7 Dogs Breeds That Are Great For Seniors

There’s a reason why they say a “dog is man’s best friend.” Any age is a good age to get a dog—it’s not a privilege reserved for young families. When you get older and retire, you’ll have tons of time available to take care of a dog; time which you may not have had when you were establishing yourself in your career and taking care of your family. Not only will a dog keep you company after your kids have left the house for university or started families of their own, but there are also many health benefits associated with getting a dog. Dogs lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress levels, and improve your overall happiness.

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If you live in a senior living facility, make sure to check the policy regarding animals to see if you can have a pet before you adopt a dog. Even if you’re older, it’s not too late to share the rest of your life with a companion such as a dog. When choosing a dog, just make sure you select one that’s calmer, requires little maintenance, and that fits in with your lifestyle.

There are so many dogs available for adoption, even pure breeds, so before going to a breeder look at your local pet shelters for your next best friend. Whether you like small or big dogs, these seven breeds are great for seniors.

Shih Tzu

Don’t mistake these dogs for stuffed animals! Known as the “lion dog,” Shih Tzus are loyal and friendly, with easy-going demeanors. They’re the perfect lap dog and they’ll be sure to keep you warm. They also require very little exercise and even though they’re small, they make great guard dogs.

Goldendoodle

This adorable cross between Poodles and Golden Retrievers is one of the most popular breeds and it’s not hard to see why—they’re super intelligent, loyal, and playful. If you’re looking for a dog to help keep you active, Goldendoodles are your dog.

Yorkshire Terrier

These small, gentle dogs live an average of 13-16 years and they require little maintenance. They don’t need much exercise and they just require daily brushing.

Welsh Corgi

How cute are Corgis? They’re stumpy bodies and huge ears are part of their charm. Although these dogs are small in size, they still are pretty active and they require frequent exercise. Make sure you have tons of toys for your Corgi. This crowd favorite will be sure to capture the attention of your grandchildren.

Pug

Do you love watching your favorite television programs on rerun while sinking into your couch with some snacks? Pugs will be your couch potato partner as they love cuddling and relaxing as much as you do. They also do well in apartments as they don’t need much space to run around.

Photo by Mink Mingle on Unsplash 

West Highland Terrier

Westies may be small in stature, but they don’t lack personality. These quirky dogs are intelligent and loyal and they make great watchdogs. They also happen to be low-maintance—requiring little exercise, they don’t shed a lot, and they have small appetites for their size.

Mixed Breeds

There’s no reason that you need to adopt or buy a purebred dog; there are so many mixed breed dogs for adoption. There are even small dogs for adoption. Mixed breed dogs also need love and they don’t have the same health issues as purebred dogs. When you get a dog from a shelter, they’re usually not puppies and they may not require training that young dogs may need. You won’t have to deal with the annoying (but still cute) puppy behaviors like chewing, nipping, and clawing. There are so many mixed breed shelter dogs that are looking for forever homes and you are giving these animals a second chance at life.

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Chris L
Chris loves traveling and exploring different cultures and tasting all the local cuisines. He has visited 6 of the 7 continents – all but Antarctica. His favorite food is Mediterranean; he loves a nice fresh salad and watermelon with feta cheese! You have to try it.