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There’s no doubt dogs are good for seniors. Besides the happiness, eagerness, and adventurous spirit of dogs, they bring companionship and exercise to the table. This companionship is incredibly important for seniors, as loneliness and social isolation can wreak havoc on mental and physical health. In fact, the CDC points out that those who are socially isolated and lonely face an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, and more.1
Exercise matters as well. According to AARP, those seniors who have a dog walk an average of one more hour per day than those who don’t have a dog.2 The more exercise a senior gets, the more likely they are to be able to avoid injury and control chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure. (It’s a good idea to wear a mobile button alert with GPS while exercising.)
Even if you can’t get out to walk the dog yourself, having a furry little companion at your side can bring a host of other benefits, such as a better sense of well-being and purpose.
How do you know which dog is best for you? Let’s look at the most popular dog breeds and review them based on activity level.
The Lapdogs
Are you looking for a dog that can be your companion on the couch? Lapdogs are great for seniors who have mobility issues or otherwise can’t take the dog out for extended exercise. These dogs might like chilling out but they also have bursts of fun energy that keep things exciting.
Shih Tzu
These adorable little pups need plenty of love and attention. They’re deeply affectionate and will become very attached to their owners. In fact, they will follow you around – until the grandkids come over, and then your Shih Tzu will be all about the little ones. These dogs love kids!
They also seem to be okay with other animals, so if you already have a pet in the house, this little powerhouse of fun will be just fine with that. They love their daily walks but they also make excellent lapdogs, so don’t feel pressured to run them all over the park with a ball.
When it comes to care, daily brushing is a good idea, as is a professional trim every few months.
Pekingese
This regal creature is the ultimate lapdog. It prefers to live in a quiet household, though it will tolerate visits from the grandkids. This dog prefers to attach itself to one human and give all the love and affection you can stand! They aren’t that easy to train, given their independent and feisty nature, but they can do it. Their bold personalities can bring years of delight.
The Pekingese sheds seasonally and has a very soft coat that is prone to tangling. Due to this, a good daily brushing is an absolute must.
Quiet and short walks are great for the Pekingese, and intense exercise is a no-go, thanks to its shortened muzzle. But don’t be surprised by quick bursts of playtime energy, after which they will want to cuddle up in your lap and recover with a good snooze.
Frenchie
The French bulldog is one of the happiest, most playful breeds you could choose. They’re smart and can easily be trained, making them a great option for the elderly.
They don’t really like vigorous outdoor activity, thanks to their shortened muzzle. Rather than exert themselves and make it tough to breathe, Frenchies will gladly trot alongside you as you run errands or take short walks around the neighborhood. Once the exercise is done, they will take a long nap (with some adorable snoring) and cuddle with you.
They are easy to care for, with a glossy coat that rarely sheds, but the wrinkles on its face need regular cleaning. Besides that, they need lots of love! They tend to get along well with other pets and can thrive in a house full of people.
Pug
With their cute squished noses and happy attitudes, pugs make great companions for the elderly. They love lounging around, which makes them the perfect lapdog. But they also have intense curiosity and will play with new toys for hours on end. Playing indoors is perfect for these dogs, as their unique flat face and compressed nostrils make it hard to handle cold or hot weather.
That unique face means a bit more care for a pug than for some other breeds. The folds around its eyes must be cleaned regularly and they will need daily grooming, as they shed quite a bit.
Though a pug is a generally happy little dog, they can get jealous and territorial, so they might not make the best companion for the grandkids. They might also prefer to be the “top dog” without any other animals in the house.
The Bouncy Dogs
Are you full of energy? Do you want to tackle the day the moment you get out of bed? Do you like a good Frisbee-throwing session in a sunny park? These dogs are the best options for active seniors who want an equally active furry companion.
By the way, when you are out playing with these energetic pups, don’t forget to wear an on-the-go alert for elderly adults.
