Certain breeds work as assistants for the senior living community that are going to give you all the cuddles, gentle hugs, and playful entertainment. Having a calm and loving dog beside you can lower your blood pressure and has also been linked to decreased anxiety.
Vets and doctors recommend that seniors consider low-maintenance dog breeds when choosing a pet. The elderly often have specific restrictions and abilities that need to be considered when choosing a dog. Moreover, the best dog breeds for seniors typically have lower energy levels and are smaller in size.
Interacting with these pets can help improve well-being by producing endorphins and dopamine that will always keep you happy. Moreover, seniors with dogs often report having a greater sense of purpose in life. These dogs will be the perfect fit for you and help you enjoy the last leg of your life on this earth with fervor.
But it doesn’t mean the option of large breeds should be thrown out the window if you have a small living space. Because if you have access to open grounds and parks in your senior home, then you may also go for some larger, high-energy pups.
Dog Breeds That Work as Assistants for Senior Homes
1. French Bulldog
The ultimately versatile and adaptable French Bulldog not only survives but thrives in the city and the country as long as they have their loving owner’s aka you, by their side. This cosmopolitan dog breed is such a charmer and is always up for a fun doggie day out or a gentle stroll.
Hence, they are the perfect dog breeds for seniors. Just make sure your furry friend, who is the adorable attention-seeking lap dog, is always in peak health by getting it checked by the vet for any health issues.
The French Bulldog weighs anywhere between 19 and 28 pounds, has minimal grooming needs, enjoys some relaxing time in the spa, and would love roaming around your senior living community.
These Frenchie’s are low-energy pups with big personalities, are highly intelligent, and easy to train. They bond exceptionally well with children and other animals and are a perfect little sassy fashionista to have in your house.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These perfectly adorable doe-eyed pups are a dream to have for any owner. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs between 11 and 18 pounds and is known for being incredibly affectionate. They are loyal and loving to another level, will give you ample nuzzles and cuddles to warm your heart and soul, and have the most silky soft fur, which feels wonderful and therapeutic to touch.
Hill’s Pet US says that true-born companion dogs are the best, sophisticated dog breed for seniors and any pet parent who wants a more intensely attached velcro dog to be their furry companion. Professional grooming is not required for this cute puppy, but getting them brushed and bathed every now and then will keep them smelling fresh.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are enthusiastic bird watchers and tend to closely follow their owners, whether they are hooked on a leash or not. They are the ideal dogs for apartment living and are also great family dogs that love small children.
3. Shih Tzu
This furry companion hails from China and is another great candidate for older adults because it doesn’t require regular grooming. They need only short and easy walks to fulfill their physical and mental stimulation needs, and are the best small dogs with enough cuteness to steal your heart every day.
Purina UK quotes that Shih Tzus are pretty small dogs, maxing out at 16 pounds, and generally require occasional grooming. They thrive in a laid-back and low-energy lifestyle and are incredibly affectionate pups that form strong bonds with their owners.
Shocking for such a small dog, Shih Tzus are quite sturdy and agile. They are watchful, observant, and also emotionally perceptive. Hence, you can rely on these perfect pooches for emotional support and therapy every now and then.
4. Golden Retriever
If you are thinking, what is a large pup like a Golden Retriever doing in an ideal senior dog list? Then let us tell you these highly affectionate, loyal, high-energy dogs are one of the most used therapy and emotional support animals in nursing homes and senior living communities.
The Golden Retrievers have an excellent capability of understanding emotional issues, and they provide consolation and refuge to the most troubled people without asking anything in return. These bright and shiny dogs are even said to release way more oxytocin than the other dogs and bond closely with their loved ones, providing them support and companionship at every step.
Hence, they are the best dog breeds to have beside you in your lonely golden years. Their love and merriness will fill your heart with peace, and even though they shed a lot of fur due to their fluffy coat, they are quite angelic, nonetheless. You can book them appointments for their professional grooming needs, and the rest is just a breeze to handle.
5. Labrador Retriever
You might have noticed this unique puppy gets listed everywhere, in every nook and corner of the world, fits almost any role you give them, and is quite a popular dog amongst the canines. But how can a bouncy, spirited pup like a Labrador fit in a senior’s laid-back lifestyle?
Seems quite bizarre to think about, but owners love this over-enthusiastic guy, and we can’t hear the end of how this pup is so great in everything. Hence, let’s give this Lab a chance; it might prove us wrong. Now we all know this pup is a highly turbocharged force of nature, which has gained him a position in the sporting group.
