Which Are the Best Dog Breeds for Seniors?

These dog breeds are the perfect ones for a retired senior!

Dogs are among the most popular pets in the world. In the United States, for example, there is at least one dog in more than 43 million households. Well, the truth is that dogs are very affectionate, intelligent, and playful creatures that can get along with other amazing pets as well, such as cats, but only if they are socialized and trained properly, but that’s not all! They can be excellent canine companions even for families with kids or seniors.

However, even though it is an amazing experience to adopt and take care of a dog, it is important to remember that they are a big responsibility as well. Before adopting a dog, you need to educate yourself about what this experience involves and ask yourself a few questions, such as: Do I have enough money to get their food and vet checkups? Do I have enough time to spend with them or am I forced to leave them alone at home for too long? Do I have enough time to take them for a walk every morning and evening? Am I informed enough to know how to train and socialize them properly?

All of these questions should be discussed and analyzed with your family or even with specialists. So, don’t hesitate to ask an expert for help and more information regarding your dog’s breed. There are some dog breeds that should be adopted only by active families because they need a lot of exercise to consume their energy, or by those who know exactly what kind of training sessions they need, as some breeds need rigorous training. That’s why it’s a good idea for seniors to choose dog breeds that are actually compatible with their lifestyles.

Whether you want a dog with whom you can explore the world and hike long distances or a lap dog with a friendly personality that loves to be held in your arms all day, here are the most common dog breeds that are perfect for seniors. In addition, these dogs can be adopted from a reputable breeder or you can find them in various animal shelters. However, if you want to save a life, consider adopting a dog instead of buying one. Read on for more info!

German spitz

• Dog breed group: companion dogs
• Weight: 21 to 29 pounds
• Life Span: 13 to 15 years

The German Spitz is a very affectionate, devoted, and intelligent creature that loves to spend time with their family. They have a double coat, so, you have to brush it several times a week. They are perfect for seniors, but not for families with children because the German Spitz is a small dog that can be easily injured by kids.

They love to be the center of attention and run around your yard. The German spitz tends to be vocal around strangers, so they will bark a lot when they see people they don’t know. Even though they are very intelligent and easy to train, sometimes they can be stubborn. The best part is that they can live both in an apartment or in a house.

Cesky terrier

• Dog breed group: terrier dogs
• Weight: 13 to 30 pounds
• Life Span: 10 to 15 years

The Cesky terrier was originally bred to hunt vermin, but nowadays they can be great companion dogs as well. They have friendly personalities and are very intelligent and playful dogs. However, they don’t require much exercise. Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them suitable for apartment life.

According to animal experts, the Cesky terrier is the perfect pet for seniors or novice pet parents. They love to spend time with their families and cuddle on the couch.

Glen of Imaal terrier

• Dog breed group: terrier dogs
• Weight: Up to 35 pounds
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a strong and independent dog native to Ireland. They were originally developed to hunt foxes, badgers and keep rodents away from homes. However, nowadays they can be perfect family companions.

The best part is that this dog breed can adapt to apartments and large homes easily. They’re great for seniors who have time for teaching them various funny tricks. They need daily exercise, but you can let them run in your yard for a few minutes.

Before adopting a Glen of Imaal terrier it’s important to remember that if you don’t socialize them properly from an early age, they tend to become aggressive towards other dogs.

Lowchen

• Dog breed group: companion dogs
• Weight: 9 to 18 pounds
• Life Span: 13 to 15 years

The Lowchen is a toy breed developed as a companion dog. They are very intelligent, active, and devoted to their families. They have gentle and loving personalities, which makes them great companions for people of all ages, especially for families with kids, novice pet parents, and seniors.

In addition, even though the beautiful Lowchen can get along well with everyone else, whether we are talking about other animals or even people, they can be really shy around people they don’t know. Animal experts say that Lowchens shouldn’t be left outside or in a kennel, because not only will their health be adversely affected, but they can also develop problematic behavior. Instead, they can adapt to apartments and large homes easily.

Affenpinscher

• Dog breed group: companion dogs
• Weight: 7 to 9 pounds
• Life Span: 12 to 14 years

The Affenpinscher is often considered hypoallergenic, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t shed, because the truth is that all dog breeds shed. They were originally developed as ratters, so they can’t get along well with rodent pets, such as hamsters, rats, ferrets, gerbils, and so on.

