Do you ever feel like it’s too late to chase your dreams, to go on an adventure, climb that mountain, or open your heart to someone new? Who says there are rules about when or how you should live your life? It’s time to stop making excuses like “I’m too old” and start living on your own terms.
Let go of what others think, and go adopt that furry friend from the shelter — the one who brought a smile to your face last week. Why wait? Life’s too short to miss out on simple joys.
If you’re in your 70s, sitting at home watching videos of adorable pups and wishing one were yours, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of sweet, low-fuss dog breeds that can bring fun, love, and companionship into your daily routine without turning your peaceful home upside down.
And yes, small, portable dogs are perfect for seniors who want both a buddy and a bit of freedom to travel.
Dog Breeds for Seniors That Are Low Maintenance
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of the snuggliest and cuddliest pups that are the perfect dog breed for seniors. These affectionate dogs are extremely loyal and low-maintenance. The Cavalier King Charles spaniels need minimal grooming and exercise, and basic daily walks can suffice for these pooches who have moderate energy levels.
Continental Kennel Club says the Cavalier King Charles spaniels are great companion dogs and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle beside their owners. Hence, if you want a companion who can watch some Netflix with you and just give you company on the couch, these pooches are a perfect fit for you.
This great breed was cherished by King Charles II and is quite an adaptable pup who will adjust to apartment living as well.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels only need regular brushing, ear cleaning, and occasional grooming. But the most amazing part is that having a playful and bouncy little cavalier can help you stay healthy and live longer. Because Pet ownership is associated with reduced deterioration in physical health among older adults.
2. Maltese
The Maltese is an exceptionally beautiful white lap dog breed that originally belongs to Italy. This silky-coated pooch is a joy to raise and own.
If you are facing loneliness and or just depressed because older life seems too overwhelming and tough, and don’t know how to find a way out of this dark abyss. Then, either register to be a dog walker, which will help you reduce your stress, elevate your mood, and enhance your health, or find this dog.
Omlet says the Maltese has been loved by royals like Mary Queen of Scots and doesn’t need a ton of exercise because they get exhausted easily due to their size. The Maltese is a happy-go-lucky and pristine pooch that doesn’t need to be professionally groomed for their long coat. The occasional trip to the salon and getting them a puppy cut will suffice.
These pooches form strong bonds with their owners and will prove to be excellent companions for seniors who are shifting towards independent living. However, when choosing a dog, matching the pet’s personality to your own makes the transition as a pet parent smoother. Hence, choose pooches that are joyful and peaceful just like you, and Maltese fit this persona very well.
3. Greyhound
These slim and sleek racehorses of the canine world, known as Greyhounds, have a calm demeanor and affectionate nature, making them suitable for older adults. These pups are extremely fast and agile on the race course and excel in the dog sports of lure coursing.
These pooches need to be kept leashed because they can be distracted by small animals and vermin, as they are sighthounds and have a high prey drive.
Petplan says Greyhounds have a very short coat, hence they need minimal grooming and are the best dog for seniors. These unique and slender pooches love to cuddle, and stay in your laps are incredibly affectionate and shockingly low maintenance because they love to snooze off and stay in their dreamworld when not taking medals for winning races.
Moreover, did you know that pet ownership has the potential to contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function in older adults? Yes, it is true when you spend time caring for these fur babies. You’ll turn into an active senior, and hence owning these dogs will help reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
P.S. However, individual dogs vary in personality, and breed generalities can help in selecting a dog breed for your home. Hence, study and do your research about these pooches before bringing them home.
4. Pug
If you have ever come across this big-eyed, lazy, and wrinkly dog and found this puppy-sized dog cute, then it’s not your fault. These chubby breeds are so lovable that they’ll make anyone fall in love with them.
These Chinese dogs are brachycephalic and might need frequent visits to the vet to keep their health in check, but these low-energy, lazy pooches who love seeking your attention and won’t eat until you feed them food from your hands are so adorable that they’ll become an important part of your life in no time.
PDSA confirms Pugs are big foodies and couch potatoes; you’ll have to encourage them to do regular exercise and spend some time outdoors. But make sure you take them on walks when the weather is pleasant outside, or they might get overheated. These adorable pugs with short muzzles and curly tails are an entertaining breed for seniors
They’ll be a reason for hearty laughs and genuine smiles each day and make your golden years memorable. However, potential dog owners should consider the financial commitment of dog ownership, including food and vet visits, which a necessary before bringing home a pug. Because they do eat a lot of kibble, protein, and dog treats.