Corgi
Known all over the world as the dogs the late Queen Elizabeth loved so much, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a genuinely curious and adventurous nature. Thanks to that, they love exploring the outdoors, which makes them a great match for more active seniors. Their boundless energy makes them a hit with grandkids!
Corgis are social dogs who become very attached and protective of their owners. Because of this, they make excellent watchdogs and provide a strong sense of security. But they like having some security themselves, which is why this breed is prone to separation anxiety. Left alone too long, a corgi will start barking and won’t let up until a person comes to exercise or entertain them.
These short little creatures are incredibly smart, so dog toys that require figuring out a puzzle will keep their attention for a good while. This might also keep them in the same spot while you give the heavy-shedding Corgi a daily brushing.
Poodle
From the tiniest dogs that can fit into a purse to larger dogs that stand several feet tall, poodles are as varied and unique as each curl on their luxurious coats. Poodles are usually classified into three sizes – toy, miniature, and standard. There are also poodle mixes, such as the Labradoodle or the Cockapoo, that might better suit your fancy.
No matter the size of the dog, the energy levels tend to be very high. That’s why they need multiple walks each day and enjoy other types of exercise, such as swimming.
A poodle will be quite loyal and prefer to be in a family unit. They thrive in multi-generational households. Poodles are very easy to train, which makes them great for seniors who need an obedient dog. They need more care than the average dog, with a low-shedding coat that needs daily brushing. Professional grooming once a month or so is an absolute must for a poodle.
The In-Between Dogs
These dogs are just as happy on the couch as they are in the backyard. They respond very strongly to their owner’s preference and eventually adjust their energy levels accordingly. Here are the dogs that might suit seniors of moderate activity levels.
Miniature Schnauzer
These adorable dogs are strong companions for their owners. They are quick to learn, obedient, and very alert – they like to watch over their people and protect them. They also tend to grow close to the people you love, so don’t be surprised to see this dog unbelievably happy when the grandkids come over!
This is a hypoallergenic breed, so they are good for those who have allergies. Though they are low-shedding, they still need regular brushing and professional grooming once a month or so. Daily exercise is also a necessity, but they prefer company during their jaunts. Playing in the yard would work well for them, as would a long, leisurely walk.
Maltese
These little dogs love to be the center of attention, and that means they will spend plenty of time cuddled up with their owners. They are compassionate and affectionate, attuned to emotions, and ready to entertain – that’s why they are often used as therapy dogs. But they are also fearless and constantly alert, making them an excellent guard dog for an elderly person.
Short walks and indoor play are just fine with this little charmer. Care involves lots of brushing every day, as well as regular professional grooming. Take care to clean their eyes every day.
Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is great for seniors because the dog adjusts easily to a preferred activity level. If you like to get out and move around, this dog will be happy to play with you. But if you are more of the stay-at-home type, you can count on a great little lapdog. They will always follow your lead.
The spaniel is a quiet, intelligent dog who will carefully observe the room. They are patient and very easy to train, which makes them great around the grandkids. They usually have no problem with other pets in the house. In fact, other pets in the house might provide them with the companionable exercise they need, making them an easy option for seniors who have some mobility issues.
Their long, luxurious coat requires professional grooming; in between sessions, a healthy brushing a few times a week should suffice. Clean their ears often to avoid redness, soreness, and infection.
Choosing the Right Dog Breed
The right dog for you should match your activity level and temperament. It’s also good to consider your living situation – do you live in a loud, boisterous household? Are the grandkids around often? Some dogs love living in a quiet home, while others enjoy having kids around all the time. Take the time to research the various breeds and find the one that best suits your world.
The ASPCA can connect you with dogs that need good homes.3 Take your time in narrowing down your options and spending some time with the potential new pet before signing any paperwork. You want to make sure you and the dog get along well before you choose to embark on a new journey together.
And as always, wear a medical alarm around your furry friend. Even the sweetest and most well-meaning dog can sometimes trip you up, and that could lead to serious injury. Having the ability to reach out with a wireless medical alert system can give you the peace of mind help will be on the way immediately.
