Top 10 Dog Breeds: Choosing the Best Dog Breed for Seniors

Choosing the best dogs for seniors is a meaningful decision—it’s about finding a loyal companion who brings daily joy, comfort, and companionship. A dog can gently add structure to life, encourage light activity, and offer emotional support. Even something as simple as petting a dog can boost endorphins and reduce stress and anxiety. 

The right dogs for seniors can help an elderly loved one stay lightly active, ease loneliness, and uplift mood and cognitive health. Studies have shown that dog ownership can improve mental well-being, promote heart health, and contribute to a longer, more fulfilling life. 

However, not every dog is the right fit for every senior. It’s essential to choose a breed that matches the person’s energy level, living space, and lifestyle. A thoughtful choice means less stress and more quality time to enjoy the deep, healing bond between human and dog. 

In this guide, we explore 25 of the best dog breeds for seniors—each one selected for its companionship qualities, manageable care needs, and loving nature. We hope this list helps you find a furry friend who brings warmth, joy, and purpose to your life. 

How to Choose the Best Dog for Seniors 

1. Consider energy levels 

When choosing the best dog for seniors, it's essential to find one whose energy level complements their lifestyle. A calm, gentle dog can be the ideal companion, offering affection and companionship without the demands of intense activity. These dogs can encourage light movement, such as short daily walks or playtime, while also enjoying quiet moments and relaxation. Finding a breed with a balanced temperament can help bring comfort, routine, and joy to a senior’s daily life. 

2. Look for low-maintenance grooming needs

Some dog breeds require regular brushing, haircuts, or professional grooming, which may be physically taxing or difficult to maintain. For seniors, opting for a dog with a simple, easy-care coat can make a big difference. A low-maintenance dog allows more time for bonding and less time spent on upkeep, making pet ownership more enjoyable and less stressful. This kind of practicality adds to the peace of mind and ease that a good canine companion can bring. 

3. Think about size 

When choosing a dog, size matters—especially for seniors. Small to medium-sized breeds are typically easier to handle and care for. They’re lighter to lift, easier to bathe, and more manageable during walks or trips to the vet. These dogs also tend to adapt well to smaller living spaces, such as apartments or single-level homes, making daily life more comfortable for both the pet and their owner. 

4. Check temperament 

Temperament plays a significant role in finding the right companion. Calm, friendly, and sociable dogs are best suited for seniors. Look for breeds known for their gentle and affectionate nature. A dog with a well-balanced temperament is more likely to form a strong emotional bond and provide steady companionship, emotional support, and everyday joy. 

5. Dog coats and climate 

Your local climate should influence your choice in dog breeds, particularly when it comes to coat type. Long-haired breeds may struggle in warmer climates and require more grooming to stay comfortable. In contrast, short-haired breeds typically need less maintenance and are better suited to hot or humid weather. Matching a dog’s coat to the environment can help ensure their health and make care simpler.

6. Choose trainable breeds 

Selecting a trainable dog can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable companionship. Look for breeds known for their intelligence, willingness to learn, and eagerness to please. These dogs adapt more easily to routines and respond well to gentle guidance. A well-trained dog brings peace of mind, reduces daily stress, and helps build a stronger, more harmonious bond between you and your new friend. 

7. Consider the dog’s age 

The age of the dog is another important factor. Older dogs tend to be calmer and more settled, often requiring less intensive training, making them ideal for seniors. For those looking to share many years with their furry companion, breeds with longer lifespans may be preferable. Whether you choose a senior dog for its easygoing nature or a younger one for long-term companionship, it’s important to match the dog’s life stage with your lifestyle and preferences. 

8. Evaluate your mobility 

Consider your mobility and strength when choosing the best dog breeds for seniors, especially for walks. Some dogs require firm handling or tend to pull on walks, which can be difficult for seniors. Look for well-mannered, leash-trained dogs or breeds known for their calm walking habits. A dog that walks gently by your side can make daily outings safer and more enjoyable—supporting your health and well-being without added strain. 

9. Think about travel 

If travel is a regular part of your lifestyle, it’s important to choose a dog that handles it well. Some breeds are naturally calm and adaptable, making car rides or even air travel less stressful. Others may become anxious or unsettled when away from home. A travel-friendly dog can make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable—whether you're visiting family, heading to a vacation spot, or simply running errands. 

