Some people think that there is a certain age to own a pet, and that is NOT true. Growing old does not mean you cannot have a pet.
Honestly, you can have a pet dog even at the age of 75.
Your age does not have anything to do with adopting dogs, but your energy levels do. You cannot run, chase, and play around like adults, so choose the ones that meet your lifestyle.
Smaller breeds are best for seniors because they are easier to carry and handle than big ones. They jump into your lap without hurting, whereas the big dogs have their own tantrums.
These little puppies kill loneliness, anxiety and make you laugh throughout the day with their cute moves. Harvard Health Publishing explains that having a dog reduces blood pressure and cholesterol.
So yeah, it’s a dog with benefits.
But among hundreds of dog breeds for seniors, which one should you choose? It’s confusing, and that’s why we have listed the seven calm and sweet pups. So read about your favourite pet before you get a tough one and regret it later.
Sweet and Calm Dog Breeds Perfect for Older Adults
1. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is an active, protective, and affectionate dog with a flat face. This little puppy never lets you feel sad with ITS cuteness and mischievous activities.
They have a friendly but calm temperament, so they don’t frustrate seniors. Honestly, they snore and snort a lot, so that might irritate you a bit.
The Frenchie that we see today got its unique ears when the toy Bulldog was bred with French Pugs and Terriers back in the 19th century. This is a one-of-a-kind pup with bat-ear, muzzle, and wrinkles around the nose.
French Bulldogs have secured the number one spot for three years as a popular dog breed in the USA, as noted by the AKC. And it is because they are easy to handle and like to spend time with their owners.
They require moderate exercise, so get ready for short walks to the park, and honestly, that’s good for you, too. They stay alert but do not bark a lot, and that is a plus point if you live in a community.
These bright and playful puppies can’t swim due to their uneven muscle mass distribution, so keep an eye out if they are trying to act as if they can.
Fun Fact: British breeders recognize Frenchie as a separate breed when it was disqualified at the Westminster show in 1897.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet, affectionate, and cuddly companion. This little puppy got its name after King Charles I and II because they used to adore them a lot.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long nose, round sparkling eyes, and iconic silky hair on both ears that make them even more cute. This is the 14th most popular dog breed in the USA and also the best dog for first-time pet parents and seniors, according to PetMD.
These little pups were bred to be lap dogs, and they follow their pet parents no matter where they go. So yeah, they are super-friendly with other dogs and get ready to go even with strangers that might surprise you.
They require daily exercise, but they don’t create a mess at all. Honestly, they are all ready to spend a day at couch if left at home. They possess a friendly demeanor and are easy to handle. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a silky coat that sheds a bit, so brush them daily to avoid hair all over the place.
Fun Fact: The Cavalier was getting extinct after cross-breeding, so American Roswell Eldridge announced a craft prize to bring the original breed back in market.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is called “lion dog” in Chinese, though it have totally different personality. This cute puppy is gentle, playful, and friendly with owners and strangers.
They make you giggle the whole day and get along well with kids. Shih Tzu attracts people with its sweet expressions, cute moves, and long fur.
The crysanthemum face of the Shih Tzu makes them unique. They have a Chinese royal history of being lap dogs for the Ming Dynasty, and that’s why they still consider their owners royal.
They follow their pet parents all around the house and love cuddling. These little pups require 30 minutes of daily walking and, honestly, can even lie on the couch for the rest of the day.
The Shih Tzu is a low-maintenance dog but requires regular grooming to reduce the risk of skin diseases. Puppy cut is famous for the Shih Tzu, or you can also style their long hair with pins like a baby girl.
Fun Fact: Queen Elizabeth II and Miley Cyrus also owned Shih Tzu dogs as pets.
4. Pug
Pug is a loving and calm dog that enjoys lounging and going for short walks. They also love to eat, sleep, and play just like a little kid at home.
