Dogs

Best Small Dogs For Seniors

No Comments

Need a companion that can sit in your lap? Then you’re going to want to consider one of these, the best small dogs for seniors. To put it bluntly, many research studies show people with dogs as pets tend to have reduced negative feelings such as loneliness or feeling isolated. Having a pet in your home can create a sense of purpose and for living because it’s a responsibility and something you have to care for. It certainly beats the alternative of not having a furry friend to hang out with.

In order to get a breed that works for your personality you definitely want to match the energy of the dog to yourself. Spend a little bit of time researching different breeds, take into account their size, temperament, and try to really find the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for dogs that do well in small spaces check out our list of the Best Puppies for Apartments

Someone may prefer a beagle (didn’t make our list of recommended breeds for seniors) because they are quite active, good watch dogs and so forth. Others people may prefer something a bit less bouncy. The small breeds that did make our list live better in smaller quarters and around family. If you have a large family, then consider a dog that does well around strangers and adapts easily with younger grand children. It all depends on your own personal situation.

Regardless of what dog breed you choose, find one that is already trained a bit and not a puppy. A dog with a bit of maturity will save you a ton of time and frustration. A puppy could easily become overwhelming, especially as you may be trying to lightening your daily load, not increase it. Here at Moberrypets.com we’re big proponents of adoption and you can readily find your next pet that’s already housebroken and just looking for their forever home.

Before beginning any research, write down what it is you need from a dog as a senior. Do you need companionship, low grooming, or a service base pet? Or do you love the upkeep and does the idea of making a dog’s hair look pretty sound like a fun time? They’re out there!

For the purpose of this discussion that’s all about the best small dogs for seniors, we’re focusing on smaller breeds for a few reasons.

They can go a lot of places big dogs can’t
Their daily needs are, by default, smaller
If you’re in a smaller space they get all the exercise they need
These smaller dogs have a lot of personality, you’re always going to be engaged with them

The six best small dogs for seniors are listed in no particular order. They all serve different purposes and will vary based upon your needs. So let’s dive in!

Best Small Dogs For Seniors

Maltese

The Maltese can weigh in at less than ten pounds. They are very attentive to their owners and other people once they become acquainted. The Maltese breed does not need too much in terms of exercise. Some brief walking on a consistent basis will keep these pups happy-go-lucky. It has energy yet remains quiet. It’s the perfect companion to anyone’s lap if that is their preference. This breed does have longer hair than other comparable breeds. The biggest needs it has are consistent grooming. This may be completed every couple of months to avoid the long hair shedding. This loyal animal also could be the small watch dog that an aging parent or yourself may desire and that’s why it’s sitting at number on our list of the best small dogs for seniors.

Yorkshire Terrier

Need some energy, companionship and a watch dog all rolled into one? Then the Yorkie might be up for consideration then. The Yorkshire Terrier is very alert and a ball of energy. However it does have long hair, daily brushing is necessary to help keep the it’s coat healthy. This will also help to prevent constant shedding throughout the home as well. This pooch is perfect in smaller spaces such as a pet-friendly assisted living apartments or 55+ communities. The breed can be a bit confident and it’s usually recommended a Yorkshire Terrier is socialized with other dogs (such as at a dog park or beach) at a younger age so they can start to become more dog-friendly themselves.

Shih Tzu

Want something with a bit of history behind it? The Shih Tzu originally was the royal pet during ancient China for friendship only. It served no other purpose. Have grandchildren and consistent visitors? This breed in particular loves children and strangers alike and wants constant attention. It doesn’t matter what time of day it’s going to be. The Shih Tzu doesn’t require a whole lot of exercise, your smaller space will be just fine for getting in all of it’s physical needs. The Shih Tzu will weigh in between 10-15 pounds on average (depending on what and how well you feel it) but remember grooming a Shi Tzu is recommended frequently. If left without proper grooming, the maintenance on them can become quite the chore because of the hair length. It’s advised to bring your Shi Tzu to a professional groomer who can trim excess hair. It is full of personality, spunk and could really be that perfect lap dog making a perfect addition to our list of the best small dogs for seniors.

Miniature Poodle

Want a smart, easy to train watch dog who doesn’t give you allergies? This may the breed you are looking for. This is a low shedding animal and very simple to maintain even when bringing poodle to regular grooming appointments isn’t your top priority. They do come in different sizes so it’s important to realize how small you may want to go. There is the toy, miniature and standard sizes out there so you can tailor your pooch to your space. The poodle tends to pick up learning new commands very easy, this will save you time and frustration in the end. The Poodle is an active breed and does require moderate exercise but the Miniature Poodle will do just fine in an apartment. These dogs bond strongly with their owners and will remain loyal to you. Overall, this dog is easy, flexible and very adaptable to many different kinds of situations.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

One of our favorites on our list of the best small dogs for seniors is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This spaniel, originally bred in the United Kingdom, is fast growing as a favorite among seniors in the United States as well. It is a fun loving breed and loves pretty much anyone it comes in contact with, so it won’t be the toughest guard dog out there. It is a fairly quiet one and so will do well in community spaces like apartments and social living areas. Socializing them early on is a must with this particular breed. They can become timid rather quickly if not enough time is invested with them. Overall the breed is relatively healthy but they can have few issues and diseases that they are prone to. Just be sure to find your new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a reputable breeder or rescue.

Pug

Rounding out our list for the best small dogs for seniors is the Pug. They’re cute, animated, furry little critters with tons of personality to boot. But that’s just the start. A pug won’t get any bigger than 20 pounds and they remain short in statute. They have energy yet they don’t require you to race them around a high school football field all day either. Whatever it is you’re doing, your Pug will want to join you. They may need to be introduced to new people you come in contact with as they are not necessarily always the best with unfamiliar people. A pug is a great companion to live in smaller living quarters such as an apartment or condo.

In conclusion, don’t run out and get the first dog you see based on pure emotion, you may end up regretting it later. Put a little bit of thought into it and take into account your lifestyle and needs. The more analytical you are the better as both you and your future pup will be more happy in the end.

If you are researching possible dog breeds for an aging parent, it is suggested you have them involved in this decision making process. It will be much more of their idea and less work in the end.

Even if you were never really a dog person and are unsure of this, visit your local humane society. They usually let you bring out adoptable dogs for walks, play with them for a bit and see if this it’s a good fit for you.

Dogs really are man’s best friend. They will provide all the loyalty and love that remains unconditional.