 pounds and can be called Velcro dogs because they follow their owners from room to room. Because of their easygoing indoor demeanor, they adapt well to an indoor lifestyle and are best for older people.
Usually, they do not require a lot of exercise; with half an hour of exercise followed by a walk and at-home playtime, they are satisfied. They have a long, luxurious double hair coat which demands frequent grooming. But owners can give them a short puppy cut, which reduces a lot of grooming time and makes it easier.
As Shih Tzus have low to moderate energy levels and are easy to train dogs, they are suitable for first-time pet owners as well. It makes a great companion because of its easygoing temperament and cute dog with sweet expressions, small size, and dark eyes.
4. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin is an aristocratic dog that is loyal, independent, active, and easy to train, and weighs up to 11 pounds. Its size, temperament, and elegant presence make it suitable for families, individuals living alone, and senior citizens. It is an energetic and compassionate breed that enjoys indoor life, which means owners love it as a lap dog.
It is a low-maintenance lap dog that has a single-layer silky coat which is easy to comb. People also prefer this indoor breed because of its qualities of being a cat-like dog that is odorless. Even then, it is advised to brush its coat twice a week to prevent tangles and matting. While it does not require extensive exercise, a daily 30-minute walk is enough.
Early socialization is important for this tiny dog as it helps it get along with kids, cats, and other dogs easily. Many seniors will enjoy having this breed as it tends to form strong bonds and enjoy human companions without demanding constant activity.
5. Havanese
Havanese is an intelligent and loving puppy that is outgoing, funny, and entertaining. It weighs between 7-3 pounds, and because of its long and shiny coat, it is also called the Havana Silk Dog.
It is one of the breeds that enjoy being a lap dog and thrives on human interaction. With its calm demeanor, low-shedding coat, and adaptability, it is a perfect match for apartment dwellers, retirees, and senior people.
They enjoy being close to their people, so owners are advised to focus on their training and socialization. They are eager to please, dogs that learn commands quickly and enjoy training sessions when they are fun and based on positive reinforcement methods. Although it is an energetic breed, exercising for about 20-40 minutes is enough for them.
Havanese is a cheery and sociable breed that enjoys homes where visitors come often, and it gets to keep itself mentally stimulated in various activities.
6. Russian Bolonka Tsvetnaya
Russian Bolonka Tsvetnaya is a small-sized breed that was bred with the purpose of being a perfect companion and a lap dog. It is a playful, charming, and inquisitive breed that weighs 6-9 pounds, and because of its small size, affectionate nature, and friendly disposition, it makes an exceptional choice for senior people.
It has a fluffy, long, and wavy coat that requires regular brushing and bathing to avoid matting. Although its hypoallergenic coat demands regular grooming, it sheds little, and it is manageable at home.
According to the AKC, the breed does not need to burn its energy, as its main purpose is to accompany owners. Furthermore, they happily join their family members when involved in indoor games like puzzle toys, etc.
As it has a spirited personality and quick learning ability, it is easy to train this breed when the routine is followed consistently.
7. Pekingese
Pekingese is a stubborn and independent tiny dog that is referred to as a lion dog. It weighs around 14 pounds, but the energy level is of a big dog. Because of its small size, clever and devoted personality, and as it enjoys low key lifestyle, this breed is the right choice for busy and senior citizens.
Omlet refers to their adaptability by mentioning them as lap dogs that would fit into the sleeves of Emperors, whereas today we see them as lap or show dog that adjusts to any kind of living space. It requires moderate exercise, but owners must be careful because of its facial anatomy. However, it enjoys obedience training, fetch, nose work, and scent walks, etc.
Its beautiful and shiny coat requires daily brushing, but bathing is preferred once a month with a dog-friendly shampoo. It is a strong-willed dog that makes a good pet when trained and socialized early.
Conclusion
Having these pocket dog breeds not only offers companionship to senior people, but their even-tempered quality also helps them reduce stress. As these breeds were generally bred for being a companion, they enjoy spending time with their owners the most.
Some breeds even understand human emotions so well that they are used as therapy dogs. So, it is safe to say that yes, small dogs come with big bundles of joy. But early training and socialization are the key to having them as well-behaved dogs for seniors.
Further, they do not have high maintenance requirements, but brushing them 2-3 times with a slicker brush reduces fur falling on the ground and furniture.
