What are the things that remind you of your grandparents? Is it their minty cologne, or their consistent habit of reading newspapers? Their ever-watchful presence on the porch, or their love for the slow songs? Their constant wisdom, in quips and quotes, telling you to enjoy the quiet evenings of your life, or their valuable advice for taking things slow?
The things that make us love these incredible human beings are the foundation of our homes and the forever guardians of our souls, whom we remember long after they are gone. These invaluable grandmothers and dads have raised several generations and undoubtedly deserve all the love and care in the world because they are now in their golden years of life.
But now, as we walk deep into the summer season, and are almost near fall. Something nostalgic suddenly reminds you of your precious grandmama and grandpapa, and you suddenly can’t wait to meet them for Christmas.
But what are you supposed to bring along with you as a gift to these humble souls? A meaningless tech gadget, a bathrobe, or a kitchen tool? No, that is too boring. How about a lively and calm companion who’ll brighten up their days and provide solace and love to them when they miss you?
Dog Breeds That Sit Beside Grandparents Calmly
Let’s dive a bit deeper to find the best dog breed for your perfect grandparents, who’ll sit calmly beside them or in their laps, give them the love and emotional therapy they need, all the while being a cute reminder of you.
1. Havanese
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches | Weight: 7-13 lbs.
Longevity: 14-16 years | Energy Level: Playful
Needs: High | Exercise: 20-40 mins/day
Coat: Medium Length Straight Silky Double Coat
Temperament: Cheerful, Bouncy, Vivacious, Sociable, Adaptable, Smart, Comical, Clownish, and Trainable Extroverts
Health concerns: Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Cherry Eye, Luxating Patella, Cardiomyopathy, Deafness, etc.
This national pup of Cuba is a great lap dog and low-maintenance breed that needs little exercise and has fewer grooming needs. These low-energy dogs are exceptionally loyal and loving towards their owners.
Hence are perfect little gift for your grandparents because it’ll follow them around and incorporate perfectly in their relaxed lifestyle.
Purina UK says it will not be long before they become the favorite little thing of your grandfolks. Hence, get ready to receive some shade from these peppy pups. Do you want to know why?
Because they love to go on short walks and have an ample amount of playful energy.
Match their owner’s energy levels immaculately and have a calming presence.
They stay content in sitting in one place like some royalty, and are so easy to train.
Hence, it is the perfect silky pooch with a hypoallergenic coat and cheerful disposition for senior owners.
2. French Bulldog
Height: 11-13 inches | Weight: Under 28 lbs.
Longevity: 10-12 years | Energy Level: Average
Needs: High | Exercise: <20 mins/day
Coat: Short, Flat Coat
Temperament: Playful, Alert, Adaptable, Charming, and Completely Irresistible
Health concerns: Brachycephalic syndrome, Conjunctivitis, Acute dermatitis, IVDD, Collapsed trachea, skin and ear infections, etc.
Was someone talking about big personalities? Oh well, here it is, a sassy, wrinkly, tiny dog with a massively big personality, soulful eyes, and perky bat ears. Who loves to stay active, but will also happily lounge beside your grandma’s macrame swing.
Omlet affirms that the Frenchie will be the perfect addition to your grandparents’ traditional and cute household. If you are still not convinced, how dare you question this deeply loving flat-faced pooch (the Frenchie is offended, cause you did not even notice its century-old fame in Paris).
The French bulldog is a miniature version of the English bulldog, hence a pretty cute puppy.
They are excellent companions for senior owners who don’t need a messy, large dog that can become a falling hazard. (No, not ideal, cause Grandpa John has just healed from his knee surgery)
These pooches love only short walks cause they are too precious and only like to come in front of the common people for short periods. (Of course, they know how to behave like a celebrity, don’t try to teach them, Eva!)
Make sure to take these bundles of sass out for moderate daily exercise and make sure they don’t get overheated. Protect them with an umbrella to avoid sunburn and skin issues.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Height: 12-13 inches | Weight: 13-18 lbs.
Longevity: 12-15 years | Energy Level: Average
Needs: High | Exercise: <45 mins/day
Coat: Medium length, flat, silky, and soft coat
Temperament: Sweet, Gentle, Attentive, Athletic, Regal, and Graceful with a lot of Verve
Health concerns: Mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, etc.
Senior citizens love care, kindness, and attention, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels aren’t like many breeds that are aloof or independent. They are velcro dogs with long silky ears who love to follow their owners around and form strong bonds with younger and older adults.
Whenever grandparents are sipping some morning coffee or watching their favorite TV show, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will stay right by their side.
Continental Kennel Club says Cavaliers are the best dog breed for people who want puppy-like dogs that are happiest when snuggling with their family.
This spaniel is affectionate, adaptable, and well-suited to small spaces and apartment living. Hence, they can be great partners in nursing homes and old-age homes alike.
These pooches aren’t high-energy dogs and have minimal grooming needs. Hence, occasional visits to the professional groomer will suffice.
P.S. This beloved puppy is easy to handle and train, endlessly comforting and peaceful. Hence, cherish these emotionally supportive friends lovingly.
4. Shih Tzu
Height: 9-10.5 inches | Weight: 9-16 lbs.
Longevity: 10-18 years | Energy Level: Average
Needs: High | Exercise: <20 mins/day
Coat: Long, Luxurious, and Straight-Flowing Coat
Temperament: Outgoing, Perky, Happy, Lively, Friendly, and Affectionate dog, with a Playful nature
Health concerns: Brachycephalic syndrome, ear infections, retinal cortical hypoplasia, entropion, trichiasis, etc.