But because breed size affects grooming costs, larger dogs with longer fur generally cost more to groom, but pugs are small dogs that don’t require professional or frequent grooming sessions; just regular brushing and basic grooming like cleaning their ears and trimming their nails would suffice.
5. Beagle
An exceptional scent hound, a magical nose on four paws. The beagle is a great dog breed for seniors and singles. This fast and sneaky rabbit-hunting canine is another pooch that seems tiny but doesn’t lack endurance and strength. They have moderate to high energy levels and love going on long walks
If you are looking for a pup who only needs periodic grooming and makes a sweet and loving family member, like most dogs on the list. Beagles have a short coat and a fun personality, making them low-maintenance.
These dogs typically require daily walks and playtime, which is an important concern for seniors. They are also responsible for keeping important people like our grandparents cheerful and healthy.
A Harvard study states these furry pooches are great for cardiovascular health and prove beneficial for keeping stress away. Hence, pick these ancient pooches which are available at most shelters nationwide and start the journey of pet ownership today.
6. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs generally have minimal grooming needs compared to other breeds. These sassy and spunky pups, which are the toy-sized version of the bulldog, are extremely cute, and they know it. A woman’s favorite, the French bulldog, or the Frenchie, is the most popular dog breed in the world, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranking of 2025.
Pawlicy Advisor says these small, low-energy pooches with bat-like pointy ears dethroned the mighty high-energy Labrador retriever without even lifting a paw and are now spending their prize money without a care in the world. Enjoying their days in the sunshine beside their filthy-rich retiree and veteran friends who love cruising and roaming around the world.
These Frenchies are perfectly well-suited partners for your golden years. Moreover, walking and playing with a dog is a great way for seniors to stay active; hence, adopt this purebred dog to spoil them rotten and enjoy their entertaining, funny antics every day.
7. Bichon Frise
This curly and hypoallergenic puppy started his journey from the Island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands and was a beloved companion dog for Spanish sailors. Then these beautiful small white pooches arrived in Europe and became royal favorites among nobles, and featured in portraits beside kings and aristocrats because of their fluffiness.
But then the French Revolution got these puppies abandoned, and the bichon had to survive tough times by working and performing as entertainers and circuses.
Yet these resilient curly lap dogs made it through and are still renowned family pets among people who don’t want a messy but sophisticated pet. That is not only low maintenance but also a great cuddle buddy for the senior living community.
Purina says Bichon Frises typically weigh 10 to 18 pounds, making them easy to handle for older people. This small pooch doesn’t require regular grooming and routine exercise for long periods. The Bichon frise also makes the best dogs for seniors who want to roam around the world and need a compact, furry travel companion.
Moreover, if you love most poodles, the peppy bichon will equally please you with their unique playful personality and circus-approved balancing tricks.
Conclusion
After learning about these exceptionally funny and wacky fanatics that make life a joyride full of surprises, what are your thoughts? Have you turned into a dog enthusiast, or all still searching for that right breed that would click? If that’s the case, here are some other pet dog options for you, like the revered and noble shih-tzu and the havanese that belong to the barbichon family and are small dogs and need moderate exercise, but they require regular brushing and occasional professional grooming.
If you are looking for short-coated breeds, Labrador Retrievers are generally recommended for warm climates. Labrador Retrievers have minimal grooming requirements and are easy to care for. You can also choose Pomeranians that are Queen Victoria and Queen Charlotte’s favorite small dogs and weigh only 3 to 7 pounds, making them suitable for seniors. Or the exceptional combination of the Maltese and poodles, the Maltipoos, which are small dogs weighing 10 to 20 pounds and have moderate exercise needs.
Last but not least, Miniature Schnauzers also have a low shedding rate and do not require excessive grooming. However, both dogs and humans have varying energy levels, which should be considered when choosing a pet or taking a step towards pet ownership.
Hence, whether you choose herding dogs that are quite high-energy or an outdoor-loving, adventurous breed like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which was a famous favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth, a dashing black and white Boston terrier, or an older dog like a cocker spaniel, it is completely your choice. Most dogs make great pets, but certain breeds are better for seniors than the rest.
