Top 7 Dog Breeds for Seniors

With quarantining and social distancing still at large, many people are understandably feeling a bit lonely. So it’s no surprise that we’ve seen a large increase in pet adoptions over the last year as a result. There is no better companion during social distancing than a loving, devoted pet to keep you company.

Today, we’ve compiled a list of the top dog breeds for seniors who may be considering adopting a dog.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

These popular, affectionate dogs weigh up to 30-pounds and require moderate exercise, such as a daily walk around the block. They are a favorite among English royalty and are happy as companions. As a bonus, Corgis are easy to train too!

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are smaller than Corgis, weighing in at 15 to 25-pounds, and are known for their upbeat, friendly nature. They are known for being quieter dogs, making them great apartment dogs. Other than a bit of drooling, French Bulldogs are a reasonably low maintenance dog breed.

A word of caution though – French Bulldogs will follow you everywhere and love 24/7 attention!

Bichon Frise

If you’re looking for a tiny dog, look no further! The Bichon Frise weighs around seven to 12-pounds, and they are praised for their easy trainability.

They require some grooming, which could be performed by a professional every month or so. Otherwise, Bichon Frise have low exercise needs and are affectionate companions.

Shih Tzu

Another small breed that many seniors find desirable is the Shih Tzu dog breed, which weighs in at nine to 16-pounds. They require some grooming, but these beautiful “Lion Dogs” have a stunning coat that definitely makes this extra attention worthwhile. Shih Tzus even have a royal history, which isn’t surprising considering their incredibly charming nature.

If you’re looking for a dog that would prefer being curled up in your lap over taking a walk, the Shih Tzu is a great choice!

Yorkshire Terrier

“Yorkies” typically weigh less than 10-pounds, making them easier to comfortably pick up or hold in your lap. Yorkshire Terriers have a reputation for being easy to train and are  treat-motivated. These dogs are happy playing fetch to fulfill their exercise needs.

Small, intelligent, and noisy enough to immediately alert you if anyone enters your home, Yorkshire Terriers offer seniors many benefits! Get a sense of the financial implications of owning a Yorkshire Terrier here!

Greyhound

Greyhounds are tall, slim dogs who are well known for their racing abilities.

Despite this, Greyhounds are a low-maintenance dog breed, who will gladly lounge with you on the couch. These gentle giants are caring, sweet dogs that are not as high-energy as you might think. A daily walk and occasional opportunity to run are enough to keep a Greyhound’s energy in check.

Maltese

The Maltese dog breed (and the beloved Maltipoo mix)  is an ideal lap dog that loves spending time in their parent’s lap. They will need occasional grooming and require a short, daily walk to keep them happy. Maltese only weigh between four to seven pounds and can easily be carried around in a purse or picked up, making them easier to handle. We've analyzed the typical financial outlay for owning a Maltese here.

Regardless of the dog breed you choose, we hope your new pup brings some extra cheer into your life during these distant times.

Dog Insurance For Your Favorite Pup

While exercise, food, and other lifestyle choices are an essential part of your dog’s health and happiness, regular vet visits play a large role in reducing health issues, too.