5 of the best dog breeds for seniors

As we get older, companionship is more important than ever. And for seniors, dogs can be a great source of company. So which breeds are the best for older individuals?

Thanks to Study Finds, we have an idea of which dog breeds are the best for seniors to own. Considering that as we get older, we tend to slow down in a lot of ways, it makes sense that we would want a dog perfectly suited for our slower lifestyle. At the same time, these dogs are here to help combat a sense of loneliness, and even some of our inactivity.

One thing that having a dog can also help with is keeping an older person, more active than they might be normally. After all, even dogs that aren’t in need of a lot of activities still require daily walks. And this will help to get seniors out of the house and active. While there are plenty of dog breed that might be considered low exercise breeds, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best breed for an older individual.

So, which dogs did the study determine would be best for seniors?

What are 5 of the best dog breeds for seniors

1. Shih Tzu

The number one recommended dog for seniors is absolutely the Shih Tzu. Not only are they considered lapdogs, which usually translates to lower energy dogs, but they are very affectionate. This is also a breed that is very friendly with other people and animals. In general, these dogs are considered loyal and “happy-go-lucky,” making them perfect for older companions.

2. Bichon Frise

Another breed that is highly recommended for seniors is the Bichon Frise. This is another breed of dog that is known for their friendly nature. They are great companion dogs, and they are also perfect for someone who has never owned a dog before. Typically, these dogs are relatively low maintenance. This breed is very intelligent and affectionate, with a cheerful nature that makes them great for seniors. Not only that, but they don’t shed as much as some other breeds, even if they do need consistent grooming. And at the same time, they don’t require as much exercise as say a larger dog.

3. Toy Poodle/Miniature Poodle

Poodles are highly recommended for older individuals because of their minimal shedding. They are considered to be a very clean animal. And they are highly intelligent dogs, making them relatively easy to train. Much like the other two dogs on this list, they are very sweet animals, and they develop very strong bonds with their owner. Poodles do require at least one walk every day, but in general, they tend to be couch potatoes.

4. Maltese

This particular breed was actually bred as companion animals. They are very calm dogs, and once again have a sweet nature. The Maltese is known for following their owners around, and they really only require very short walks. Because the Maltese typically average about 7 pounds, they can’t go on long hikes. Another benefit of their smaller stature is the fact that they don’t need a large living space. They can handle small homes and apartments. And we love that.

5. Greyhound

For the fifth and final dog on this list, we actually have the Greyhound. In general, not everyone wants to own a small dog. And for seniors looking for a somewhat larger dog, the Greyhound is actually a nice fit. While it might seem surprising to see these pups on this list, there is a good reason for it. In particular, if you are adopting a retired racing Greyhound, they actually are known for having less energy and being very laid-back. They don’t want to do anything. They want to nap and eat. Honestly, this breed of dog is absolutely known for being a couch potato. While they are very good about training, they are also very good about enjoying a normal walk with their owner, and then just lounging the rest of the day away.

There are a lot of breeds you might have considered as a companion dog, but it seems like these are definitely the top five. What do you think?