When my mom retired, she said what many do at that stage: “I finally have time for a dog.” What she didn’t realize, though, was that not all dogs fit every senior’s pace or home.
After a few mismatched tries, a high-energy puppy, then a shedding giant who took over the couch, she finally found her perfect match in a calm, affectionate Havanese named Bella.
Watching them together made me realize how important it is to choose wisely when it comes to the best dogs for seniors to adopt, dogs that bring joy, comfort, and companionship without overwhelming their owners.
Getting a dog later in life can be one of the most rewarding decisions ever. But it’s not just about which breed looks cute or is trending, it’s about which ones fit the rhythm of your days, your energy level, and your home.
Table of Contents
Best Dogs for Seniors
Choosing the best dogs for seniors to adopt depends on personality, living space, and activity level. The breeds that tend to thrive most with older owners are gentle, affectionate, and easygoing.
They don’t require intense exercise or constant attention, but they love company. These dogs are steady companions who remind you every day that love doesn’t slow down with age.
| Breed Name | Size | Energy Level | Shedding | Grooming Needs | Temperament | Why It’s Good for Seniors |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Moderate | Medium | Moderate | Gentle, affectionate | Calm and loving, enjoys quiet companionship |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Cheerful, friendly | Hypoallergenic, playful, and social |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Low | Moderate | Loyal, calm | Perfect lapdog; low exercise needs |
| Pug | Small | Low | Medium | Low | Playful, loyal | Minimal grooming and easygoing |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Low | Moderate | Sweet, gentle | Great for low-activity lifestyles |
| Toy Poodle | Small | Medium | Low | Moderate | Intelligent, loyal | Easy to train and allergy-friendly |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Low | Low | Quiet, affectionate | Minimal exercise; very adaptable |
| Havanese | Small | Medium | Low | Moderate | Cheerful, sociable | Great companion for homebodies |
| Lhasa Apso | Small | Low | Low | Moderate | Calm, watchful | Excellent for relaxed households |
| Chihuahua | Small | Medium | Low | Low | Alert, loyal | Compact and loves one-on-one bonding |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Small-Medium | Medium | Low | Moderate | Alert, devoted | Low-shedding and protective |
| Cocker Spaniel | Medium | Medium | Medium | Moderate | Gentle, affectionate | Loyal and family-friendly |
| Boston Terrier | Small | Medium | Low | Low | Friendly, adaptable | Easy to manage and train |
| Pomeranian | Small | Medium | Medium | Moderate | Lively, affectionate | Playful and devoted companion |
| Pekingese | Small | Low | Low | Moderate | Calm, loving | Great lapdog, suits calm lifestyle |
Best Dogs for Seniors Over 60
At 60, many people are still active, traveling, or just starting retirement. This age range suits dogs with a balanced temperament, friendly but not hyper. Think of breeds that enjoy both walks and naps, like the Cocker Spaniel or Miniature Schnauzer.
These friendly dog breeds for seniors offer affection and fun without demanding a marathon’s worth of energy.
| Breed Name | Size | Energy Level | Shedding | Why It’s Great |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Moderate | Medium | Gentle and affectionate companion |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Moderate | Low | Hypoallergenic, friendly, easy to handle |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Low | Calm, loves lap time |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Low | Minimal exercise needs |
| Pug | Small | Low | Medium | Playful and sociable |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Low | Great for quiet homes |
| Toy Poodle | Small | Medium | Low | Intelligent and easy to train |
Best Dogs for Seniors Over 65
As life becomes a bit more relaxed, choosing dogs that are content with slower routines is key. Seniors over 65 often prefer smaller breeds that adapt easily to apartment life and are easy to groom or carry.
| Breed Name | Size | Energy Level | Shedding | Why It’s Great |
| Havanese | Small | Medium | Low | Cheerful and loyal |
| Boston Terrier | Small | Medium | Low | Adaptable to any home |
| Lhasa Apso | Small | Low | Low | Calm and alert |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Small-Medium | Medium | Low | Protective and smart |
| Pekingese | Small | Low | Low | Lap-loving and relaxed |
| Chihuahua | Small | Medium | Low | Compact, suits small homes |
| Cocker Spaniel | Medium | Medium | Medium | Friendly and loyal companion |
Best Dogs for Seniors Over 70
For seniors in their seventies, companionship takes priority over activity. You want a calm, predictable dog that brings warmth without adding physical strain.
