Dogs make great companions for seniors and the elderly. They provide comfort, love, and a sense of security. But what type of dog is best for a senior or elderly person?
Some dogs are too big and active for older people, while others are small and docile. If you’re looking for the best small dog for a senior or elderly person, read on.
We’ve compiled a list of the top breeds that fit this description.
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Best Small Dogs For Seniors and Elderly
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest breeds of dog. These tiny dogs are perfect for the elderly because they’re low energy and very loving.
Chihuahuas can be affectionate lap dogs, but they also remain playful throughout their entire lives. Their small size makes them easy to pick up and carry around if necessary.
2. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the most popular toy breeds. These dogs are loving and gentle, which makes them perfect for seniors who aren’t active.
While they do have a lot of energy, they can be content sitting in your lap all day if necessary. They don’t require much exercise either, so your senior loved one can enjoy their company without worrying about getting tired.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are affectionate and playful dogs that love to snuggle up beside you. Their small size makes them easy for seniors to handle, but they’re still tough enough to play with you all day long if required.
Yorkies are great companion dogs because they’re low energy and don’t require a lot of exercise.
4. Poodle
Poodles are smart, affectionate, and playful dogs that make great small dogs for seniors. These dogs are easy to train because they’re eager to please their owners. Poodles are low energy, so they can spend all day sitting in your lap.
Their size makes them easy to pick up and cuddle with if necessary. There is only one thing about their grooming that might prevent your senior loved one from getting a poodle. They’re high-maintenance when it comes to grooming, so you’ll need to consider this before adopting one.
5. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are the perfect lap dogs for seniors and the elderly because they love cuddling. These dogs are little balls of energy and love who will play with you all day long.
They usually make good watchdogs because they’re very alert, but they won’t try to herd everyone like a sheepdog might do.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate dogs that love cuddling up beside you all day long. These small dogs are low energy, but they love to play with their owners.
Shih Tzus are great watch dogs because they’re alert and will bark at strangers, but they’re also usually very gentle.
6. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small and docile, but they’re very playful and fun-loving dogs. They love to play fetch and follow their owners around everywhere. Despite their high energy level, French Bulldogs don’t require a lot of daily exercise.
On sleepy and low energy days they will be the best small dogs for seniors.
7. Corgi
Corgis are intelligent, playful dogs that are great for seniors. They’re very adaptable and usually love everyone they meet.
Corgis make good watchdogs because they’ll bark to let their owners know when something is wrong. But they won’t nip or try to herd everyone like a border collie might do.
8. Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is the hybrid dog of the Poodle and the Maltese breeds. These dogs retain the friendly, low-energy nature of both parents, which makes them perfect for senior citizens.
Since they don’t have the long, flowing coats of a Poodle, Maltipoos require less grooming.
9. Beagle
The Beagle is a great breed for seniors. It’s calm, friendly and protective of their family members which means they can provide some much needed assistance in your home without feeling like an intrusion or burden on you!
10. English Bulldog
Bulldogs are gentle giants! This laid-back breed loves cuddling up with their owner while watching TV or just chilling at home.
Bulldogs are also excellent watch dogs because they’re very alert and can be quite fierce when it comes to protecting their home.
11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are self-assured, happy dogs that love to play. These dogs are full of energy and will keep you on your toes all day long.
They’re great with kids and other pets, but they can be stubborn at times too. Cavaliers are easy to train because they enjoy pleasing their owners!
12. Pug
Pugs make wonderful lap dogs for seniors and the elderly because they don’t require much exercise or grooming. Pugs love to cuddle up beside you and snuggle while you watch TV or read a book together.
They don’t bark much either which makes them perfect for senior citizens who like quiet dogs. On days when they need lots of naps, pugs can still be great companions.
13. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are small and extremely friendly dogs. They’re loyal and intelligent, so they’ll want to be with you all day long.
These dogs are small but mighty. They can be tricky to train, so it’s important that you find the right instructor for your little one. The Miniature Schnauzer has an estimated lifespan of 10-15 years old depending on how well they’re cared for in general which means this breed may last even longer if handled properly from early life stages up until adulthood
14. Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties are friendly and lively dogs that love being around their owners. Their size makes them easy to pick up and carry around, but they don’t require lots of exercise either.
On days when your senior loved one doesn’t feel like going on a long walk, Shelties are an excellent choice because they’re usually happy just to be close by.
15. Maltese
Maltese dogs are one of the easiest breeds to take care of because they’re hypoallergenic and don’t shed much. These adorable dogs also love playing with kids, cuddling up with their owners for TV time or going on walks.
The Maltese won’t provide much protection, but they’re very intuitive and sensitive to their owners feelings. If you’re a senior that’s having a tough day, your Maltese will notice and do everything they can to cheer you up!
In Conclusion:
There are many benefits to adopting a small dog for seniors or the elderly. They’re low-energy, loyal and affectionate which makes them great companions and watch dogs.
Additionally, small breeds live longer than larger ones because they age more slowly and can avoid injuries and health problems that come with age. So the next time you’re thinking about adding a dog to your home, consider adopting one of these small breeds!