According to animal experts, Affenpinschers are not usually recommended for families with children, because it is not a breed naturally inclined to like them. However, they can be perfect pets for seniors.

If you’re a dog lover, we recommend you read this book about hunter dogs!

Norfolk terrier

• Dog breed group: terrier dogs
• Weight: 11 to 12 pounds
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

If you want to adopt a lively and affectionate dog, then the Norfolk terrier is perfect for you. They tend to be independent and hard-working, but you need to take them for a walk every day for at least 60 minutes.

However, according to animal experts, this type of dog breed is relatively uncommon in the United States, where about 300 pups are born each year. Therefore, if you want to adopt one, you have to wait a bit.

They have a friendly personality and make an excellent companion for children if they have been raised with them. If you leave them alone for long periods of time, they will amuse themselves by barking and digging.

American Eskimo dog

• Dog breed group: companion dogs
• Weight: starts at 30 pounds
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

The American Eskimo dog is considered by admirers one of the most beautiful dogs in the world, due to their white coat. They have a friendly and loving personality and love to spend time with their family and get involved in various family activities. They will usually feel shy and uncomfortable around strangers.

The American Eskimo dog (also known as Eskie) is cheerful, affectionate and is also considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are very independent and curious creatures, but you need to keep a close eye on them because they will try to explore the world on their own.

They can be excellent watchdogs and will bark a lot to announce that you have visitors. However, if you leave them alone for too long, they will develop problematic behavior and can become problematic barkers.

That being said, if you want to adopt a dog that has a lot to say, then you should definitely choose an American Eskimo Dog.

Japanese Chin

• Dog breed group: companion dogs
• Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
• Life Span: 10 to 14 years

The Japanese Chin dog is a playful and affectionate dog breed that can adapt well to apartment life as well. Nevertheless, they can be great pets even for novice parents and seniors, but just like any other pet, they hate being left alone at home for long periods of time.

In addition, what many people don’t know about this dog breed is that they have a cat-like personality because they love to be in high places, climb, and have a tendency to wash themselves. Of course, they are super happy when they spend time with their family, even if they are on the couch and watching a movie.

They have friendly personalities and are nice to everyone, even to other pets, strangers, or children. The cute Japanese Chin does well in apartments and can also adapt to any living situation. Nonetheless, according to animal experts, you shouldn’t keep them outdoors or in a kennel, as they are small in size and can’t stay away from their people.

Schipperke

• Dog breed group: companion dogs
• Weight: 11 to 18 pounds
• Life Span: 13 to 15 years

Schipperke is a curious and smart dog that wants to protect their family at all costs. The best part is that they can adapt well to any living conditions, any house, and any apartment, but you need to provide them with plenty of exercises every day.

In addition, they want to be involved in all family activities, which is great for people with children or seniors who usually work in their gardens. They are protective and devoted to their people but can be aloof toward strangers until they decide they have good intentions.

Moreover, unlike other dog breeds, the Schipperke doesn’t shed excessively, but you can brush their coat at least once a week.

Keeshond

• Dog breed group: companion dogs
• Weight: 35 to 45 pounds
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

The Keeshond is a fans of cool weather, so they really like to spend time outdoors, but they shouldn’t be kept in your backyard because they love to spend time with you. Staying alone can lead to problematic behavior in the long run.

They are perfect not only for seniors who love to arrange their garden from time to time and take a walk in the park but for families with children as well, because they love to play with them. Not to mention that the Keeshond can also get along well with other dogs and pets. However, just like any other dog breed, they need to be properly trained and socialized from an early age.

If you leave them for too long, they will bark excessively. Don’t forget that they need to be around their people because they are actually a companion dog breed.

Border terrier

• Dog breed group: terrier dogs
• Weight: 11 to 15 pounds
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

The Border Terrier is ideally suited for active families and seniors who can take them for a walk every day to meet their needs and consume their energy. In addition, they need a securely fenced yard to keep them safe, because they are curious and will try to explore the world on their own.

The Border terrier can generally get along well with other dogs, pets, strangers, and children and they also love to be surrounded by people.

If you live in a small house or apartment, do not worry! These dog breeds are perfect for smaller spaces like the ones we mentioned and even more!