Best Dogs for Seniors Based on Their Needs

Dogs have been best friends to humankind since we began domesticating them more than 14,000 years ago — to this day, they continue to rank as the most popular type of pet in the U.S. 

Many seniors can benefit from dog ownership by exercising with their pets and improving their mental and emotional well-being. The bond between seniors and their dogs can help boost mood, reduce anxiety, and stimulate the mind and body. 

Finding the right dog, however, can come with challenges. Not all dogs are a good fit for all seniors, depending on their capabilities and lifestyle. We considered several factors, including activity level and allergens, to determine the dog breeds most likely to sync with senior partners. 

Our guide can help you find your next best friend, whether you shop with a breeder or visit your local animal shelter. 

How do you find the right dog for your needs? Start by considering your living arrangements. If you're in your own home with a fenced-in backyard, you might be able to manage with a larger, more active dog. Conversely, if you are in an assisted living facility or independent living situation, a smaller, quieter dog could be a better option. Think about the following factors when looking for the best dogs for seniors: 

• Size: Can you control a large animal, especially an active breed such as an Australian Shepherd? A smaller dog may be easier to control and care for. If you're in a community living environment, there may also be restrictions on the size of the animals they allow.
• Age: Puppies may be cute, but their mischievous nature might require extra effort to train properly. An older dog, meanwhile, may be content to spend much of the day sleeping on your sofa. 
• Maintenance and Grooming: All dogs require some care, of course, but long-haired dogs may need daily brushing and frequent trips to the groomer.
• Energy Level and Temperament: Active seniors may look for dogs that benefit from long walks and extended play sessions. More sedentary elders may want a companion who relishes their company and enjoys a short daily walk.
• Ease of Training: Dogs bred for herding typically take well to training efforts. Highly intelligent dogs, such as poodles, are motivated to please their owners and often easier to train.
• Health: Unfortunately, some breeds are prone to health challenges. Snub-nosed dogs like pugs, for example, often face challenges from a disease called brachycephalic syndrome, which can affect their respiratory system.

Finding the right dog for your needs may take a little research. Online resources such as the American Kennel Club have information about breeds, including size and temperament, along with grooming and exercise needs. There are rescue groups for most breeds that may have likely animals, too, at a discounted cost. 

Don't forget your local shelter. Their mixed-breed dogs often make loving companions — and you may be saving a life by adopting. 

In the end, there is no single breed that is always the best dog for every senior. Just as you are a unique individual, so is your dog. Take the time to do your research and try to meet your potential pet beforehand to see if you are compatible.

Small dogs can be a great choice for seniors, especially individuals in community living situations. Although memory care facilities and some nursing homes may not allow residents to have pets, facilities geared toward more active seniors may allow dogs but could limit their choices to smaller breeds. 

If a lap dog is in your future, you may want to consider one of these elder-friendly breeds. At roughly 15 pounds or less, the following pups can be perfect pocket companions:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These dogs sport a permanently winsome expression and long, silky fur that requires regular brushing. The affectionate breed is known to be gentle with young children and welcomed as family members. They are flexible in terms of activity level — these dogs can hold their own with active seniors but also provide companionship as fellow couch potatoes.
• Maltese: If you're looking for a lap dog that will curl up for a nap with you on the couch, look no further than the Maltese. These small, playful dogs are known for their luxurious, long fur and adaptable nature. You will spend time at the grooming salon if you have a Maltese, but on the flip side, they are low-shedding and respond well to training.
• Pug: Though these canines are on the larger size for small dogs, adult pugs may tip the scale at slightly over 15 pounds. Their size doesn't deter them from taking every opportunity to snuggle on your lap. They are prone to becoming overweight, but their short fur coats are easy to care for. Pugs are good with children and affectionate with all.

Medium-sized dogs, from roughly 15 to 35 pounds, may be a good fit for seniors not looking for lap dogs — though many larger dogs like nothing more than to attempt to curl up in your lap. A larger dog that is more visible underfoot is less likely to be a falling hazard. Smaller dogs can be high-strung animals, while larger breeds tend to be more easy-going. 

