What is the best age for becoming a dog owner? We don’t know what you think, but our answer is “literally any age”. The dog world is diverse in temperaments, energy levels, adaptability levels, and grooming needs. For every person on this planet, there’s most likely a dog breed that fits.
Are you in your 70s, wondering if it’s too late to commit to a furry companionship? Or maybe you have a parent or relative and are thinking about getting them a dog, wondering if they’ll be able to handle it.
The good news is, there are many gentle, reliable, and even-tempered breeds that make awesome partners for seniors. Many seniors have been dog owners their whole lives and are used to taking care of and spending time with their furry friends.
In this article, we’ll go through the traits of 7 amazing dog breeds that make excellent companions for people in their 70s.
Best Dog Breeds for Someone in Their 70s
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles spaniels will always be mentioned when we’re talking about the best dogs for seniors. This spaniel-type toy dog breed enjoys some short walks and is well-suited for people in their 70s who want to stretch their legs more often.
PetMD notes that these compact dogs have beautiful, thick, and silky double coats, which makes them soothing to look at. These affectionate dogs are playful but also make great cuddle buddies for their pet parents. They are often used as therapy dogs, so you know this breed has the ability to provide gentle and calming friendship.
These pups are easy to train, and despite being ready for a stroll outdoors, they also make quintessential lap dogs and love to cozy up next to you indoors.
Don’t let their thick coats put you off; they’re actually quite low maintenance in grooming. They don’t shed a lot of dander, so less allergy concerns and less dander to clean up all around the house.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a toy breed of Tibetan origin, according to Britannica, developed from Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Royal hands have been behind the development of this adorable breed. It gets its name, Shih Tzu Kou (little lion), due to its hairy coat and stature that makes it look like a miniature lion.
Due to their compact size and their love for an easygoing living, Shih Tzus are considered one of the best breeds for senior citizens. They prefer a pampered lifestyle and love to chill on the couch with their pet parents.
Shih Tzus love to play and will appreciate indoor games as well as short walks outdoors. Their energy levels are quite impressive for their size, and they can be a little slow to pick up when it comes to obedience training. Teaching them to follow commands when they’re puppies will help a lot.
Elderly individuals can consider hiring dog walkers and professional groomers to take care of their pets. Shih Tzus require regular grooming due to their thick coat. Regular brushing, daily or at least every other day, is important.
3. Maltese
Maltese can make the perfect dog for someone in their 70s due to their low-shedding coat. This popular small breed is too hard not to fall in love with due to its distinct, long, silky coat that covers its little body.
Maltese are extremely loyal dogs with loving faces that soothe their owners’ minds and hearts. These small animals have a big presence and can fill their forever homes with happiness. Don’t take their small sizes for delicacy; these tiny dogs are quite agile and live long lives.
Their beautiful coats do need regular grooming; brushing and shampooing are important to keep them tangle-free. Consider occasional professional grooming if it becomes hard for you.
4. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs make wonderful companions for people in their 70s due to their affectionate nature and moderate to low energy level. Frenchies are a toy breed with a sturdy build, smooth, short coat, and flat face. These pups have a never-ending supply of sweetness and playfulness.
Frenchies make awesome lap dogs and don’t mind spending time indoors with their owners, who are seniors. These small dogs are quite low maintenance in terms of exercise needs and can stay content if they’re getting some playtime in enclosed areas.
Noisiness is not much of an issue with Frenchies, but they tend to bark if left alone for long periods of time.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are, as the American Kennel Club (AKC) mentions, among the oldest dog breeds of America. These pocket-sized dogs are perfect for older owners who live in apartments or small houses. These apple-headed pups have perky ears and round, expressive eyes that make them break the cuteness meter.
These purse dogs are an energetic breed that loves to run around. They can happily tire themselves out trotting and playing inside your apartment or any closed space. Chihuahuas are alert dogs with a high intelligence level; they can be highly trainable if positive reinforcement and treats are involved.
Mental stimulation games are a great way for both senior dog owners and their pets to keep their cognitive function sharp.
6. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are sweet-natured and excessively gorgeous lapdogs with a white fluffy coat hard to keep our eyes off. Bichons are one of the most suitable dog breeds for seniors due to their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats and their friendly nature.
Bichon is a non-sporting breed that literally looks like a toy with its curly, sheeplike coat. They love human company and need a lot of attention; they’ve been favored by aristocrats in the past and are all about getting pampered.
Since their coat keeps growing, take them to a pet groomer for trimming whenever it gets hard to control. Regular grooming is a no-brainer as their thick coat can matt and become dirty if left untouched.
They love snuggling up close to their humans as affectionate lapdogs. They don’t need excessive exercise and long walks, but some activity is still required to keep them healthy.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are versatile canines that can adapt to both easygoing and active owners. According to WebMD, Minis make friendly and trainable companions and can adapt well to an apartment lifestyle.
While minis are quite home-oriented and make gentle lapdogs, they’ll also happily take a trott outside in a farm or park with you. They love spending time with their families and will make amazing hosts if your grandchildren visit.
Mini’s thick double coat needs proper and regular grooming. One of the features that makes Minis great companions for older owners is that it’s a low-shedding canines. Yet, if the coat grows a lot, take them for some professional grooming and maybe get them a cute trim.
Conclusion
Adopting a dog in your 70s can feel challenging, but it’s not without its blessings. Pet ownership is all about a little give and take; while your dog provides you with loving company, you’ve got to learn how to be caring owners to them.
Many dog breeds are perfect for people in their 70s, but both dogs and owners can have different individual needs. Some other dog breeds you can explore are Labrador Retrievers (if you don’t mind larger dogs), Golden Retrievers, and Pomeranians.