Best Small Dogs for Seniors 

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is beloved for its gentle temperament, affectionate nature, and ease of training. This breed is highly adaptable and thrives on companionship, often content to relax beside its owner or enjoy a favorite TV show together. At the same time, Cavaliers appreciate short daily walks and gentle play, offering a balanced mix of calm and light activity. Their moderate grooming needs and small size make them easy to manage, while their friendly personality and ability to adapt to apartment living make them an ideal choice for seniors. 

2. Shih Tzu 

Robust despite their small size, Shih Tzus have a long history of charming their way through royal palaces, particularly in China. They are known for their affectionate temperament and low exercise needs, making them ideal companions for retirees who prefer leisurely walks to more vigorous activity. While Shih Tzus do require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coats—including occasional visits to a professional groomer—their daily brushing routine can become a relaxing and enjoyable bonding experience rather than a chore. 

3. Maltese 

The Maltese is a charming toy breed known for its stunning white coat and affectionate nature. This quintessential companion dog is happiest when nestled by its owner’s side or curled up in their lap. Despite their lively personality, Maltese dogs don’t require intense physical activity, making them ideal for older adults seeking a low-maintenance yet loving pet. Their compact frames and hypoallergenic coats make them one of the best dogs for older people living in small homes or apartments. While they do require regular grooming, the trade-off is a dog that brings warmth, cheer, and companionship to any home. One drawback is their tendency to bark, but with consistent training, this behavior can be managed effectively. 

4. Miniature Schnauzer 

Miniature Schnauzers thrive on human companionship and make loyal, affectionate pets for seniors. Naturally alert and protective, they won’t hesitate to bark if they notice anything unusual in their surroundings. These intelligent dogs are quick learners and eager to please, which makes training straightforward. Although they require regular grooming to maintain their signature beard and wiry coat, they are otherwise low-maintenance and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for older adults. 

5. Pug 

Pugs are ideal for seniors thanks to their low energy levels, affectionate nature, and charming personality. They are often called the clowns of dogdom, as they’re known for their playful spirit. While they do shed and tend to snore, their grooming needs are minimal. However, it’s important to note that Pugs are a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, making them sensitive to heat. They thrive best in cool, comfortable environments. 

Best Medium-Sized Dogs for Seniors 

6. Cocker Spaniel 

Cocker Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and obedient dogs with a sweet disposition. They adapt well to new environments and are not prone to excessive barking. Their compact size makes them well-suited for small homes or apartments. With their silky, wavy coats, regular grooming is essential. Cocker Spaniels enjoy a balanced lifestyle of both activity and rest, and their cheerful demeanor makes them especially comforting companions for seniors dealing with anxiety or depression. 

7. Whippet 

Whippets are generally calm and content as long as they receive a daily dose of moderate exercise. These graceful dogs are perfectly happy to spend the rest of the day lounging and snoozing. With their charming personalities, Whippets love being close to their owners, often following them around the house or snuggling up on the couch. Their short coats require minimal grooming, and they are naturally clean, light shedders. Overall, Whippets are typically healthy, low-maintenance, and make gentle, affectionate companions. 

8. French Bulldog 

French Bulldogs, affectionately known as Frenchies, thrive on companionship and enjoy being groomed and pampered. They make excellent snuggle buddies for senior owners or individuals with limited mobility. Their affectionate and playful nature, along with their adaptability, make them ideal companion dogs. Frenchies are especially people-oriented and have a remarkable ability to sense their owner’s mood, offering comfort on tough days and amplifying joy on the good ones. They have low exercise needs but are sensitive to heat and prone to snoring due to their short-nosed (brachycephalic) structure. 

9. Basset Hound 

Basset Hounds are sassy, goofy little teddy bears known for their low energy levels and moderate exercise needs. While they can be a bit stubborn, they respond well to early, consistent training and socialization. Loyal and affectionate, Bassets may not be constant cuddlers, but they form strong bonds and rarely stray far from their owners. In fact, they are prone to mild separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. 

Calm Dogs for Seniors Who Love to Spend Time at Home 

10. Pekingese 

Pekingese dogs were once a fixture at the imperial Chinese court. Regal and mostly calm, these small companions thrive in quiet environments and enjoy close, devoted relationships with their owners. While they can be somewhat challenging to train, their overall temperament is easygoing and cooperative. Due to their thick, luxurious coats, Pekingese require regular daily grooming to stay comfortable and tidy. 

11. Lhasa Apso 

Lhasa Apsos are small dogs with big personalities! Intelligent, watchful, and affectionate, they often form a strong bond with one person. Originally from Tibet, this ancient breed has a rich history and a relatively long lifespan of 13 to 14 years. While they can be prone to certain health and temperament issues, their loyal nature makes them endearing companions. Their beautiful coat requires regular grooming, though clipping it short can help minimize daily upkeep. 