If you're looking for the best medium-sized dogs for seniors, you may want to look at one of these breeds:

• Corgi: Beloved by Queen Elizabeth, Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle. These muscular, fearless animals are considered big dogs in a small dog's body. Although possibly not the best dog to have around young children, these affectionate, loving animals offer companionship without being needy when properly raised.
• French Bulldog: This adaptable and friendly breed can live in small apartments and doesn't need hours of exercise every day, making them an ideal city dog. They get along well with children, other adults, and other companion animals. Like all snub-nosed dogs, they may be prone to respiratory illnesses, however, especially when older.
• Beagle: Weighing in at 20 to 30 pounds for an adult, beagles are curious and friendly dogs who are great with children and get along well with other animals. They are by nature hunting dogs, and can be noisy, but they are still the most popular hound among American pet owners. Beagles love a good walk and may be excellent companions for active seniors looking for dogs to take exploring country trails or urban parks.

It might seem counterintuitive for a senior looking to downsize their living arrangements to look for a large dog, but these gentle giants can be a good choice for some older individuals. Not all large dogs act their size, as some will happily do their best impression of a lap dog at a moment's notice. A few of them are among the best companion dogs for seniors despite weighing around 40 pounds or more. 

If you like the idea of a large dog, consider one of the following:

• Greyhounds: Despite a reputation for speed, greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy, typically requiring just one walk a day. They are known for their gentle dispositions and elegant profiles and make an eye-catching addition to your household. They are not heavy barkers, and although they can be considered watchdogs, they are still likely to welcome strangers into your house.
• Labrador Retriever: One of the most popular dog breeds in America, Labs can be a fine choice for active seniors. They are affectionate with family, children, and other dogs, with an outgoing, high-spirited temperament. Labs are athletes and need lots of exercise. They love water and may be a good choice for seniors who vacation in colder climates.
• Standard Poodle: Although toy or miniature poodles are popular with older adults and among the best small dogs for seniors, standard poodles also deserve a place on our list of best dogs for elderly individuals. Poodles are the aristocrats of the dog world, and few can match them for elegance and good looks. They are also one of the smartest and most loyal of breeds, and their fur makes them a good choice for those with allergies.

For seniors with dogs, the idea of living in a retirement community that does not allow pets may be a non-starter. When you are planning your move to a community, research their policies on companion animals. Many facilities will have information on their website. Consider the following common requirements for senior living facilities:

• There may be breed or weight restrictions, allowing only for smaller animals and breeds that are not considered aggressive.
• You are likely to need to update all of your pet's vaccinations.
• You may need to pay a one-time fee when you move in or an increased monthly rate for your rent.
• You may be required to attest that you are capable of caring for your animal yourself, although some facilities might have staff on hand who can help with walks or other activities.
• There may be a limit on the number of pets you may have.
• You may need to provide a plan of care in the event that you are no longer able to care for your dog, naming a person who will take in the dog if that happens.

Your chosen facility may have a dedicated outdoor area where you can walk your pooch, and there may be limits to where it can roam inside — such as keeping the dining room off limits.

Increasingly, eldercare facilities acknowledge the benefits of allowing companion animals and continue to become more open to pet ownership. Some nursing homes may even welcome pets or visits from animals. 

A dog can provide opportunities for exercise, joyful companionship, and emotional support to a senior. Any size dog can be a good choice for an older adult, although a low-maintenance older animal is often the best option for a senior with a more sedentary lifestyle. 

While we highlight some likely breeds above, you may also find your new canine best friend by visiting a shelter, which may have purebreds and mixed-breed dogs available for adoption. Although dogs can cost money, seniors may use various funding sources to pay for the costs of housing, grooming, and feeding a companion animal.

• American kennel club. (n.d.)
• Are pets allowed in assisted living facilities? (n.d.). Senior Services of America
• Leeson, Janelle. (2023). The 8 most popular pets in 2023. PetMD
• Ortiz, Jennifer. (2024). Great dog breeds for grownups: a guide to choosing a pup to match your personality. AARP
• Stregowski, Jenna.  (2024). 17 best dogs for seniors. The Spruce Pets
• The Nursing Home Abuse Center Team. What are the benefits and policies for pets in nursing homes? (2024). Nursing Home Abuse Center
• The worst dog breeds for seniors: ten dogs to avoid. (n.d.). Storypoint Group
• The 11 best dog breeds for seniors. (n.d.). The Overlook
• Vanacore, Constance B. (2024). Dog. Britannica.com
• 14 of the best dogs for seniors. (n.d.). Storypoint Group