The Easiest, Calmest Dog Breeds for Seniors

As we age, it’s common to crave friendship and companionship of some form. Studies show that seniors perform better and are happier when they have a companion in their lives. Sometimes, that perfect companion will be a person, or it may be a dog.

When searching for the ideal dog, you’ll need a breed that’s both affectionate and calm at once. If mobility is an issue, finding a puppy that doesn’t require extensive care is also important. Luckily, with so many dog breed options, many are perfect for seniors. From the comfort of a fluffy shih tzu to the strong integrity of the greyhound, there’s a pet for everyone. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect option on this list.

Chihuahua

In many cases, the best dog breeds for seniors are those with smaller statures, making them easier to handle. This is why many older pet owners opt for a chihuahua. In most cases, a chihuahua won’t reach over 5-8 inches tall and rarely exceeds more than eight pounds, making them easy to carry and cuddle whenever necessary. The breed is also very affectionate, so they’ll make for great companions.

Like all pets, chihuahuas will need grooming and care, but it’s not too excessive. Most dog experts say that you only need to brush their coat once per week, but more often is always better. Grooming responsibilities will also include cutting their nails regularly and brushing their teeth. 

Most chihuahuas crave exercise. However, if a senior isn’t mobile, that won’t be a problem because chihuahuas will often get enough activity in small spaces, so letting them run around in the house may be all they need. Still, short walks are nice so you and your pet can get some healthy fresh air. Also, be aware that chihuahuas tend to eat more than they should, which can cause them to become overweight, so you’ll need to watch their caloric intake. If you feed them properly, chihuahuas don’t eat as much as other dogs, so you can afford even the finest food on a limited budget. All in all, chihuahuas are very easy pets.

Pug

Another small but mighty breed that is perfect for seniors is the pug. Most older adults will be perfectly comfortable with pugs because, since the beginning of time, pugs have been bred to be lap dogs and perfect companions for everyone, including royalty. That makes them great pets for owners of varying levels of mobility. You don’t have to go to them; pugs will come to you. 

Due to their small stature, pugs are also easy to bring from place to place. At most, a typical pug will grow to a maximum of 13 inches tall and not weigh more than 18 pounds at most. Due to their short coat, pugs are very easy to groom, though they are known to shed. Seniors who enjoy snuggling up on the couch will have a great companion, as pugs are happy to sit with you. However, the pension for inactivity and the desire to eat a lot can lead to obesity, so taking walks and engaging in some physical activity is recommended.

A great thing about pugs and other dogs on this list is that they are great for our mental health. They give people purpose and constant companionship, which is a wonderful thing. The biggest concern with pugs is the potential for health issues related to their distinctive eyes, as conditions like dry eye and corneal ulcers are known to occur. But as long as you take them in for regular vet visits, pugs are a breeze to care for.

Shih Tzu

Small, affectionate, and gentle, the shih tzu breed is among the best dog breeds for seniors who desire a constant companion who will love them unconditionally. One of the smallest breeds, a shih tzu will rarely reach over 10 inches tall, and they generally weigh well under 16 pounds, making them easy to manage. This breed has a moderate energy level, so walks may be necessary, but they don’t require extensive physical activity, so a lack of mobility on the owner’s part won’t typically be an issue.

When you’re not out for walks, your shih tzu will be happy cuddling with you on the couch, and they’ll follow you around the house. This breed is also very quiet, so you won’t have to deal with a lot of barking or loud distractions.

The only caveat of owning this dog breed is the grooming. The long coat of a shih tzu requires daily brushing and a bath every three to four weeks. You’ll also need to take them to the groomer for regular haircuts. That may be an issue for seniors who lack transportation, so it’s a consideration to keep in mind.

Poodle

Seniors who like being outside and being active will likely enjoy a poodle in their lives. Poodles need exercise to release excess energy and stay in shape. If you can keep up, it’s a wonderful thing, and you’ll have a lot of fun with your pup. The standard poodle can sometimes be a smaller dog, but many poodles can also be over 15 inches tall, so keep that in mind. Male poodles can weigh up to 70 pounds, and females are a bit smaller. 

Poodles make great companions. They enjoy being pampered, but they will love you no matter what, and they’ll always be by your side. Poodles are known for their longevity, with standard poodles typically living 12-15 years and miniature and toy poodles often reaching 14-17 years.