12. Greyhound (Retired Racers) 

By choosing to share your life with a Greyhound, you’re embracing a bond as ancient as civilization itself. This noble breed once slept beside Pharaohs and hunted alongside Middle Eastern royalty. Despite their racing heritage, Greyhounds are surprisingly calm and exceptionally gentle. They seem to instinctively understand the fragility of seniors and young children, interacting with them in a tender manner. While they do benefit from daily walks, most Greyhounds are content to lounge indoors. They thrive in a peaceful home environment and tend to keep their favorite person always within sight. 

13. Bichon Frise 

The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful, and animated dog known for its happy-go-lucky personality. Confident and full of charm, Bichons thrive on praise and affection. Their bubbly nature makes them incredibly lovable companions. They are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable—qualities that make training a fun and rewarding bonding experience. While they do require regular grooming, their hypoallergenic coats shed minimally, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Some Bichons can be quite energetic, so light daily exercise helps keep them happy and balanced. 

Best Dogs for Seniors Who Love to Spend Time Outdoors 

14. Beagle 

Beagles make excellent pets for senior owners, especially those who remain fairly active. They require daily walks but also enjoy playful indoor activities. Due to their strong scent-driven nature, beagles should be trained to walk properly on a leash. They are affectionate and loyal companions, perfect for lonely empty nesters. 

Being small in size, beagles require minimal grooming, though they do shed heavily during certain seasons. They are intelligent and relatively easy to train, adapting well to various living situations, including assisted living facilities. Since beagles can be prone to separation anxiety, they are ideal for elderly owners who spend more time at home and can provide consistent companionship. 

15. Labrador Retriever 

According to the AKC, the Labrador Retriever was the second most popular dog breed worldwide in 2024—and for good reason. This friendly and loyal breed suits a wide variety of owners and living environments. Labradors make excellent pets for active seniors who enjoy long walks or have a yard. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable. Known for their affectionate and loyal nature, they form strong bonds with their owners. With regular daily exercise, Labradors maintain moderate energy levels, making them well-suited for seniors. 

16. Standard Schnauzer 

Schnauzers are intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs suitable for a variety of owners, including seniors. However, they require regular grooming and moderate exercise, which may not fit every lifestyle. That said, Schnauzers are well-behaved and respond well to positive training. Their alert nature also makes them excellent guard dogs, especially for seniors who live alone. 

17. Border Terrier 

Border Terriers are the best small terrier breed for seniors. They are highly trainable and make great walking companions for active older adults. Easygoing, fun-loving, and affectionate, Border Terriers get along well with other dogs and children. Their moderate energy levels make them suitable even for less active seniors. Their small size is ideal for people living in smaller homes or with limited mobility. Additionally, they are relatively low-maintenance and require minimal grooming. 

Best Dogs for Seniors That Don’t Shed Much 

Seniors looking for a dog should understand the difference between grooming and shedding. Grooming involves brushing the coat and teeth daily, bathing every few weeks, and regular care for ears and nails. Shedding, on the other hand, is the amount of hair a dog naturally loses. While most dogs shed gradually throughout the year, some shed heavily once or twice annually. 

To minimize extra cleaning, seniors can consider low-shedding or hypoallergenic breeds. These dogs tend to leave less hair around the home and often trigger fewer allergies. However, it’s important to note that many hypoallergenic dogs still require regular brushing despite shedding less. 

18. Poodle (Miniature or Standard) 

Poodles come in three sizes, and the Miniature and Standard Poodles are often the best fit for most seniors. According to PetMD, they are the second-smartest dog breed in the world, just behind the Border Collie. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train. Poodles have hypoallergenic coats that shed minimally, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. However, they do require professional grooming to stay comfortable and healthy. 

19. Havanese 

Havanese are small dogs often recommended for seniors due to their compact size, easy adaptability to small homes, and gentle temperament. These social dogs form close bonds with their owners. They have low energy levels and do not require rigorous exercise. Havanese are also low-shedding and produce minimal dander, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. While their coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting, they are generally low-maintenance dogs. 

20. Basenji 

Basenjis are ideal for seniors who may have limited time or energy for grooming. Known for their cat-like cleanliness, they groom themselves and rarely bark—instead, they yodel. This unique trait makes them well-suited for apartment living. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance companion. 