But did you know? If its exercise needs are met, it’ll happily lounge near your armchair like a good dog and won’t trouble you at all. Ah ha! This puppy does have a million shades in coat colors and character.
Hint: Just take them to the pool with you and bring along a ball and play a game of fetch with them (and their stimulation requirements will be sorted for the day).
P.S. You can also bribe these happy dogs with treats because they are highly food-motivated.
6. Pug
Here comes the low-shedding and low-living Pug. It is an ideal dog breed for any senior because it brings joy and laughter right along with them wherever they go. These muscular dogs are the class clowns of the canine kingdom.
Pawlicy Advisor says Pugs are small dogs that usually weigh between 14 to 18 pounds. They love to cuddle and are great for older adults because they don’t need a lot of exercise. But that’s not where the benefits of owning a Pug end.
They don’t need a lot of grooming, love their owners with an intensity, and don’t make a mess around the house. Pugs are miniature mastiffs that make perfect partners for older adults who desperately need some happiness and entertainment in their lives.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers weigh up to 20 pounds and require regular brushing due to their double coat. These farm dogs from Bavaria were bred to be ratters, but who knew that they would soon work their way up into the arms and eventually the hearts of owners worldwide.
Omlet says these cute, bearded personalities covered in hypoallergenic coats will match you perfectly. These smart little pups with a high IQ and EQ understand when their owners are in distress and bolt in the direction of their loved ones the moment they sense some sadness in the atmosphere. (Aw! How cute is that?)
Now you might think a Miniature Schnauzer is too fast for a slowpoke like you, but these particular ratters are as calm and steady as they are swift on the go. They are highly adaptable and alert dogs who’ll sometimes raise your blood pressure but also settle it down. Hence, a perfect combo of a bit of mischievousness and sobriety all packed in one soft furball. Hmm, sounds pretty irresistible.
8. Maltese
This white and bright, show-stopping, regal luxury only graces the lives of the most unique and deserving owners. If you are a big history buff, then you should know the last Tudor ruler, Queen Elizabeth I, and her opponent, Mary Queen of Scots, both loved Maltese dogs.
But just wait, these pups are not only a few centuries old, but these dogs of antiquity were also enjoying their time in the lap of luxury, when the bible was in the works.
Continental Kennel Club says the Maltese is not just a small lap dog that enjoys spending time with their owners and going on short walks; it is an agile entertainer, quick learner, swift runner, and frolicking friend of extreme beauty and finesse.
You can dress these pooches with cute bows and style their silky floor-length hair in a variety of ways, or if you are not keen about detailed grooming, then you can just get them a puppy cut, which is highly manageable, and enjoy their endearing and innocent looks.
9. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise comes from the same Barbichon family as the Maltese. These fluffy-coated wonders are undoubtedly the best dogs you’ll ever have. They were born to be lap dogs and are extremely travel-friendly due to their size. But most importantly, they were featured in royal paintings in France due to their popularity before the French Revolution.
PDSA quotes Bichons are the ultimate fluffy curly coated clouds, which provide therapy to older adults and are the best companions you’ll ever have in your life. They don’t shed a lot and need regular exercise, which is essential, but many small breeds like the Bichon only need moderate amounts of activity.
These tiny little explorers love taking walks and spending time outdoors, but will also remain content in your lap for half the day, because they love to be pampered and held.
10. Havanese
This Havana silk dog, or the national dog of Cuba, is another doting and delightful pup from the Barbichon family. They are the ultimate bite-sized mood-boosters and are a great fit for any lively and social home.
PetMD states these cheerful dogs have the personality traits of a solid ESFG. They are bright, merry extroverts who charm everyone with their high-spirited attitude. These cutest dogs love to explore and learn new things every day, like a toddler looking at the world for the first time. They love to smell every flower and touch every person with their love.
They are playful and kind and will walk the path of life happily with you if you give them round-the-clock affection and attention. That’s the only thing these fluffy dogs are demanding; don’t deny their request, old man.
Conclusion
Do you know? Some of these exceptionally low-maintenance pets stay content just by lying near you, when you are reading a book or catching up on your favorite show. Hence, what more do you need from these calm and soothing pups that bring you pure joy and happiness?
Any of these pooches will be a great choice for a laid-back and less extravagant lifestyle. Just provide them with enough exercise each day and a lot of cuddles, and they’ll be their happy selves throughout the day.
Just make sure, if you are an older adult in senior communities, you should verify beforehand if pets are allowed in the community, which is highly likely and what facilities are available for dogs. This will ensure a comfortable environment for you and your dog. So, what are you waiting for? Go get these affectionate puppies now. Because life is short and you only live once, seize the day and get a dog today.