As far as care, poodles don’t shed too much, but their hair will require regular brushing and professional care, typically on a monthly basis. Most poodles are also very well-behaved, and they’re incredibly intelligent, so they’re easy for almost anyone to train. There are three different types of poodles — miniature, standard, and toy — so there’s a perfect breed for owners of any age.

French Bulldog

One of the best dog breeds for seniors is the adorable and charming French bulldog. Often referred to as a “Frenchie,” this breed is very loving, which makes them great mates for seniors looking for companionship. Frenchies are also very calm and rarely get overly excited, so you can keep pace with them throughout the day. While they do require exercise and like time outside, taking walks through the park will be enough. The breed is also very social, so they may be able to help seniors meet other human friends as well at the dog park.

This breed is also very easy to care for. Their short, glossy coat barely sheds, and an easy brushing will keep them clean. You can even brush them while they’re calmly sitting in your lap. Feed them dog food recommended by your veterinarian, but be aware that their breed is often prone to obesity, so monitor their intake carefully. This is a small breed that barely exceeds 13 inches in height and 28 pounds, so they’re easy for any senior to manage.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

While it has a strong and regal name, the cavalier spaniel is soft, adorable, and perfect for seniors. Whether you enjoy spending time indoors or going for the occasional hike, this spaniel will be there loyally by your side. The breed is relatively quiet, laid back, and quite intelligent. They tend to match the energy level of their owners, so they will be a great fit in your lifestyle. 

In addition to being super fluffy and adorable, the cavalier is also quite small at under 13 inches tall and 18 inches, so you can bring your pet anywhere. The breed is playful but not to a point where it gets out of control or becomes too much to handle. Spaniels are also quite good with other dogs, so you’ll usually never have an issue at the dog park. 

As far as maintenance and grooming, spaniels need a bit more attention as their silky coat will require regular brushing and baths. This breed is also at risk of certain health conditions, such as eye conditions and hip dysplasia, so bring them to the vet for all regular visits. However, spaniels are easy to train and they want to please their owners, so they’re a joy to have as pets.

Greyhound

The sleek and fast greyhound may not seem like a good pick for one of the best dog breeds for seniors, but they are deceptively reserved and even-tempered. Greyhounds are great dogs for seniors who want a larger dog without worrying about them jumping all over the place.

They are a breed that will be pleasant when you have company over and is also great for snuggling. That said, remember that they can get excited, especially if they see prey or smaller animals running around outside, so keep them on a leash. They like to be active and exercise, but when you’re not taking them for walks, you can let your greyhound run around in the backyard. Beware that male greyhounds can get to around 30 inches high with females just a couple of inches shorter, so they’ll be a larger presence around the house than some of the other breeds.

Greyhounds are typically very healthy breeds, so while you should still bring them to their regular vet visits, they’re usually in great shape. They also have a short coat that requires only regular brushing, so they’re easy to maintain.

Maltese

The fluffy and adorable Maltese is a very loving breed that is happy to sit in your lap all day. At under seven pounds and reaching a maximum of nine pounds, they are lightweight and easy to handle without much stress. This breed is also great with people, including with small kids so they’ll be helpful when the grandchildren come around. The Maltese breed is rather energetic, but they only require occasional exercise. Take them for a daily walk or let them run around the yard, and they’ll be good to go. They’re also quite easy to train, so you’ll have an easy go of things from day one.

Maltese dogs are quite small, often weighing less than seven pounds and standing at under nine inches, so they’re easy to carry around, even for seniors who may lack mobility. The breed is known to be affectionate with family, kids, and other dogs, so they are an easy pet that’s great for companionship.

Golden Retriever

Finally, we have one of the most noble and gentle dogs in the world. The golden retriever. This breed is a bit larger, often measuring up to 24 inches high and weighing close to 75 pounds, so they’re probably best for seniors who love to be mobile and want a larger responsibility. Still, though they’re larger, they are incredibly friendly and calm, so they’ll fit in almost any household. They’ll also show tons of affection and provide the companionship that many seniors crave.

Golden retrievers are very intelligent and easy to train. Seniors can easily teach them to stay, sit, and roll over. They’re also quite good at learning more advanced commands, so you can have a lot of fun with them. This breed requires regular grooming due to its thick double coat and sheds heavily, so frequent brushing is necessary. Gold retrievers also need substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Like the rest of the dogs on this list, golden retrievers want to make their owners happy, so they make great friends for seniors of all walks of life.