Dogs provide a thrillful company to humans of all ages. Kids can play with them and grow old by their side, adults can get through life a little easier with their support, and seniors enjoy the spark they bring into their otherwise mundane and monotonous life.
It’s hard living through senior years without company and a little bit of fun, which is why dogs make for the perfect pet when it comes to elderly people. Here are 10 dog breeds we would recommend for you:
Shih Tzu
This dog breed makes for the perfect companion not only for seniors but for kids as well, so next time your grandchildren pay you a visit they will have a playtime buddy. Shih Tzus are notorious for their playfulness and ease, they like to be showered with love and affection and their favorite hobby is to follow their owners wherever they go.
As for maintenance, Shih Tzus don’t require a lot of attentiveness. A daily walk when it comes to exercising is more than enough. And the grooming process couldn’t be easier since they’re a low shedding breed, but a little trim once in a while does help to keep them all nice and tidy.
Maltese
The Maltese are a phenomenal pick for senior people, for all the good reasons. They are cute looking, with their beautiful snow-white coat and sparkly eyes, and they are also adorable and fun to spend time with. They absolutely need to be the center of attention at all times and crave that spotlight like no other dog breed which can be really entertaining. They are energetic all while being dainty and gentle which makes them amazing lapdogs. But don’t let their cuteness fool you; the Maltese are pretty alert and fearless.
Their luxurious coat doesn’t need extra care compared to other dog breeds. Regular grooming and brushing do an excellent job at keeping it nice and immaculate. And as for exercise, short walks and a little playtime are just fine.
Pug
Pugs are the go-to for seniors who like to spend the majority of their time indoors. They’re devoted, loving, and very fun due to their bubbly and goofy personality. But they’re also very lazy and laidback which makes them amazing lapdogs. Due to their physique, it’s challenging for pugs to do heavy-duty exercises or thrive in extreme weather conditions; their flat faces and small nostrils only allow them to lounge and play indoors.
Pugs don’t need daily grooming due to their short coat. They are, however, very heavy shedders so it’s important to be mindful of that. Moreover, their folds need regular cleaning as they tend to collect dirt and bacteria which could then lead to serious infections.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Need a little spark in your life? A Corgi is definitely the way to go. With their fun personality and beautiful looks, Corgis have managed to steal people’s hearts regardless of their age. They’re very lively and energetic which makes them perfect for elderly folks who like to spend time outside and go for adventures. Moreover, they’re very demanding and would bark non-stop if they’re not given the attention they crave.
Their double coat is gorgeous to see but definitely needs a lot of maintenance due to Corgis’ nature of shedding heavily. But don’t worry, it’s easy to comb through, making it less of a burden and more of a fun activity to share with your fur buddy.
Poodle
The well-behaved and intelligent poodle is another great pick for seniors. Poodles are known for their regal looks as well as their fun personality and outstanding cleverness. They’re easily trained due to their high social intelligence and need daily exercising to blow off steam and release their energy. They also come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard to fit your very own taste.
As is the deal with long coat dog breeds, Poodles need regular grooming to keep their shedding at bay and avoid potential matting and having fur all over your furniture and belongings. A professional trim is also a great option to add to your Poodle’s monthly routine.
French Bulldog
The pup of everyone’s dream, and if you’re a senior, you will most definitely fall in love with this dog breed. Bright, playful, and fun, that’s how Frenchies are best described. They’re an absolute delight and amazing addition to anyone’s home. They get along very well with other people as well as other pets and their curiosity and constant demand for affection is absolutely adorable to watch. They do best as lapdogs and don’t require lots of exercise.
Their short glossy coat is easy to maintain as it doesn’t shed and doesn’t require regular grooming, but the wrinkles on their face definitely need frequent cleaning to keep your pup looking nice and put together.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are an absolutely charming dog breed. With their mesmerizing double coat and very warm personality, they’ve earned their spot as one of the best fury companions, especially for elderly people. They are outgoing, obedient, and very family-oriented. They’re also very protective and easy to train, making them perfect watchdogs as well as lovebugs to share your bed (and ultimately life) with.
This dog breed enjoys outdoor activities with owners; casual strolls and fetch games are typically enough to keep them entertained. And as for grooming, it has to be constant and frequent to keep your dog looking neat and tidy.
Greyhound
This might come as surprise to most of you but Greyhounds are an excellent fit for people of age. Greyhounds are famous for being the fastest dog breed to ever exist, they’re very energetic, outgoing, and lively but it’s only when they’re outdoors. They tend to fall back into their reserved and collected nature once they’re around humans. They’re relatively large and slender which might be intimidating to some, but they’re very gentle and quiet.
The perfect environment in which they can thrive is one where they can let out all of the excess energy and run around without being restricted by small spaces. Therefore, a spacious fenced-up yard is ideal to keep your Greyhound entertained and content.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
An amazing pick not only for seniors but for people of all age groups. The noble Cavalier is an amazing cuddle buddy who enjoys snuggles and naps on the couch and is also very willing to go on hikes and random adventures with owners whenever they please. Cavaliers are highly adaptable dogs who are also intelligent and easy to train, almost sounds too good to be true, right? They can easily fit into anyone’s lifestyle and adapt their activity levels to that of their owners.
Their long beautiful coat does need a little extra care and requires constant brushing and grooming. And don’t forget about the ears while you’re at it, keep them nice and clean.
Pekingese
Small, charming, and very affectionate. That’s why the Pekingese is the ultimate lapdog who makes for a wonderful companion for elderly people. Notorious for being affectionate, loving, and very attached to their owners, the Pekingese have won over the hearts of people all around the world. These adorable little goblins can be a little stubborn at first, but with the right training, they could easily lose the attitude and behave inside one’s household. With that being said, their pride and boldness are definitely qualities anyone would enjoy having in their household dog.
The Pekingese, with their regal fur, need to be groomed and brushed frequently to keep their coat nice and unmatted. And they don’t need plenty of exercise, daily indoor playtime is typically the way to go.