The Best Dog Breeds for Seniors

1. Maltese
Lap dogs are great for seniors because they’re small and very happy to be petted all day. If you want a furry companion that will curl up on your lap at a moment’s notice, the Maltese is a great choice.They don’t need a lot of exercise and generally have a friendly demeanor. The Maltese’s coat is long and does require attentive brushing, but regular grooming appointments can help with that.

2. Pekingese
These small dogs may look more like a puffball, but they’re affectionate, low energy, and happy to be at your side. Because these dogs have a lot of fur, they will need to be groomed, and they will shed. Pekingese are playful and may need an introduction to strangers, but once they’ve been introduced, they could be the dog’s new best friend.

3. Bichon Frise
The quintessential lap dog, the Bichon Frise is a perfect dog for older adults. A Bichon Frise is friendly with everyone, including children, doesn’t shed a lot, and is trainable. Be sure to take care of their fluffy coat so it doesn’t develop mats.

4. Corgi
Corgis are affectionate and alert dogs. Their short coats make them easy to care for. While small, Corgis are protective and will bark to alert you of any strangers.A herding dog, the Corgi can get up to 30 pounds, and you may find yourself being directed when walking. Luckily, Corgis are trainable, so you’ll have them comfortable on a leash in no time.

5. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a great dog breed because they’re trainable, smart and loving. They are good with small children and will show you all the affection in the world. As a vocal dog, a Miniature Schnauzer will bark to express themselves.

6. Shih Tzu
Friendly is this dog’s middle name. A Shih Tzu is happy to spend time with you and play with kids or other dogs. While they don’t shed much, they will require regular grooming to keep their coat as healthy as possible.These dogs are highly adaptable and can easily handle schedule or environmental changes – like taking a walk at a different time of day or hearing the air conditioning turn on.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle dog breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most affectionate dogs. They don’t shed that much and only need to be groomed about once a month. They’re trainable and can play with other dogs after they’ve been introduced and socialized.

8. Greyhound
Don’t let the size scare you. While Greyhounds are larger dogs and extremely fast, it doesn’t mean they actually want to spend their time running around all day. Greyhounds are generally calm, affectionate with others, and can do well with one daily walk. Relatively easy to care for, the Greyhound is a great choice for a furry companion.

9. French Bulldog
If you want a dog that’s going to play and love everyone they meet, then the French Bulldog is for you. French Bulldogs are trainable and less likely to bark than other dog breeds. They have a medium energy level, so while they’ll need to run around or walk during the day, they can also rest and relax with you.

10. Pug
Pugs are friendly and, according to the American Kennel Club, charming and mischievous. These dogs are ready to play with anyone and everyone, and never want to stop. While they don’t bark a lot, these dogs can shed quite a bit.

11. Pomeranian
A Pomeranian may only be 7 pounds maximum, but that doesn’t stop them from having a bold personality. These fluffy dogs are affectionate with their owners. Introducing them to family members, friends, and other dogs will most likely make them feel the most comfortable. Expect some consistent activity, as these dogs have a medium energy level compared to others breeds but are more likely to bark to alert than others.