21. Italian Greyhound 

Italian Greyhounds are quiet, small dogs for seniors. Compact and easy to care for, these affectionate lapdogs have short coats that require minimal grooming. Overall, Italian Greyhounds are perfect for seniors with limited mobility or health challenges, or for those who cannot devote much time or energy to dog care. 

Best Dog for Travelling Seniors 

The best dogs for active, travel-loving seniors are small, adaptable, and calm. They remain comfortable in cars, planes, and new environments, staying relaxed throughout the journey. To ensure smooth travel experiences, it’s important to start training early, including crate training and basic obedience from puppyhood. This helps them become confident and well-mannered travel companions. 

22. Yorkshire Terrier 

Yorkies are small, spunky, and loyal, and also one of the best lap dogs for seniors. Well-trained Yorkies make excellent travel companions due to their compact size and ease of carrying. They don’t require much exercise; a couple of short walks or some indoor playtime is enough to keep them mentally and physically fit. However, they tend to bark and benefit greatly from early socialization and training. Their long, silky coats require daily grooming to stay healthy and tangle-free. 

23. Papillon 

According to experts at Purina, the Papillon consistently ranks among the smartest dog breeds in the world. These small-sized, highly trainable dogs make excellent travel companions. They are portable, calm, confident, and always curious and alert. Papillons adapt easily to new environments, making them one of the best dogs for retirees who travel. 

24. Toy Poodle 

Toy Poodles are not only affectionate and loyal but also highly trainable. Their compact size makes them easy to carry in small dog carriers for air or car travel. Intelligent and eager to please, they quickly learn and adapt to new environments. With moderate exercise needs, Toy Poodles are an excellent choice for seniors who prefer relaxed travel plans. 

25. Brussels Griffon 

The Brussels Griffon is a smart, affectionate dog that makes an excellent travel companion for seniors. Their compact size makes them easy to manage, and they adapt well to traveling in small crates when trained from an early age. They form close bonds with their owners but do require regular grooming and can be quite vocal. 

Adopting vs. Buying: What Seniors Should Know 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right dogs for seniors involves considering factors such as grooming needs, temperament, energy levels, and trainability. Some breeds are low-maintenance and calm, making them perfect for individuals with limited mobility, while others suit more active lifestyles. Understanding these differences helps seniors find a companion that suits their routine and energy level. The right dog can bring comfort, joy, and lasting emotional support during one’s golden years. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What types of dogs are good for seniors?

Small to medium-sized dogs, with calm and affectionate temperaments like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles, are generally a good fit for seniors. Dogs that are easy to train and require lower maintenance, such as Labrador Retrievers or Shih Tzus, can also be excellent companions. 

What breed of dog is best for seniors?

The best dog breeds for seniors are typically small, low-maintenance, and affectionate—such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, or Poodle (toy or miniature). These breeds are known for their gentle temperament, moderate exercise needs, and ease of grooming. 

What dog breeds are good for apartment living?

Dog breeds that are good for apartment living include small to medium-sized dogs such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 

What are the most low-maintenance dog breeds for seniors?

Some of the most low-maintenance dog breeds for seniors include Pugs, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Greyhounds. These breeds typically have lower exercise and grooming needs, making them easier for seniors to care for. 

What are the most affectionate dog breeds for seniors?

The most affectionate dog breeds for seniors include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs. These breeds are known for their loving and loyal nature, making them ideal companions for seniors.  

What is the best dog breed for seniors according to their nature? 

The best dog breed for seniors can depend greatly on their lifestyle and personality. Generally, breeds known for their calm and affectionate nature, such as Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Poodles, can be great choices. These dogs are often gentle, friendly, and able to adapt well to a quieter or more relaxed pace of life. 

What are the best dog breeds for older adults with physical limitations and small living spaces?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, French Bulldog, and Pug are some great options for seniors with limited mobility and small living spaces. 

What are the benefits of having a pet for elderly people? 

Pets provide companionship to seniors and may reduce loneliness. By encouraging elderly people to move more, they can enhance their physical and cognitive health. Pets can give elderly individuals a sense of purpose. They can also encourage them to become more social. 

What is the best dog breed for an elderly lady with heart problems who lives alone and needs company? 

Some great options in dog breeds for elderly women with health issues, who live alone, and want company are Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Maltese. 

Reference List 

1. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pet-owners/a-dog-could-be-good-for-your-heart 

2. https://basepaws.com/dog-breeds/pug 

3. https://www.akc.org/most-popular-breeds/ 

4. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/smartest-dog-breeds 

5. https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/articles/dog-types/breed-guides/top-11-smartest-dog-breeds