6 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors
- Poodle
Poodles are great fits for seniors for many reasons. For starters, they’re large hypoallergenic dog breeds that are highly intelligent and easy to train. They also vary in size, meaning they can accommodate all living situations. They’re very loyal and like to be pampered. Their hair will require regular brushing, and they’ll need to be groomed monthly.
- Shih Tzu
These lapdogs thrive off love and attention. They’re outgoing, good with kids, and love indoor playtime. This is great for seniors with grandchildren.
Shih Tzu’s enjoy going on daily walks and resting with their owners for the rest of the day. They’re low-shedding animals, making them easy to maintain. Just keep in mind they will need daily brushing and occasional trimming to keep their coats looking nice — nothing a senior can’t handle!
- Pug
Pugs are great for seniors who would rather cuddle up in bed or sofa with their furry friend. Most of the time, pugs will be satisfied with indoor playing and lounging. Their flat face and small nostrils make it hard for intense or long exercise. They can overheat, have breathing issues, or have too much stress placed on their joints.
These furry creatures are devoted to their pet parents and can experience jealousy or agitation if ignored. Other than that, they’re easygoing pets who love taking naps. They have short coats that make them easy to groom and only require occasional brushing.
- Bichon Frise
The fluffy bichon frise weighs around 7 to 12 pounds. They are happy, affectionate dogs that most people can handle because of their small size. They’re pretty simple to train and, other than grooming every month or two, are reasonably low maintenance.
Pets in general, are great for older adults. Bichon Frise is a great companion and doesn’t require much exercise to stay healthy and happy.
- Miniature Schnauzer
Not only are they adorable with their beards, but they are also low-shedding and hypoallergenic. They have a double coat, which requires brushing regularly and professional grooming. Miniature Schnauzers are friendly and outgoing with strong personality. They’re protective over the ones they love and are great alert dogs.
Miniature Schnauzers are patient with children and enjoy playing fetch or going for walks. They’re also very obedient and easy to train.
- Greyhound
This dog may seem like an unlikely fit, but they have characteristics that would make a great fit for seniors. Although they are athletic, they are calm and fine with lounging around in the house after exercising. This is a great choice for seniors looking for a larger dog.
Greyhounds are gentle and compassionate pets that tend to be independent. They have a high drive for hunting, so they should be kept on a leash or closely supervised when outdoors. Fenced homes are great, so they can burn that energy and be ready to relax. Grooming is easy, and their coat requires occasional brushing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a small, medium, or big dog, you’ll be sure to find a companion that is the right fit for you. Getting a dog can be the first step to creating a special bond that makes both the owner and the dog feel happy, loved, and fulfilled.
