Whether we’re young or old, dogs are great company. Our canine companions decrease feelings of loneliness — keeping us company when we’re at home and helping us meet other people when we take them out. In a study of adults 60 years or older, pet owners were 36 percent less likely to consider themselves lonely than non-pet owners.
Dog ownership can also reduce our stress levels and blood pressure, and lower our risk of death due to heart disease. Taking care of a dog helps us stick to a healthy routine and exercise daily.
What to Consider Before You Choose a Dog
“Seniors” are defined by society according to age, and that age varies widely. It can be 55, 62, or 65 and older. But the important consideration when deciding whether to add a dog to your life isn’t age as much as lifestyle and physical ability to take care of a dog.
Consider these factors to help you decide whether a dog is right for you:
- The amount of exercise you’re capable of and enjoy
- Your experience training dogs and the trainability of the breed that interests you
- Lifespan of the breed and whether you have someone committed to caring for a dog if you can’t
- If you live in a multi-unit building where barking would annoy your neighbors, is the breed reactive to strangers or other dogs?
- Your physical ability to walk and groom a large, medium, or small dog
- The financial requirements of dog supplies, veterinarian costs, food, pet sitter, obedience classes, etc.
- Your travel expectations and whether you want your dog to travel with you
- If you have or expect grandchildren, what breeds have the temperament to be socialized with children?
Finding Your New Companion
If you’ve decided that you’re ready to bring a dog into your life, talk to responsible breeders, ask them questions, and meet some of their dogs. You might want a puppy, or you could prefer an adult dog that’s already housebroken and leash trained. Breeders can help you find your best match.
Here are breeds that could be great fits for senior owners.
Havanese
The only breed native to Cuba, the Havanese is a cheerful, quiet little dog described as “happy, loving, intelligent, social, and accommodating” by the breed club. They’re content to stay inside and snuggle with their humans and will play patiently with children. Havanese don’t require much exercise but are happy to take occasional short walks. Their coat of silky hair continues to grow, so they do require regular grooming.
Pug
Centuries ago, the emperors of China loved their Pugs. The short-haired, muscular, 14-to-18-pound dogs were bred to be companions with even temperaments. Pugs tend to shed a lot, but are easily trained, playful with children, loving with their owners, and charming with strangers.
English Cocker Spaniel
For the more active senior, the English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) is a medium-sized, lively, and exuberant dog. Most require a couple of 30-minute walks a day, but also love spending time curled up with you on the couch. English Cocker Spaniels have a strong desire to please and are easily trained. They’re good travelers and are happy to be wherever you are, irresistible with their soulful brown eyes and soft ears. Regular grooming is key for English Cockers, including a thorough brushing at least once a week to keep their coat looking its best.
Italian Greyhound
This playful, loving, and graceful little dog that resembles a miniature Greyhound would rather be on your lap or your bed than on the floor. Italian Greyhounds (IGs) aren’t as fragile as they look. They’re sighthounds who will chase prey, so they should be kept on a leash or inside of a fence. IGs require regular exercise and because they have short hair and little body fat, they appreciate a coat or sweater when it’s chilly.
Shih Tzu
A solid little dog weighing up to 16 pounds, the Shih Tzu requires minimal exercise and is content living in apartments, so long as you’re there, too. Shih Tzu owners say the breed is “happy, even-tempered, and eager to please,” and they get along well with other dogs and with children. If the silky coat is kept long, it requires daily brushing. A groomer can also give the Shih Tzu a “puppy trim” that’s much easier to look after.
Coton de Tulear
Originally from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear, with its long, white, cottony coat, doesn’t shed much. This hardy breed will enjoy all types of weather but is an indoor dog that thrives on human companionship. Coton can live 15-to-19 years, are easy to train, and get along with everyone including other dogs. They’re good travelers and require moderate exercise, enjoying daily walks with you.
Dachshund
Dachshunds come in two sizes (standard and miniature), three coat types (smooth, longhaired, wirehaired), and various colors. When socialized early, they can be good with children, and they form strong bonds with their owner. Grooming is a cinch because they stay clean and don’t smell. Weight control is important with Doxies since they’re susceptible to back problems, so a couple of short walks a day is advisable.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred to be a comforting, non-aggressive, and gentle pet. Many of these happy dogs consider everyone to be a friend. Their even temper, loving expression, and feathery coat makes them very appealing. They’re trainable and adapt well to their owner’s preferences, whether it’s an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, or a laid-back snuggle in a big leather chair.
French Bulldog
For the past three years, the French Bulldog has scored as the most popular dog breed based on AKC registration statistics, and with good reason. With their big brown eyes and alert ears, they’re hard to resist. The French Bulldog breed standard describes them as: “Well-behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition; generally active, alert, and playful, but not unduly boisterous.” They don’t bark a lot, so they can be good apartment dwellers.
Pomeranian
The tiny, vivacious Pomeranian with their wonderful-to-pet silky coats descend from Spitz dogs in the Arctic region of Iceland. Famous Pomeranian enthusiasts include Mozart, Chopin, and Michelangelo. Poms are smart and easy to train, and their playfulness is satisfied with indoor games or short outdoor walks. They also enjoy time to just hang out on your lap.
American Hairless Terrier
Whether you have allergies or you don’t, the American Hairless Terrier may be a breed you want to consider. Both the hairless and coated varieties are friendly, spirited, and smart. Strictly indoor dogs who must be protected from too much sun or cold weather, American Hairless Terriers do well living in apartments. These attractive, inquisitive little dogs require minimal exercise and grooming.
Yorkshire Terrier
Although weighing in at about 7 pounds, Yorkshire Terriers think of themselves as big dogs. They were once used as ratters, and today retain some terrier personality. Smart and outgoing, they can also be stubborn, so experience training dogs is an advantage if you get a Yorkie. Yorkies are also loving and affectionate, non-shedding, and great companions. Early socialization with children, strangers, and new places helps them be confident and merry.