These flat-faced puppies love their owners and often feel jealous when they get ignored. You can guess their devotion from the life-saving incident of the Prince of Orange, where a Pug barked to signal an attack. So yeah, they are lazy but also very alert dogs.
The Pug is an excellent dog breed for seniors thanks to its calm nature, compact size, and loving personality. Known for their affectionate and easygoing temperament, Pugs thrive on human companionship and are happiest when relaxing beside their owners. They don’t require intense exercise.
Pugs have round black eyes, wrinkles at forhead and around the mouth that give happy, sad vibes. They look innocent and just like going to cry, but don’t get fooled by this.
These little pups have small nostrils that create difficulty in breathing in extreme winter and hot climates. Honestly, they are all good with short coats but snort a lot and require daily cleaning under wrinkled skin.
Fun Fact: Napoleon’s wife owned a Pug named Fortune that helped her to send messages under the collar to her husband while she was in Les Carmes prison.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular Schnauzer breed that was originally bred by German farmers to remove vermin. These little watchdogs have a friendly, outgoing, and fearless temperament that lifts your mood.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a wonderful choice for seniors thanks to its manageable size, loyal nature, and alert yet affectionate personality. This breed forms strong bonds with its owners and enjoys being involved in daily routines without demanding excessive physical activity.
Miniature is known for its long beard, mustach and eyebrows just like humans. They not only look cute but also have the purpose of protecting the eyes and mouth from injuries when chasing rodents.
With that said, it was all in the past and now serve as lap dogs with their charming personality. They accompany the senior pet owners and also get along well with kids.
These furry friends like fetching, tug of war, and racing all around the home. The Miniature Schnauzer is an alert breed that is easy to train and does not shed much.
But to be honest, they require grooming to prevent their hair from poking into their eyes.
Fun Fact: Queen Elizabeth, Senators Bob, Bruce Lee, and Mary Tyler has Miniature as their pets.
6. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is an ideal dog breed for seniors due to its gentle temperament, small size, and affectionate nature. Known for being calm and quiet, this breed adapts easily to a relaxed lifestyle and thrives in peaceful home environments.
These little dogs are friendly and affectionate, but also like to relax on couches while you are watching TV. Purina mentioned that Japanese Chins have cat like appearnce with spaced eyes and a small mouth.
These dogs have a caring nature, and that’s why they are wonderful companions. They love to play with kids and go for short walks along with the seniors.
Japanese Chin looks cute with white fur, but that coat requires grooming. You have to brush them daily that is a hassle if you can’t move or do house chores. Japanese Chins enjoy short walks and light play but are equally happy lounging indoors, making them perfect for seniors with limited mobility.
Fun Fact: Japan has Inu and Chin dog breeds, where Inu are working dogs, but Chin are royal dog breeds.
7. Maltese
Malteses are known for their white floor-length coats and adorable tricks. They have a give-and-take relationship where they ask for attention from seniors and get love and cuddles.
This energetic breed runs and chases moving objects and is easy to train. Honestly, they can be stubborn sometimes if you have been ignoring them. So spend time and take them for outdoor walks for mental stimulation.
The Maltese is a delightful companion for seniors thanks to its gentle personality, small size, and affectionate nature. This breed thrives on human companionship and loves spending quiet time cuddling with its owner.
These little pups require regular brushing and grooming to maintain that heavy fur. Yes, it looks cute, but it also gets messy when it grows too long.
Yes, Maltese do have a double coat, but do not shed much. So obviously, you can get one if you are allergic, but remember, there is no 100% allergy free dog.
Fun Fact: WKC’s show in 1877 had a white Maltese as a lion dog breed.
Conclusion
Small dogs are easy to train, cuddle, and carry compared to senior dogs. French Bulldog and Pug are low-maintenance dogs that enjoy lounging with you. But Cavalier, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Chin have minimal grooming needs at least once a year.
So don’t rush, read the details, and choose the one that meets your individual lifestyle. The above-mentioned are the best dog breeds for seniors that accompany and do not frustrate at all.
