Pet dogs influence your life in a variety of ways. They keep you engaged, both physically as well as emotionally. They keep you happier with their goofy and silly antics. Moreover, they help you and offer their never-ending love and loyalty.
Did you know that according to a 2011 study at the National Library of Medicine, there are many benefits for elderly people in interacting with dogs? The benefits include getting rid of feelings of isolation, more physical activity, and overall improvement in the quality of life. Amazing, isn’t it?
We all have someone in our lives with greying hair, aching knees, but an affectionate smile. Whether you have an elderly parent, grandparent, or some other relative, you might’ve wondered if adding a furry presence to their lives will help them.
Not all dog breeds come with the same temperaments and needs. Some like their lives full of vigorous activity and 24/7 outdoor fun; others are calmer and live patiently with seniors, adapting to their lifestyles.
It’s important to remember that not all old people are similar in health and energy, either, so it’s always wise to assess their lifestyles carefully if you’re planning on gifting them a doggo.
Calm Dog Breeds That Are Ideal For Seniors
1. Maltese
Your grandma’s little Maltese might not be as old as its owner, but the breed is one of the most ancient ones. No wonder it’s so good at offering a calm company as a lap dog to seniors; it’s been doing it for centuries.
Malteses aren’t just amazing pets for apartment living; they’re wonderful companions for seniors who can’t put up with super-energetic doggos.
Their tiny body is balanced under the fluffy and silky coat, and this pup has an adorable height of 7-9 inches, as per the AKC. This pooch not only snuggles up next to its senior pet parent as they watch the news or knit, but also remains super watchful as an alert dog.
2. Pekingese
Pekingese is an affectionate dog well suited for elderly owners who won’t mind combing its long “lion mane” often. One of the most adorable toy dogs, the Pekingese is a dog with a connection to the Chinese royals and enjoys a pampered life.
These pooches stand 6-9 inches and weigh up to 14 pounds. Their portable size isn’t the only reason why you should adopt one of these pups for your elderly parents, though. They will bond deeply with their senior owner and help them connect and ground with their loving tactics.
Pekes can put up with grandkids’ visits, but make sure the little ones also know to treat this pooch gently.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This dog looks like a compressed, short-legged fox and is one of the smartest dog breeds. Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a pup no taller than 10-12 inches with a weight limit of 30 pounds (males) and 28 pounds (females).
This fluffy dog is known for its herding background; they love to please their owners and have a watchful nature that makes them an amazing companion for aging owners. As little boss doggos who used to move cattle, they’re no strangers to thriving independently when needed.
These loving pooches love owners who take out time to play with them, which is something that’s also great for the mental and physical health of elderly people.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
These mutts look like little people with their expressive faces, seriously quizzical eyes, and beards that make them appear kind of comical. Miniature Schnauzers are alert to notice every presence and have a very friendly nature.
Don’t think your Uncle Jack will enjoy picking up a lot of doggo hair from his furniture? Bring him a Miniature Schnauzer; one of the low-shedding dogs that saves you a lot of hassle. They’re active dogs, though, and their spunky companionship motivates their owners to stay energetic.
Mini Schnauzers can grow to be 12-14 inches tall and weigh up to 20 pounds. Despite being small dogs, they are little balls of energy due to their working dog background. As per PetMD, these pooches are the descendants of a German breed used to pull carts and hunt rats.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are one of the best dog breeds for aging pet parents due to their sweet nature, compact size, and adaptability. They have little clownish faces and long, silky hair (another example of “lion mane”), which needs regular grooming.
The Shih Tzu is kind of a big deal in Buddhism, as it was originally bred and developed in Tibet. Tibetan monks later introduced these adorable pups to Chinese royals, and this was how they gained their aristocratic status.
Nowadays, they’re amazing companions for easygoing owners, just like your grandpa. According to Britannica, these “little lions” can grow up to 10 inches and weigh between 9-16 pounds. Apart from keeping their hair tangle-free, the only thing your grandma might have to worry about is her Shih Tzu getting lost in her pile of yarn.
Occasional professional grooming might be needed for these gorgeous dogs; you can have their long hair trimmed or tie it in a topknot above the head.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are regal little pups with a dignified but friendly personality, and are one of the best dogs for seniors and easygoing owners. While these pooches will enjoy some short daily walks and play sessions, they won’t cause major ripples in their elderly owners’ relaxed lifestyle.
While they’re smaller than many dogs, Cavs are one of the larger dogs in the toy group. At a size range of 12-13 inches and 13-18 pounds, these portable pups love to settle in the lap of their loving pet owners.
Despite not being hyperactive, Cavs are sociable and outgoing; they can get along pretty well with other dogs in the house.
7. Greyhound
Greyhounds might be one of the fastest and most agile dogs in the world, but they’re surprisingly good indoors and don’t mind an easygoing lifestyle. These traits make Greyhound a great dog breed for older adults and seniors looking for an easier-to-maintain dog.
While onlookers will see an impressively tall dog with lean legs and a balanced boy, Greyhounds are dogs with sweet temperaments who love to cozy up with their owners. Their smooth, short coat doesn’t require extensive grooming and will stay awesome with some quick combing and occasional bathing.
According to WebMD, Greyhounds can grow 28-30 inches tall and 56-70 pounds in weight for males and 27-28 inches and 60-65 pounds for females. They’re great companions for seniors who don’t mind taking a stroll outside sometimes, allowing them to stretch their legs.
Greyhounds are… well… as the name suggests, from the hound group, but early socialization can help them get along well with other pets.
8. Pug
A tiny dog with an affectionate nature and amazing to hug, a muscular build is exactly what many elderly dog lovers are going to cherish. Pug is a sweet-faced breed that most likely originated in China and are one of the most popular lap dogs that live amiably in smaller living spaces.
Due to their short muzzle and flat faces, Pugs can struggle to breathe, especially when it’s hot and humid. So, if your elderly parent or relative is also a homebody, this breed can match their energy. This doesn’t mean that Pugs don’t need a little activity like short walks, though.
Pugs are playful dogs but with a calm demeanor; they will happily snuggle into their owners’ lap or play with toys indoors. Pugs are no larger than 10-13 inches and 14-18 pounds.
9. Havanese
A huge package of affection and cuteness in a small body, the Havanese is a clownish pup that will make its elderly owner laugh. Its cute size ranges between 8.5-11.5 inches and 7-13 pounds, which makes them just the right fit for their owners’ lap.
With a fluffy coat and cheerful face, this Cuban pooch entices family members of all age groups and gets along amazingly with seniors. As intelligent dogs, they learn to follow commands and understand cues wonderfully, so they won’t frustrate their senior owners.
Adding a little dog that’s calm yet very watchful to a senior’s home has its perks. Havanese tick all these boxes; despite being awesome watchdogs, they’re not excessive barkers… so, the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
These elderly-friendly dogs can become a healing and helpful companionship for your parents or other elderly relatives. Make sure you find a pooch that fits the health, energy levels, and lifestyle of the potential senior owner.
One thing that must be considered while adopting a pet dog for seniors is that the dog should require minimal grooming and maintenance needs, so that it does not become a burden for the elderly at a time when they need support themselves.
