19 Best Companion Dog Breeds for Seniors

Getting older doesn’t mean giving up on owning a dog. Dogs can be wonderful companions, especially for seniors with more time to care for them! However, it’s important to choose a breed that suits your current lifestyle and needs.

The best dogs for seniors are typically low-maintenance and require less exercise. Breeds like Poodles, Maltese, Pomeranians, and Pugs are great options for a relaxed lifestyle. Ultimately, the right dog depends on your abilities and routine, ensuring you can meet their needs for exercise, grooming, and health care. Below is a list that can help you find your ideal canine companion!

Dachshund

Dachshunds are great for seniors because of their small size and loving, loyal nature. They need only moderate exercise, like short walks, and are happy to relax indoors. Their playful charm makes them wonderful companions, though care is needed to protect their long backs.

Whippet

Whippets are ideal for seniors due to their gentle nature and low-maintenance needs. They enjoy short walks but are just as happy lounging at home. With their affectionate and calm demeanor, they make loyal and loving companions.

Brichon Frise

The bichon frise is a cheerful and affectionate small breed, perfect for seniors due to its manageable size (7–12 pounds) and easygoing nature. They’re simple to train and need only periodic grooming, which many owners handle professionally every month or two. With moderate daily exercise and companionship, they thrive as loving and low-maintenance companions.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier is a small, affectionate spaniel, weighing 11–18 pounds, making it an excellent choice for seniors. This breed loves to snuggle, is easy to handle and train, and requires only regular brushing, ear cleaning, and occasional grooming. Their adaptable and gentle nature also makes them perfect for apartment living.

French Bulldog

French bulldogs, or Frenchies, are cheerful and compact, weighing 19–28 pounds—an ideal size for seniors. They have bursts of energy but require only moderate daily exercise due to their limited endurance. With minimal grooming needs, they’re low-maintenance companions, though make sure to be mindful of potential health concerns like brachycephalic syndrome and skin issues.

Greyhound

Despite their racing history, greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy and make excellent companions for seniors. These gentle giants, weighing 60–80 pounds, are easy to handle, enjoy daily walks, and love lounging with their owners. Their calm nature and trainability make them a great choice for those who prefer larger, low-maintenance dogs.

Maltese

The Maltese is a perfect lap dog for seniors, weighing just 4–7 pounds and easy to handle—even portable enough to carry in a bag. This affectionate breed enjoys short walks and quality time with its owner. While regular trips to a groomer are needed to maintain its coat, the Maltese is low-maintenance and easy to train, making it an ideal companion.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis are a great choice for seniors seeking a small-to-medium companion. Weighing 24–30 pounds, they’re manageable, smart, and easy to train. Their short legs and playful nature add to their charm. While they need regular exercise like daily walks, their grooming needs are minimal, making them a low-maintenance and lovable option.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians, weighing just 3–7 pounds, are perfect for seniors seeking a tiny, easy-to-handle companion. These affectionate dogs love cuddling in your lap, playing with toys, and, most importantly, enjoying your companionship. They’re even small enough to carry in a bag, making them an ideal, portable pet.

Poodle

Poodles are highly intelligent and loyal companions, making them a great choice for seniors. Available in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—they adapt well to any household. Poodles are affectionate, easy to train, and require only daily walks and professional grooming every month or two, making them low-maintenance and versatile pets.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, weighing 9–16 pounds, are manageable and make wonderful companions for seniors. While they can be a bit stubborn, they’re generally trainable and enjoy daily walks. Regular grooming is essential, and seniors should be mindful of potential health issues like skin problems and brachycephalic syndrome.

West Highland White Terrier

Westies, weighing 13–20 pounds, are friendly and sturdy companions, ideal for seniors. They require less frequent grooming thanks to their wiry coats and are relatively low-maintenance, making them a charming and manageable choice for a loyal pet.

Pug

Pugs are loving companions that adapt well to their owner’s energy level. They’re happy to snuggle or give kisses and require only short walks. However, pugs can be prone to obesity and brachycephalic syndrome, so maintaining a healthy diet is essential to prevent health issues. Their affectionate and manageable nature makes them a great choice for seniors.

Miniature Shnauzer

Mini schnauzers are low-maintenance and compact, making them easy for seniors to manage. They shed very little and need minimal grooming. With a lifespan of 12+ years and an energetic nature, they’re perfect for active seniors who enjoy walks and playtime like chasing or retrieving a ball.

Havanese

Havanese, weighing under 13 pounds, are affectionate and social dogs, ideal for seniors who spend most of their time at home. Intelligent and playful, they’re quick to learn tricks and make good guard dogs without excessive barking. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coats tangle-free, but their loving nature makes them a delightful companion.

Boston Terrier

Boston terriers, with their tuxedo-like coats, are easy-going and great for seniors. They enjoy socializing, daily walks, and playful moments without being overly energetic. Their short coats shed minimally, requiring only occasional brushing, making them a low-maintenance and charming companion.

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)

Yorkies are small dogs with big personalities, making them great companions for seniors. They’re feisty, affectionate, and love walks or playtime but also enjoy relaxing with their owners. While they shed minimally, their silky coats need daily grooming. Yorkies can act as guard dogs but may bark excessively at times.

Beagle

Beagles are energetic and sociable, making them great companions for active seniors. They enjoy walks and are loyal, happy, and intelligent dogs devoted to their owners. While their short coats are easy to groom, they do shed and need regular brushing. Beagles are also wonderful with visiting grandkids, adding to their charm.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels are happy, friendly, and playful, making them great companions for seniors. They enjoy walks and learning tricks, and regular activity helps manage their energy. Their long, silky coats require regular grooming, but their affectionate nature and sociability often outweigh their watchdog instincts.