| Breed Name | Size | Energy Level | Shedding | Why It’s Great |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Low | Minimal activity, strong bond |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Moderate | Low | Low-maintenance and affectionate |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Low | Easygoing and quiet |
| Pug | Small | Low | Medium | Low exercise needs |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Low | Calm and devoted |
| Havanese | Small | Medium | Low | Gentle, emotional support type |
| Pekingese | Small | Low | Low | Great lapdog for limited mobility |
Low-Maintenance Dogs for Seniors
Aging gracefully doesn’t mean you want more chores. Low-maintenance breeds are ideal, minimal shedding, fewer health issues, and simple grooming needs.
| Breed Name | Size | Shedding | Exercise Needs | Care Level |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Low | Very low-maintenance |
| Pug | Small | Medium | Low | Easy care, minimal grooming |
| Boston Terrier | Small | Low | Low | Clean and adaptable |
| Chihuahua | Small | Low | Low | Simple diet & grooming |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Moderate | Great for light activity |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Low | Minimal shedding |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Medium | Low | Easygoing and gentle |
Best Dogs for Seniors With Mobility Issues
If walking long distances is tricky, look for breeds that don’t need much exercise but still enjoy your company. Pekingese, Toy Poodles, and Lhasa Apsos are content with short strolls and indoor play.
| Breed Name | Size | Activity Level | Why It’s Ideal |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Minimal walking, loves staying close |
| Pug | Small | Low | Short daily strolls enough |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Low | Light exercise, joyful presence |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Doesn’t require long walks |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Calm and comforting |
| Pekingese | Small | Low | Relaxed and cuddly companion |
| Havanese | Small | Medium | Adapts to owner’s pace |
Best Dogs for Seniors in Apartments
Apartment life can be cozy with the right pet. The ideal dogs are small, quiet, and adaptable to limited space. Breeds like the Havanese, Pug, and Yorkshire Terrier are great examples. They don’t need a yard, just love, attention, and short daily walks.
| Breed Name | Size | Shedding | Noise Level | Why It’s Ideal |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Quiet | Perfect small-space companion |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Very Quiet | Minimal exercise, loves indoors |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Low | Quiet | Apartment-friendly and hypoallergenic |
| Pug | Small | Medium | Quiet | Great indoor temperament |
| Havanese | Small | Low | Quiet | Adapts easily to small homes |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Medium | Low | Calm and affectionate |
| Chihuahua | Small | Low | Moderate | Thrives in cozy spaces |
Best Dogs for Seniors With Allergies
If you’ve always wanted a dog but struggle with allergies, don’t worry, there are hypoallergenic breeds that shed little to none. The Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese are all excellent options.
| Breed Name | Size | Shedding | Allergy Level | Why It’s Great for Seniors |
| Poodle (Toy/Miniature) | Small | Low | Hypoallergenic | Intelligent, easy to train |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Low | Hypoallergenic | Soft coat, gentle personality |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Hypoallergenic | Calm and affectionate |
| Havanese | Small | Low | Hypoallergenic | Friendly and adaptable |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Low-allergen | Minimal shedding and calm |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Small-Medium | Low | Hypoallergenic | Alert, loyal, and low-dander |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Medium | Low | Hypoallergenic | Friendly and energetic, good for active seniors |
Best Dogs for Seniors With Arthritis
Living with arthritis can make handling large, high-energy dogs tough. That’s why breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, or Coton de Tulear are so wonderful. They’re lightweight, low-impact, and easy to manage.
| Breed Name | Size | Energy Level | Exercise Needs | Why It’s Ideal |
| Pug | Small | Low | Minimal | Loves short walks and resting |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Low | Perfect lap companion |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Low | Calm and requires little walking |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle and easy to manage |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Low | Light grooming, little activity |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Moderate | Low | Playful but manageable |
| Havanese | Small | Medium | Moderate | Adapts to owner’s mobility |
Best Dogs for Elderly Women
For many older women living alone, a dog brings emotional comfort and security. Breeds like the Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Shih Tzu are loving without being demanding.
| Breed Name | Size | Temperament | Care Level | Why It’s Great |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Gentle, loving | Easy | Perfect lap companion |
| Maltese | Small | Sweet, calm | Low | Elegant and affectionate |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Friendly, loyal | Moderate | Great emotional companion |
| Pomeranian | Small | Lively, affectionate | Medium | Cheerful and cute |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Playful, social | Moderate | Loves people and light play |
| Havanese | Small | Cheerful, loyal | Medium | Great for companionship |
| Toy Poodle | Small | Smart, loyal | Moderate | Easy to train and affectionate |
Best Companion Dogs for Seniors Living Alone
Companionship is everything when you live solo. You need a dog that’s emotionally attuned, easy to care for, and always by your side. Breeds like the Pug, Cavalier, and Dachshund thrive on human interaction. They’re affectionate without being clingy, great listeners and even better snugglers.
