Dogs are loyal and dependable, making them excellent pets for senior citizens, especially those who live alone. These persons will enjoy the twofold benefits of companionship and a sense of purpose derived from caring for their pets. Although dogs are great for the elderly like they are for everyone else, not every dog breed is perfect for them.

However, factors related to your health and lifestyle can affect your ability to properly care for a dog. If you’re a dog-loving lawyer, you might think “I don’t have the time.” Surprisingly, there are dog breeds that would be a good match for your busy lifestyle! The following paragraphs will provide you with a list of the best easy to handle dog breeds for senior citizens.

Beagle

Beagles are famous for their loving and friendly nature. They are also very industrious and helpful. Originally, beagles were bred for hunting with their strong sense of smell and alertness. However, they can be gentle and friendly when they are not hunting.

Beagles are affectionate and attentive and don’t need much physical exercise, so seniors don’t need to bother about trying to keep up with a physically active dog while they are not active. Having a beagle as a pet will help elderly persons enjoy the affectionate and loving nature of the dog without having to stress over taking care of the furry bestie.

Greyhound

While a greyhound might not cross your mind as a pet for the elderly due to their high activity levels and their history as racing dogs, they are surprisingly good for seniors.

Greyhounds are perfect for the elderly because they are calm, loving, and gentle. The Greyhound is just as comfortable spending time on the couch with their owners as they are in a race. However, they will always want to run around, so they need owners who don’t mind them being all over the place sometimes.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are active, lively, and lovable, and many owners love to have them around.

A Chihuahua belongs to one of the smallest dog breeds, weighing only 5 pounds. Regardless of their size, Chihuahuas are very energetic and have a mid-active lifestyle, so seniors who opt for this breed should have a semi-active lifestyle.

An advantage of owning a Chihuahua is that they don’t need much grooming or exercise. They are also excellent watchdogs and very loyal to their owners, even to the extent that they get aggressive towards other pets and people.

Yorkshire Terrier

Popularly called Yorkie, the Yorkshire terrier is a small breed referred to as a toy dog and weighing barely 7 pounds. People love them for their beautiful silky coat and their personality. Yorkies also have a long lifespan and can live well into their 20s.

The affectionate and loving nature of the Yorkies makes them excellent for elders. They are also intelligent and can be trained to perform tasks for the elderly.

Yorkies love attention, and have an active lifestyle, meaning that seniors can get more active because of these pets if their health and lifestyles permit.

Welsh Terrier

Welsh terriers are energetic medium-sized dogs, loved for their independent nature. The Welsh terrier was originally bred for hunting, but its playful and adorable nature makes it a great companion for seniors.

Welsh terriers are very active and require daily exercise. Their active nature fits the lifestyle of active seniors but is not ideal for people who aren’t active or physically able as their playfulness might be overwhelming.

On another hand, children will love to play with a Walsh terrier so the elderly who live with kids can consider having them around.

Pomeranians

Pomeranians are small and cuddly and weigh 5 pounds or less. This breed is very popular for its size, cute, lovable, and affectionate nature.

Their loyalty and affection make them great pets for seniors. They are also intelligent and alert thus they can be trained to carry out several tasks or serve as watchdogs

Pomeranians require daily physical activities, so they are excellent for physically active seniors.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is fast growing in popularity amongst dog lovers for its friendly and easy-going nature.

This dog breed is one of the most gentle and affectionate dogs, making them perfect for seniors who want to give and receive affection and have the time to spend with this pet.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s small nature adds to its appeal to elders. It stands 1 foot tall and weighs 15 pounds, with silky or wavy coats that come in several beautiful colors.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are famous among all companion dogs and are also well-loved for their straight, long coat. Shih Tzus were first bred in Tibet to be companions to royalties and other dignitaries, and they continue to be one of man’s best companions to date.

Shih Tzus are loyal, friendly, and affectionate, three qualities that make them perfect for the elderly. They are open to visitors and strangers and can even allow people to pet them without throwing a fit. Shih Tzus are a low exercise breed and are perfectly comfortable being the companions they were bred to be. They are perfect for all seniors regardless of their physical activity levels.

Although Shih Tzus are classy and royal, they don’t need too much grooming and are not high maintenance.

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn terrier is a sociable and friendly breed of terriers that livens every home they step into. This dog loves to take walks, so it is a great companion for elders on their morning or evening walks.

Cairn terriers have very playful and have an independent nature that can get too much sometimes. Hence, a senior who opts for this pet should be firm enough to put them in their place when they are acting up, chasing other animals around, or being too playful.

Cairn terriers need a little maintenance as their hair needs regular brushing, at least twice a week, so elders should bear this in mind.

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are popular amongst adults and children likewise, and their nature also makes them a perfect fit for seniors.

Although Golden retrievers are quite large, they are lovable and dependable. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable. In some cases, these dogs can even provide aid to disabled seniors.

The highly energetic nature of Golden retrievers makes them demand walks and exercise. While these demands are great for seniors who want to stay in shape, it will be taxing for others who cannot afford such physical activities.

Maltese

Maltese is a popular dog breed that is loved for its small size and affectionate nature. The Maltese weighs 8 pounds or less and has a silky white coat that enhances its cuteness.

Owing to their small size, Maltese can do well in small apartments and spaces. They don’t require too many physical activities and are satisfied with short walks, so they are great for fairly active seniors.

The affectionate and lovable nature of the Maltese is one of its best features that make it well-suited for elders.

Papillion or Continental Toy Spaniel

The Papillion is a friendly, obedient, and sociable breed that is perfect for seniors. The medium-sized breed is very intelligent and can carry out several tasks if properly trained.

