5 of the Best Dog Breeds for Older Adults

Having a pet as an older adult is a great way to keep yourself feeling young. There are multiple benefits associated with having a pet as you age. For instance, older adults who become empty nesters often miss having something to be responsible for, even if they assume that they would be thrilled to live their lives with no responsibilities at all.

Pets can also help establish a healthy relationship between you, the owner, and the pet. Dogs, especially the breeds that we’re about to discuss, are loyal and loving and will reciprocate the love and care that they receive. This creates a bond between owner and pet that cannot be broken.

Finally, owning a dog as an older adult is an excellent way to keep yourself active. It’s easy for older adults, especially those who have retired, to fall into the trap of becoming inactive.

When you age, your joints may hurt a bit more than they used to, and it’s easy to spend an entire day sitting around and doing nothing. This not only leads to more joint pain, but also impacts cardiac health, respiratory health, and more. Having a pet that requires daily activity is an excellent motivator to get up and active.

Of course, choosing the right dog breed is crucial, and there are a number of factors to consider. For instance, many older adults don’t want dogs that get too large, as they may be a bit hard to handle on walks.

Additionally, this age group often shies away from dogs that have too much energy. While a nice, long walk is good for the dog and owner, many older individuals don’t want to deal with dogs that like to run and face regular bouts of the “zoomies.”

Whether you’re an older person looking for a dog, or you’re just helping the older adult in your life find the right pet, it’s important to know which breeds are best. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of five dog breeds that are great choices for older adults.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Typically weighing between 13 and 18 pounds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for older adults because of their size and temperament. This breed adapts well to a variety of environments and doesn’t need a ton of space, which makes them ideal for older adults who live in an apartment or even an assisted living facility.

If you or the older adult in your life is looking for an easy-tempered lap dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be near the top of your list.

When it comes to pets for older adults, it’s important to find a pet that doesn’t require a lot of vigorous activity.

While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does require regular walking, the walks can typically be short and they move at a pace that works well for most aging adults. Their silky coat does require regular brushing and grooming, but their friendly nature and easygoing temperament more than make up for it.

Shih Tzu

One of the best dog breeds for older adults is the Shih Tzu. Thanks in large part to their size and their loyal nature, these dogs are the perfect companions for people who are getting up there in years. Most Shih Tzus weigh somewhere between 9 and 13 pounds which makes them incredibly easy to manage, and they thrive in smaller spaces.

For older adults who are looking for a calm, easygoing dog breed, they’re a great option. However, they may get an occasional burst of energy, which is actually a good thing as it can motivate older owners to get outside to take them for a short walk.

Shih Tzus do require a lot of grooming, which is something that you’ll want to consider before committing to this breed. Their coat is naturally long and can be prone to tangling, so you’ll need to brush your dog regularly to keep tangles away. They’re great with people, including strangers, which is something to consider if you enjoy hosting visitors at your home.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs come in a variety of sizes, which is something that you’ll need to consider when choosing yours. While genetics can play a role in the size of your “Frenchy,” it’s almost impossible to determine exactly how large the dog may get when it reaches full maturity.

At their largest, French Bulldogs can get up to 28 pounds, but it’s common to find them weighing somewhere between 12 and 20 pounds. If you’re looking for a smaller dog, your best bet is to find out more about the dog’s bloodline. While the size of the dog’s parents doesn’t guarantee its size, that is usually a good indicator.

Frenchies love being close to their owners and generally have a gentle, quiet nature, which makes them one of the best dog breeds for older adults. They don’t make a lot of noise, as they usually only bark when they feel threatened or when they’re playing.

Thanks to their loving nature and affectionate personalities, French Bulldogs are some of the best dogs for older adults who want a pet that doesn’t require a ton of work.

Pug

As sweet as they are sassy, Pugs are a popular pet for older adults because they’re loving and loyal but also have a big personality. Typically weighing somewhere between 14 and 18 pounds, Pugs can thrive in a variety of environments.

If you live in a large home, they’ll be fine with all the space, even if they don’t spend a ton of time exploring every square foot, and if you live in an apartment, they’ll enjoy the more intimate setting.

One of the things that makes Pugs so popular among older adults is their lack of energy. Your pug probably isn’t going to get the “zoomies” very often, as they’re pretty mild-mannered. Short walks and long naps are the highlight of a Pug’s day.

Grooming is easy, but their short snouts do mean that you’ll need to make sure your Pug is never in a position to overheat.

Golden Retriever

This one may seem like an odd option, but Golden Retrievers are actually a great option for older adults, provided that they check a couple of boxes. Generally, Golden Retrievers need a lot of space, especially if you get them in their youth.

Dogs that are part of the Labrador family like to run and play, so it’s best to get one if you have a large yard, easy access to a park, or a large home. Their size also creates the need for plenty of space, as they routinely grow to between 55 and 75 pounds.

If you have the space for a large-breed dog, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loyal and loving breeds that you can choose.

They’re also incredibly intelligent and will often learn the patterns and behaviors of their owners, which makes them an ideal choice for older adults. They do require a considerable amount of exercise, so long walks or regular trips to a local park are a must, but that’s a good thing, as it encourages owners to get outside and be active.

Man (Or Woman’s) Best Friend

Getting a dog as an older adult is a commitment, but it provides a number of benefits. Choosing any of the breeds that we’ve discussed here can help you enjoy an active life while forming a wonderful relationship with your new furry friend.