Dogs are cute and cuddly companions, well-suited for people of all ages. However, if you are a senior citizen or prefer a serene lifestyle, some breeds may not be a good fit for you. For instance, sporting dogs are usually athletic and playful.
They require plenty of physical and mental stimulation and need an active owner. Likewise, some dog breeds are more laid back and need only moderate exercise to stay fit. Perfect dog breeds for seniors usually have a calm and gentle personality.
Their stable and even temperament makes them a good choice for senior dog owners who prefer peaceful living. Such canines generally have an adaptable nature and are capable of adjusting well in a variety of environments.
Have a look at 7 perfect dog breeds for senior citizens and peaceful homes.
Perfect Dog Breeds for Senior Citizens & Peaceful Homes
1. Basenji
Basenjis are smart and poised dogs valued for their fastidious, cat-like personality. Their short, glistening coat produces little doggy odor and needs minimal grooming. Basenjis are quiet dogs who bark rarely. Instead, they produce unique yodel-like sounds to communicate.
These dogs have an independent streak. Once they have exercised properly, they can spend some time calmly. Their low maintenance needs and quiet personality make them suitable for a senior living community.
However, they are active, inquisitive, and energetic dogs, explains the American Kennel Club. They need lots of regular exercise to keep from getting bored. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing and excessive barking.
Therefore, they are better suited for seniors with an active lifestyle. Basenjis love spending time outdoors and should not be left alone due to their high prey drive. Early training and socialization are important to turn them into well-behaved pets.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a very popular dog breed loved for its large ‘bat’ ears and expressive eyes. Frenchies are adaptable and smart dogs who love entertaining their humans with playful antics. Their easygoing and laid-back personality makes them well-suited for senior citizens and peaceful homes.
Frenchies are usually quiet and do not bark much. It makes them great companions for humans who prefer a serene lifestyle. Thanks to their alert nature, Frenchies do well as watchdogs. They can happily adapt to singles, couples, or families.
French Bulldogs love making new friends of the human variety. They get along well with other animals as well. A short walk or indoor play session usually provides them with adequate exercise. Frenchies also excel at various canine sports like agility, obedience, and rally.
Their coat also needs minimal grooming to look good. However, Frenchies are brachycephalic, which makes them prone to several breathing issues.
3. Pug
Pugs are a low-maintenance dog breed with low energy levels. This, combined with their low exercise needs make them great for seniors and individuals having limited mobility. Pugs are loving, charming, and mischievous dogs.
These adorable small dogs are quite adaptable and adjust well in a variety of households. Having a friendly demeanor, Pugs love pleasing their owners with their playful antics. However, they tend to have a laid-back nature.
Pugs have an easygoing nature, and they love napping. In fact, they can spend the entire day snoozing or lying in a comfy corner. Pugs love attention and love spending time with their humans. They are usually food-motivated and can be easily trained using positive reinforcement methods.
According to PetMD, Pugs are loving dogs who enjoy cuddling their humans. They make wonderful lap dogs and are suitable for apartment living.
4. Pekingese
Pekingese are extraordinarily loyal and affectionate dogs who form inseparable bonds with their humans. Their low exercise needs make them ideal for first-time owners or older adults. Regular walks to greet the neighbors and indoor play sessions provide them with adequate exercise.
Pekingese form inseparable bonds with their humans. These independent furry friends are far from being clingy. Yet, their purpose in life is to amuse and comfort. Pekes can be a bit difficult to train due to their strong-willed personality.
However, Pekes have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to stay in top-notch condition. Senior citizens who can keep up with their brushing needs can adopt these small dogs. Pekingese are flat-faced dogs.
Due to being brachycephalic, Pekes are prone to several respiratory issues. So make sure you do not over-exercise your Peke or take it out in hot and humid weather.
5. Shih Tzu
Playful, affectionate, and outgoing, Shih Tzus were originally bred as companions. These lively charmers get along well with everyone, including kids and other pets. Their compact size and adaptable nature make them good furry companions for apartment dwellers.
Shih Tzus have moderate exercise needs and need only a few short walks around the block. Indoor play sessions can also provide them with adequate physical and mental stimulation. Their low exercise needs make them a great choice for senior citizens.
Additionally, they are not excessive barkers, which means they get along well with individuals who prefer peaceful living. However, their eye-catching coat needs frequent grooming to stay free from mats and tangles. Professional grooming every few months is also recommended.
Fortunately, these adorable pooches have hypoallergenic coats. It makes them ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Often known as ‘gentle giants,’ Irish Wolfhounds are loved for their friendly nature and impressive size. These relaxed and affectionate canines make great pets for people of all ages, including kids, adults, and senior citizens.
According to WebMD, Irish Wolfhounds are sweet and loyal dogs who exhibit a calm demeanor. Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred to hunt wolves and have a high prey drive, so they are not well-suited for multipet households.
Older adults can easily keep up with their moderate exercise and low grooming needs. They can be lazy if you let them, but they are the happiest when they get regular exercise every day. The coat needs only weekly brushing to keep it looking its best.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, affectionate, and playful small dog. These social butterflies get along nicely with everyone, including other dogs and kids. Cavaliers were originally bred to be lap dogs. They have moderate energy levels and need only minimal exercise for stimulation.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is highly adaptable and does well with active owners as well as homebodies having a sedentary lifestyle. Also, they do not bark much and are well-suited for apartment living. These traits also make them ideal for seniors looking into pet ownership.
Cavaliers thrive on human interaction and cannot be left alone for long periods of time. They are exceptionally friendly with everyone, including strangers. These loving and loyal companions are a good choice for individuals who prefer peaceful living.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are better suited for senior citizens compared to others. The best dog breeds for seniors are usually calm and docile. They are loyal, sociable, and gentle towards everyone. Some of them make good watchdogs, too.
Their moderate energy levels and minimal exercise needs enable them to adjust well in peaceful households or with a senior citizen’s lifestyle. Many of them are low-maintenance and need little grooming to keep looking beautiful.
