The 7 Dog Breeds Perfect for Elderly Dog Owners

The 7 Dog Breeds Perfect for Elderly Dog Owners

Author WDF Staff

09.10.2021.


Dogs are wonderful companions to people at all stages of life. Just because someone is older (and maybe not up to getting an Akita) is no reason they couldn’t enjoy the canine company. They provide company in a way that no pet and few people can. More mobile seniors also understand that a daily walk is a way for many to get out of the house, exercise, and meet other people.

Adopting a calm, already housebroken older dog from a shelter might be an ideal way to find a loyal friend. Even better, getting a pureblooded dog whose character and energy levels are very well known might be a better idea. Dogs love elderly pet owners who don’t go to work at 7:00 in the morning and return home briefly before going out to the town. Many elderly dog owners spend most of their days at home and have plenty of time to devote to their pets.

It has been scientifically proven that older people who have dogs are a lot healthier than their peers. However, achieving the right match depends on the activity level, housing situation, and whether children are frequent visitors. Here are the best dog breeds for elderly dog owners;

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The best possible choice for the elderly is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs are extremely gentle, loyal, affectionate, and kind. They make ideal lapdogs that will enjoy spending most of their time inside. Elderly dog owners can easily take care of this breed. Cavaliers don’t require too much exercise, nor are they hard to train. Half an hour a day will be more than enough to keep this lovable dog happy. This is our top pick of dog breeds perfect for elderly dog owners.

cavalier king charles spaniel cute

2. Shih Tzu

The Nr. 2 spot is reserved for the charming Shih Tzu. One of the favorite Shih Tzu activities is napping, so you can be sure these dogs will enjoy a slower pace of life. However, they require plenty of grooming. Their temperament might be ideal for elderly dog owners, but the owners will have to provide a lot of care. The good news is that groomers can clip the dog’s hair, so brushing can be a bit easier. These dogs love their owners immensely and will do all they can to keep them happy.

Shih Tzu

3. Poodle

The Standard Poodle might be a bit too much to handle for an elderly dog owner, but the Toy and Miniature Poodles might make ideal pets. They are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, and they can learn new commands after only a few repetitions. These dogs barely shed, but they will require regular brushing to get the dead hair out of their coat. Plus, these dogs are pretty active, which means their elderly owners will have to regularly go to the dog park where their dogs can let out some energy. Poodles will keep you busy even at the golden stage of your life.

miniature poodle

4. French Bulldog

The adorable French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These dogs are loyal, friendly, and have a great sense of humor. Your Frenchie will make you laugh, and that is something we all need in our lives. These dogs don’t need so much activity, and they are pretty happy with three short walks in the day and some playtime at home. However, they will eat anything they can get their paws on, so elderly dog owners need to be careful not to overindulge their dogs.

french bulldog

5. Maltese

The Maltese is one of the most charming dog breeds in the world. These gentle white dogs make an ideal breed for elderly dog owners because they are not too active. Their favorite activity is lying in their owner’s lap. These dogs have a fluffy, incredibly soft coat that will require regular grooming. Elderly dog owners can do it themselves, but having a good groomer at hand is also a great option.

maltese puppy

6. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound makes an ideal partner for elderly dog owners. These dogs are slow, and they prefer spending their time inside the house instead of going on adventures like hiking. Sure, these dogs were hunters, but these days, they aren’t that active. Their low-hanging, heavy bodies make moving about difficult, so they simply prefer not to be too active. If you’re looking for a slow-walking partner, the charming Basset might be the ideal choice.

basset-hound on couch

7. Bichon Frise

This is another small white dog that requires plenty of grooming. However, Bichon Frise makes a perfect partner to elderly dog owners. They are loyal, loving, and friendly. Most of these dogs get along with other pets, humans, and kids. However, they can be a bit energetic, so elderly dog owners with gardens or those who love walking would be better suited for getting one of these dogs.

Bichon Frise

World Dog Finder team

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