The best dog breeds for older adults are those that are good with other pets, children and other family members. These dogs are typically calm, easygoing and friendly.
The following list of dog breeds is a great place to start when looking for a dog that will be appropriate for your aging family member. The dog breed descriptions also include some helpful tips on how to select a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder.
Beagle
Bichon Frise
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Dachshund
English Bulldog
French Bulldog
German Shepherd
The best dog breeds for older adults are those that are low-maintenance and adaptable to the needs of an aging owner. The following top 10 dogs are ideal for older adults because they are easy to train, well-behaved and do not require a lot of exercise. They make great companions for seniors who live alone or have limited mobility.
Best Dog Breeds For Older Adults
- Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. This breed is reliable, loyal, gentle and easygoing — perfect for seniors who want a low-maintenance dog that won’t cause too much stress or excitement in their lives. Labradors love to please people and will happily learn commands if they know they will get a reward afterward (like a treat). But this is not a breed for people who want an energetic companion who enjoys lots of outdoor activity — Labrador retrievers need daily walks but don’t require too much exercise beyond this. They also don’t shed much hair and have few health problems compared to other breeds.
- Poodle
Poodles have long been considered hypoallergenic dogs because they don’t shed much hair (although this isn’t always true). Their fur comes in three different
There is no doubt that dogs are man’s best friend. But if you’re an older person, there are certain dog breeds that will be a better fit for you. Here are some of the best dog breeds for older adults.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that doesn’t shed much and is great with kids. They’re also known for being affectionate, playful and loyal to their owners.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, but they’re great at helping seniors get around because they can literally be trained to help people walk through life. Labs are also known for being very gentle with children and other pets in the family.
Beagle
This good-natured breed of hound is known for its friendly personality and sweet demeanor around children and other pets. Beagles make great companions for active older adults who love to play outside with them on a daily basis.
You’re an older adult, and you want to get a dog. Maybe you’ve always wanted one, but never had the opportunity. Maybe your children have grown and moved away, leaving you alone in your big house. Or maybe you’ve just lost your spouse and are looking for a new best friend. Whatever the case may be, getting a dog is a rewarding experience for both the owner and the canine companion.
Of course, there are some considerations that must be made when choosing a dog breed for older adults. The first is size — not too big or too small — and temperament — calm and gentle with humans of all ages. You also want to consider how much exercise each breed requires on a daily basis.
Here are some of our favorite breeds for older adults:
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right dog breed, but there are certain qualities that make certain dogs better for seniors.
The size of the dog is important, as you don’t want to have to bend down to pet your pooch. Smaller breeds like Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier are good choices for older adults.
Senior dogs also need less exercise than younger dogs. If your dog is up for a walk during the day, that’s great! But if he’s not, it’s okay too. If your senior dog has arthritis or other physical limitations, then a short walk once or twice daily should be enough for him to stay happy and healthy.