17 Best Dogs for Seniors

The fluffy little bichon frise is a joyful and affectionate dog that makes an excellent companion. With an average weight of about 7–12 pounds, most people can handle this small breed easily. Bichons are also relatively simple to train. The bichon will need to be groomed periodically but is otherwise reasonably low maintenance. Many bichon owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every month or two. Moderate daily exercise is usually enough to keep the bichon healthy and happy as long as it has companionship.

The Cavalier is a beloved puppy-like spaniel that is affectionate and adaptable. This small dog is often happiest when snuggling with its owner. This breed typically weighs about 11 to 18 pounds and is easy to handle and train. The Cavalier has some grooming needs, such as regular hair brushing, ear cleaning, and possibly the occasional trip to a groomer. Overall, Cavaliers are favored among those who love small companion dogs that are well-suited for apartment living.

It’s almost impossible to be sad around the happy Frenchie. French bulldogs are among the most cheerful of all dog breeds. They are compact, muscular, and active dogs. However, at about 19 to 28 pounds, they are still very manageable, making them one of the best dogs for seniors. Although they have a good deal of energy, they tend to lack endurance. Moderate daily exercise is usually adequate for this breed. Their grooming needs are relatively ​minimal, but be aware of health concerns like brachycephalic syndrome and various skin issues.

How can a racing dog be one of the best dogs for seniors? You may be surprised to learn that greyhounds are not the high-energy dogs many think they are. Although greyhounds will enjoy daily walks and the occasional chance to run, most tend to be couch potatoes who enjoy loafing around with their owners. They are usually very responsive to training and easy to handle, even though most weigh about 60 to 80 pounds. If you like larger dogs but worry about handling one, the greyhound is a breed to consider.

Much like the bichon, a Maltese ​is the quintessential little white lap dog. This breed enjoys spending time in its owner’s lap and going on short, easy walks. Its grooming needs are also like the bichon. It will need regular trips to a professional groomer to keep its coat maintained. The Maltese is also reasonably easy to train. At a weight of only 4–7 pounds, this dog is easy to handle. You can even carry it around in your bag.

If you want a small-to-medium dog that makes a great companion, the corgi might be for you. Although they weight between 24 and 30 pounds, this breed is still small enough for most people to handle. Corgis are smart and fairly easy to train and are also quite adorable with those short little legs. A herding dog by nature, corgis need routine exercise, but daily walks are sufficient. The corgi has minimal grooming needs—a great convenience.

If you’re leaning toward a tiny dog, a 3-7 pound Pom is another easy-to-handle pooch that you can carry in your favorite bag. This breed is an affectionate and happy companion. Your Pom will like snoozing in your lap and playing with toys. Most of all, this breed will enjoy your companionship.

The poodle is one of the smartest dogs and also among the most popular of all dog breeds. Best of all, there are three sizes: toy poodle, miniature poodle, and standard poodle. Poodles are loyal, affectionate companions who learn fast and adapt well to all kinds of households, making them one of the best dogs for seniors. Basic daily walks are enough for most poodles, but they need to be professionally groomed every month or two.

The shih tzu is another popular small dog. Ranging in weight from 9–16 pounds, the breed is easy to handle. Though the shih tzu has a bit of a stubborn streak, most can be trained without too much trouble. Daily walks and periodic grooming are both important for this breed. The shih tzu is prone to skin issues and brachycephalic syndrome.

Westies make excellent companions. At 13–20 pounds, the breed is small but not as fragile as the Pomeranian or Maltese. The Westie requires some grooming but not as often as other dogs on this list due to their wiry coats. Overall, the Westie is friendly and relatively low-maintenance.

Overall, this breed matches its owner’s energy level well. It’s an intensely loving breed; content to sit in your lap or give you kisses if you let them. Pugs are very excitable, but needs only short walks. This breed can also suffer from brachycephalic syndrome and can be prone to becoming overweight. Obesity can exacerbate symptoms of brachycephalic syndrome as well as cause other health problems for pugs, so it is important to keep them on a healthy diet.

Mini schnauzers are low-maintenance dogs. They shed very little and do not require a lot of grooming, and their smaller, compact size makes them easier to tote around town and take on walks. They do have a longer lifespan than some other breeds, living upwards of 12 years on average. Furthermore, they are a more energetic breed that likes to chase or retrieve a ball, so they are one of the best dogs for seniors who have a more active lifestyle.

Small dogs that weigh less than 13 pounds, Havanese are very affectionate, social dogs that love to spend time with their favorite humans, making them a good choice for a senior who is mostly at home. These adorable dogs are intelligent and playful, and they learn tricks easily. They also are good guard dogs, although not prone to excessive barking. They do require regular grooming, however, to keep their coats smooth and without tangles.

Boston terriers always look like they are dressed up for a formal affair, but in reality, they are easy-going dogs that are happy to stay at home and socialize with their human. They can be energetic and playful, and they do enjoy a daily walk, but their overall activity level is not too overwhelming. And thanks to their short coats and fairly low level of shedding, they are easy to groom; just brush them every week or two.

The Yorkie is a small dog, but big in personality. These dogs are feisty, affectionate, and occasionally stubborn. They do demand a lot of attention and like to go for walks or play, but they are also happy to spend time relaxing near their favorite humans. They don’t shed much, but their long, silky coat requires daily grooming to keep it looking its best. And these tiny dogs are fine guard dogs but can bark excessively at times.

For seniors who are still fairly active, a beagle makes a great companion. These medium-sized dogs are energetic and sociable. They love going for walks, but may try to chase squirrels or other small animals. These are happy, intelligent, and loyal dogs who are quite devoted to their humans. Their short hair is easy to groom, but they do shed and require regular brushing. And they’ll always be thrilled when the grandkids visit.

This popular breed is a happy, friendly, and playful dog that loves to go for a walk or do tricks. Cockers are intelligent dogs that like to stay busy, but with regular walks and interaction, it’s easy to keep their energy level under control. This is a breed that requires regular grooming to maintain their long, silky coat. They are somewhat good watchdogs, but some would rather make a friend of a stranger than bark at them.