| Breed Name | Size | Energy Level | Why It’s Ideal |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Moderate | Loyal and affectionate, loves cuddling |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Constant companion, calm personality |
| Pug | Small | Low | Devoted and funny personality |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Moderate | Friendly and cheerful |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Great for quiet companionship |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Calm and quiet |
| Havanese | Small | Medium | Sociable and people-oriented |
Best Emotional Support Dogs for Seniors
Emotional support dogs are like therapy in fur form. They sense your moods, offer comfort, and help reduce anxiety or depression.
| Breed Name | Size | Temperament | Why It’s a Great ESA |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Loving, calm | Highly affectionate and soothing |
| Labrador Retriever | Large | Gentle, loyal | Naturally empathetic |
| Golden Retriever | Large | Friendly, calm | Perfect for emotional comfort |
| Poodle | Small-Medium | Intelligent, intuitive | Detects emotional changes |
| Havanese | Small | Gentle, sociable | Excellent lap companion |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Calm, loyal | Loves constant closeness |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Cheerful, empathetic | Brightens mood and low-allergen |
Worst Dog Breeds for Seniors
Some breeds, though wonderful, just aren’t practical for older owners. High-energy dogs like Huskies, Border Collies, or Belgian Malinois need hours of activity and space to thrive. These breeds can quickly become overwhelming in small homes or for those with limited mobility.
| Breed Name | Size | Reason Not Ideal |
| Border Collie | Medium | High energy and mental stimulation needs |
| Siberian Husky | Large | Requires intense exercise, sheds heavily |
| German Shepherd | Large | Strong, needs training and space |
| Belgian Malinois | Large | Demands constant activity |
| Rottweiler | Large | Too powerful and protective for frail owners |
| Jack Russell Terrier | Small | Extremely energetic and stubborn |
| Dalmatian | Medium | Needs space and daily runs |
| Australian Shepherd | Medium | High mental and physical stimulation |
| Great Dane | Giant | Size and strength may overwhelm seniors |
| Akita | Large | Independent, not ideal for fragile handlers |
Tips to Choosing the Right Dog
Choosing a dog in your golden years is about balance, between companionship and care needs, energy and ease, affection and independence. Before you start browsing shelters or breeders, here are a few things to think through.
Energy Level and Exercise Needs
If your daily walks are more of a leisurely stroll than a jog, go for breeds with moderate to low activity needs. Dogs like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, or Bichon Frise enjoy short walks and cuddles just as much as playtime.
Size and Manageability
Smaller dogs are often easier for seniors to handle, easier to lift, easier to groom, and generally more suited for apartments or assisted living.
Health and Maintenance
Low-shedding breeds reduce cleaning chores and allergies. Older owners might prefer dogs that don’t require constant grooming or vet visits.
Age and Temperament of the Dog
Puppies are adorable, yes, but they’re a handful. Adopting an adult or senior dog can be more rewarding, they’re calmer, often house-trained, and deeply grateful for a second chance.
Lifestyle Fit
Think about how much time you’re home, whether you travel often, and if your building allows pets.
Caring for a Dog as a Senior
Caring for a dog later in life is less about physical effort and more about consistency. Regular feeding times, gentle walks, and simple grooming keep things balanced. Make use of smart aids like automatic feeders, lightweight leashes, and dog ramps if needed.
The friendly dog breeds for seniors are often cooperative, calm, and eager to bond through quiet moments of care.
Conclusion
There’s something timeless about the friendship between a senior and their dog. The love, the loyalty, the quiet companionship, it’s deeply healing. Whether you live alone, in an apartment, or with family, one of the best dogs for seniors to adopt is out there waiting.
They don’t just fill your home with joy; they bring purpose, laughter, and a comforting routine to your days.
FAQs
What’s the calmest dog breed for seniors?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pugs are both excellent calm companions.
Which dog is best for an apartment-living senior?
Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, and Havanese adapt beautifully to smaller spaces.
Are older dogs better for senior owners?
Yes, adult and senior dogs are calmer and already trained, making them easy to manage.
What if I have allergies?
Go for hypoallergenic breeds like Poodles or Bichons, and groom regularly.
Can a senior adopt a rescue dog?
Absolutely. Many rescues specialize in matching dogs to older adopters and their lifestyles.