Shih Tzus are quick learners who love spending time with older adults. Because they don’t like rambunctious kids who disrespect their personal space and fuss all their beautiful silky fur into a mess. This pooch also has a royal heritage and forms deep bonds with its owner quite instantly.
Orvis says the shih tzu is quite adaptable, whether you want to take them on easy walks or some light jogging sessions, they are always here to match your pace.
Shih Tzus are known for being quiet compared which makes them a great choice for apartment living.
If your grandparents are at that stage of life, where they are thinking it’s the end of the road for achieving more milestones or living their dreams. Then you can prove them wrong by bringing them this happy pooch with fluffy floppy ears that might need regular trips to the salon, but is a dream come true for pet owners of any age.
5. Golden Retriever
Height: 21.5-24 inches | Weight: 55-75 lbs.
Longevity: 10-12 years | Energy Level: Average
Needs: High | Exercise: >40 mins/day
Coat: Medium Length, Straight Double Coat
Temperament: Exuberant, loyal, smart, even-tempered, affectionate, and eager to please.
Health concerns: Cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, skin problems, etc.
We know, we know, calming dogs mostly come in small sizes as small dog breeds, not in medium to large-sized varieties with golden fur. But wait, isn’t the golden retriever the flag bearer of the most loyal and affectionate natured pups? The goldens aren’t like labs, which cannot stay in one place for a long time.
These golden pups with big floppy ears are easy going and laid back, and possibly the best dog in the whole entire dog world, and that is still not enough to describe the awesomeness of this individual dog.
PetMD says that whether your home is filled with toddlers or senior citizens, the golden retrievers are the quintessential family dogs and make fantastic companions for everyone in the house, including elderly persons.
They might not need minimal grooming, but these dogs are quite low maintenance in terms of exercise and only need moderate exercise.
Exceptionally easy to raise and handle than other dogs. Their affectionate nature makes them well-suited to relaxed and active lifestyles.
P.S. Just make sure to take them out on daily walks. Utilize their playful energy by getting them an automatic pet–safe ball launcher, and you are ready to be an exceptional pet parent.
6. Pomeranian
Height: 10-11 inches | Weight: 3-7 lbs.
Longevity: 12-16 years | Energy Level: Short bursts of energy
Needs: Low | Exercise: <20 mins/day
Coat: Medium Length, Straight Double Coat
Temperament: Perky, Sassy, Active, Intelligent, Independent, A bit Stubborn, and Alert
Health concerns: Luxating Patella, reverse sneezing, cataracts, glaucoma, etc.
If you are disregarding or cancelling the pom by looking at the high fluff level of this pooch, you are terribly wrong. Don’t be concerned about how much grooming and regular brushing it might need. Just look at the bright side of this beautiful show dog and spitz breed.
Petplan states it is the right dog for your grandma. Because she will be able to relate to this pooch as they both lived through the tough times after the World Wars together, probably!
Queen Victoria loved these loyal dogs who accompanied her after the passing of Prince Albert, and they are perfect for taking away all the pain, grief, and loneliness.
Poms are spunky and bright, hence, make space for all the entertainment they are going to give your grand folks.
The Pomeranians are loud and alert pups, but also gentle and cuddling lap dogs. They don’t need too much exercise, just a bit of pampering, attention, and someone who can fluff up their pillows, alright! And if that’s too much, just leave the Poms alone (they only cry in solitude, peeps don’t look at them, just go!)
7. Maltese
Height: 7-9 inches | Weight: under 7 lbs.
Longevity: 12-15 years | Energy Level: Very Energetic
Needs: High | Exercise: 20 mins/day
Coat: Long, Straight, Silky Coat
Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent, Responsive, Trusting, Lively, Playful, Highly Alert, with a Gentle temperament
Health concerns: Luxating patella, open fontanel, hypothyroidism, mitral valve disease, etc.
This fluffy comforter looks like an angelic pooch and is so ancient that it was even mentioned in the Bible. If your grandparents love soft plushies and pillows, this snuggly companion will fit right in.
VCA Animal Hospitals mentions they are like a little slice of heaven on earth and are ideal for quieter homes where love and cuddles are always on offer.
They are surprisingly fearless and hardy, and won’t back down from a fight if teased or provoked, but are also calm and composed pups that need light exercise.
They love entertaining their owners, and have an easygoing nature and soft demeanour.
But most importantly, they are hypoallergenic dogs, which makes them great choices for allergy sufferers.
P.S. Make sure to provide this ancient dog of Malta proper training, grooming, and health care, because these pooches don’t demand too much.
Conclusion
So, now whenever you visit your grandparents’ home, a tiny dog will greet you in the parking lot. But before you gift these small dog breeds to your old folks, make sure to quiz them about what type of dogs they love or if there was a special canine family member in their house when they were growing up, to get them exactly what they’ll love.
Just to give you some more options you can also consider a charming american cocker spaniel, a beautiful and peppy west highland white terrier, a cute bichon frise, a hypoallergenic and graceful standard poodle, or a classy boston terrier or any middle aged or senior dog breed who is gentle, fiercely loyal, affectionate, low maintenance and low energy to make great companions for your grandparents. You can even look for medium-sized dogs if they fit the right easygoing profile. Happy Gifting!
