When you’re a senior, choosing the right dog to share your golden years can create a new way of experiencing your life every day. In addition to providing joy, comfort, and structure, a new dog can provide a reason to keep moving forward and give you a sense of newfound purpose.
A senior’s best dog is one that provides companionship and has a calm temperament, willing to spend its days as an easy-going companion, without requiring too much physical activity or too much maintenance.
Below is our guide to seven of the best dog breeds for seniors. Read on to check out the calmest dog breeds you can find for someone in your circle who is a senior!
Most Amazing Dog Breeds for Seniors Seeking a Peaceful Pal
1. Pugs
Pugs are one of the calmest dog breeds and naturally quiet, dependable companions for older adults because of their upbeat, loving, and laid-back attitudes.
As stated by the American Kennel Club, pugs do not require a lot of physical activity and prefer a calm, interior atmosphere, which is why pugs are a great option for seniors who are looking for a very low-maintenence pal.
Reasons Why Seniors Like Pugs
Little to no grooming required
Likes to cuddle and be a good companion
Are okay in smaller homes or condos
For senior owners who would like a small dog that is content to lounge around on the couch with lots of charm, and is often considered an excellent lap dog, but does not require lots of attention or stimulation, a pug makes for a perfect cuddle buddy.
2. Dachshund
Dachshunds add excitement, loyalty, and playful personality to the lives of senior owners. Dachshunds are well-known for their long bodies and short legs, and they need some regular exercise, but they also enjoy spending hours relaxing at home.
The GreenCross Vets suggest Dachshunds for seniors because they are easy to groom and will easily adjust to a lower-key household. Additionally, Dachshunds have little grooming, and they have a strong attachment to their owners, so they make for great emotional companions.
Why Dachshunds Are Great for Seniors
They are compact and easy to handle.
Grooming is easy (especially for the smooth coat varieties)
Have a strong bond with their owner
If a senior is looking for a dog that enjoys taking leisurely strolls and spends evenings snuggled up at home, then a dachshund is a great option.
3. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are slender dog breeds with a refined, elegant look, but they have naturally gentle personalities. Although they may appear thin, they are actually lazy dogs when they are indoors and fit perfectly into a relaxed daily schedule.
WebMD rates Italian Greyhounds as one of the top picks for seniors, as they are great companions due to their low-grooming needs and affectionate disposition.
Similarly, Italian Greyhounds are well-suited to calmer households and love to curl up beside their owners for warmth.
Why Seniors Prefer Italian Greyhounds
Require virtually no grooming
Quiet, yet affectionate dogs
Fit well into small homes/apartments/condos
They are also small enough to curl up in your lap and require some of the least grooming of any breed. For seniors, adopting an older Italian Greyhound can be a great choice, since younger dogs still need several walks each day.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their sweet temperament and desire to always be near their owners.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a good balance between energy levels and restlessness. They enjoy a few walks per week but enjoy spending time resting indoors.
This breed is adaptable. friendly and gentle, and are also suitable for independent older adults, as they are easy to live with, and have a low exercise requirement.
Why seniors choose a Spaniel
Extremely affectionate nature
Will work well in either aclm or moderately active homes
Are easy to train and live with
Due to their calm nature and their ability to form deep bonds with their owners, Cavaliers are the ideal option for seniors who are looking for emotional support and companionship
5. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are one of the easiest breeds of dogs for seniors to take care of. Their low-energy lifestyle, quiet nature, and low grooming needs make it easy for seniors to develop a simple and uncomplicated relationship with their dog.
Britannica states that these bulldogs are one of the more suitable breeds of dogs for seniors since they don’t require a lot of exercise.
Frenchies are particularly well-suited to retirement communities as loving companions due to their affectionate, quiet, and laid-back personalities.
Senior Friendly Characteristics
Low-shedding and low-maintenance grooming
Unlikely to bark
Will be happy to do short walks every day
Seniors who are searching for a fun-loving companion who will be happy to nap and go for a walk now and again, and will finda French bulldog to be a great buddy.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have a unique, outgoing personality and are highly loyal to their owners. They require minimal training, are quiet, and are comfortable with shorter exercise sessions, making them well-suited to seniors’ lifestyles.
While Shih Tzus do require occasional professional grooming, PetMD emphasizes that they are one of the easier-to-handle breeds for seniors, and that their calm and gentle nature makes them a great match for families with children and/or seniors.
Why Seniors Choose Shih Tzus
Minimal grooming needed
Loyal and loving dogs
Comfortable in small spaces (apartment living, condos, etc)
For seniors who would like a dog that is calm, quiet, and affectionate but doesn’t require a lot of exercise or training, the Shih Tzu makes for a great pick.
7. Havanese
Havanese dogs are friendly, intelligent, and playful dogs that have a strong attachment to their family members. While they are generally energetic, they are also adaptable and able to adjust to a variety of lifestyles and activities.
With proper training, Havanese dogs are known to be relatively quiet and easy to get along with, even for seniors who may not be physically capable of keeping up with high-energy dogs.
Dog ownership with Havanese dogs is rewarding because they are “very friendly and patient” and enjoy human company, which makes them a great match for seniors who want a low-maintenance companion and can also provide mental stimulation.
Why seniors choose Havanese dogs
Friendly, playful nature yet adaptable
Intelligent, trainable, and easy to live with
Generally quiet (with proper training)
For seniors who are searching for a friendly, outgoing, and gentle dog that is also intelligent and trainable, the Havanese is a great pick.
Conclusion
An ideal easy-going companion for a senior is one that fits into the senior’s lifestyle, energy level, and home environment.
Examples ofthe most popular dog breeds, along with other breeds that fit this description, include Pugs, Dachshunds, Italian Greyhounds, Cavalier King Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and Havanese.
Each of these breeds offers seniors a sense of comfort, companionship, and ease in their lives due to their low rooming requirements, gentle nature, and adaptable energy levels.
Whether seniors choose to live independently or in a retirement community, owning a furry friend that shares a similar desire for quiet, laid-back days can greatly improve both their mental and physical health.