The Papillion is very friendly and playful and will need daily exercise. Regardless of their playful nature, they can be quiet when you need them to be, and will only bark if they notice an intruder.

The combination of intelligence, obedience, and friendliness makes the Papillion quite a catch among other breeds.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was primarily bred as a hunting dog with multiple talents like hunting, tracking, guarding, etc.

Unlike you would expect from hunter dogs, the Dandie Dinmont is loyal, loving, and affectionate. This breed is also very sociable and friendly and doesn’t have issues with friends, family members, and visitors alike.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very dependable. Their intelligent nature makes it easy for seniors to train them to handle little tasks around the house. They also love attention and wouldn’t have any opposition about being doted upon all day.

Pug

Pugs are a playful, affectionate, and adaptive breed. They are charming, lovable, and will do anything to please their owners.

Pugs are very adaptive and don’t require lots of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Pugs are small and fit right into the laps of their owners where they can cuddle for hours.

Pugs are sweet and cute, but can sometimes be mischievous. It is worthy of note that pugs shed quite a bit of fur in warm climes.

Schnauzer

Schnauzers are famous as house dogs and great companions. They are available in sizes ranging from standard to micro, with the miniature breed being the most sought after.

Schnauzers are easy to train and eager to please, hence they are quick to integrate into a family. Their energetic and playful nature might be stressful for inactive seniors, but are great for the active ones, and perfect for the grandkids that might come around.

Schnauzers are loyal, protective, and alert. They are instinctive guard dogs that can watch over their senior owners while having fun and keeping them company, all at the same time.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized canine that is popular amongst similar breeds and dogs of its size.

Cocker spaniels are very affectionate, happy, charming, and loyal. They are even-tempered and are not prone to aggressive actions. However, cocker spaniels are quite energetic and will require their owners to set aside some time for walks and play every day.

The furry coats of Cocker spaniels also demand some time and attention for grooming.

Boston Terrier

Boston terriers are one of the most loved dog breeds for elders because they are low maintenance and are very friendly.

Boston terriers have short coats and need little or no grooming, so elders don’t have to worry about trimming and managing their coats.

This dog breed always has a happy and friendly disposition. Their best moments are when they curl in bed or on the sofa with their owners. Boston terriers are also family-friendly, so they fit well with elders who live alone or live amongst other family members.

Although the Boston terrier is very friendly, he is also very mindful and observant of his owner’s mood, wants, and needs.

Poodle

Poodles are a very smart and fairly active breed. Their sizes range from standard to miniature, which gives owners a lot of options to choose from depending on their preference.

Poodles are easy to train and are not selective about activities. They can take part in any activities seniors prefer and enjoy themselves.

One downside of poodles for seniors is that they require grooming. They are also hypo-allergenic and have hair instead of fur.

Schipperke

Fondly called Skip, the Schipperke is a dog breed that is well-suited to seniors although many are yet to realize this fact. The small breed dog is strong and sturdy and easy to care for and was originally bred to live aboard a ship or sailboat

With cute button eyes that constantly draw out the owner’s heart, the Schipperke is up for doing anything from water-based activities to land exercises, and play.

Chinese Crested

This dog breed is one of the least attractive dog breeds that people have described as ugly. The Chinese crested constantly looks like it is undergoing hair loss but has a great personality to make up for its unorthodox look.

The Chinese Crested is small and well-suited for small apartments. The breed is also very adaptable and doesn’t make a fuss.

Most owners find the cat-like tendencies of the crested to be an exciting addition as you can catch it sitting at many high places in your house.

The Chinese Crested is excellent for seniors as it thrives on affection and companionship of all forms.

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is a small terrier breed with an active lifestyle that is way over its body size. With an average rate of between 13 and 20 pounds at full maturity, this breed is not as fragile as you might think.

The small stature of the Westie makes it easy for their owners to carry and hold them. However, their active nature makes them a better fit for seniors who can also share an active lifestyle with their pets.

The West Highland White Terrier does not need frequent grooming, which means less stress for its owner.

Scottish Terriers

By now you have probably realized that most dogs from the terrier breeds are great for the elderly. The Scottish terrier was originally bred to chase after rats and vermin, but it has found its place amongst families, specifically the elderly.

The Scottish terrier loves seniors the way they love kids and are comfortable spending time with their owners and other breeds. They shed less than other breeds and don’t require too much grooming. However, their fur can get too thick and bushy if you don’t groom them frequently.

Some owners trim the fur on this breed in the traditional short manner, but this is not necessary as they won’t shed all over the place even if they are long.

Otterhound

The Otterhound is a large, active, and independent breed. Weighing an average of 50 pounds and interested in lots of activities including swimming, the Otterhound is strictly for very active elders.

This large, active dog is also very alert and affectionate towards its owners. It has a friendly disposition with an independent nature that doesn’t stress the owner or require too much attention.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed with a stout body and the appearance of a fox. The Pembroke was bred as a sheepherder, but its intelligence makes it fit to receive any training and carry out several tasks properly.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is affectionate and warm, making it a great companion for seniors. It also requires frequent exercise, which can be stressful for some seniors and also inspire others to be more fit and active. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is such an amazing breed that it is a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.

Bolognese

A perfect term to describe the Bolognese dog is cuddly. This breed is calm and quiet and loves the company of its owner more than anything else.

The Bolognese is perfect for seniors because it is easy to cater to, requires very little grooming, and sheds very little. It is also intelligent and easy to train on several tasks for the elderly.

The Bolognese dog does great with small spaces and apartments, as long as it can cuddle up next to its owner like a teddy bear.