As people age, their living circumstances often change, leaving many older people living alone. Having a dog as a companion can be incredibly beneficial, providing emotional support and a sense of security. The right dog breed can provide comfort, reduce feelings of loneliness and even encourage a more active lifestyle. However, not all dog breeds are suitable for older people living alone. The ideal breed should be of a manageable size, have a calm and friendly demeanor, and require a moderate to low level of exercise and grooming.
11. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog that is perfect for older individuals looking for a loving and low-maintenance companion. Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, Bichon Frises are easy to train and they adapt well to apartment living. Their small size makes them easy to handle, and they typically weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, making them a good choice for people who may not have the physical strength to handle a larger dog. Bichon Frises are also hypoallergenic, which is an added bonus for seniors with allergies. Their moderate exercise needs can be met with short daily walks, and while their curly coats require regular grooming, many older individuals enjoy time spent brushing their dogs.
10. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another small breed that makes a great companion for seniors living alone. Because of their sweet nature and affectionate disposition, Shih Tzus are known to form strong bonds with their owners. They are incredibly loyal and thrive on human companionship, often acting as a comforting presence in the home. Shih Tzus are also relatively low-energy dogs, content with short walks and indoor playtime. Their small size, typically between 9 and 16 pounds, makes them easy to handle. Although their long, flowing hair requires regular grooming, many seniors find the task fun and a great way to bond with their pet.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle and affectionate breed that is ideal for seniors. These dogs are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them excellent companions for those who live alone. Cavaliers are small, typically weighing between 13 and 18 pounds, and are easy to care for. Their moderate exercise needs can be met with a daily walk and some playtime, making them perfect for older individuals who cannot engage in more strenuous activities. Cavaliers are also very intuitive and can often sense their owner’s emotions, offering comfort and companionship during difficult times. Their silky coat does require regular grooming, but their calm and patient nature makes grooming them easy.
8. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small, lively dogs that are perfect for seniors who want a spirited and affectionate companion. Weighing only 3 to 7 pounds, Pomeranians are easy to handle and can be carried around when needed. They are known for their intelligence and curiosity, which keeps life interesting for their owners. Pomeranians are also quite independent, which makes them a good choice for elderly individuals who may not have the energy to constantly entertain a dog. Despite their small size, they are alert and make excellent watchdogs, providing a sense of security to those who live alone. Their thick double coat does require regular grooming, but their small size makes this task easy for most seniors.
7. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small, sturdy dog with a friendly and easygoing temperament, making it a great companion for elderly individuals. These dogs are known for their loyalty and affection, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Boston Terriers are relatively low-energy, so with a few short walks each day, they are perfect for seniors with limited mobility. They are intelligent and easy to train, which is an added benefit for elderly owners. Weighing between 10 and 25 pounds, the Boston Terrier is easy to handle. Their short coat is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional grooming, which is ideal for those who may not have the time or energy for more intensive care.
6. Havanese
Havanese dogs are charming, small companions that are perfect for elderly individuals living alone. Weighing between 7 and 13 pounds, these dogs are easy to handle and love spending time indoors, making them ideal for apartment living. Havanese dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, often following their owners from room to room, providing constant companionship. They are also very adaptable, making them suitable for seniors whose pace of life may have slowed. While their long, silky coats require regular grooming, many elderly owners find the grooming process to be a relaxing activity that strengthens the bond with their pet. Havanese dogs are also very social and love to interact with people, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness for seniors.
5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small, muscular dog known for its affectionate and playful personality. This breed is an excellent choice for elderly individuals living alone as it has low exercise needs and is manageable in size, typically weighing between 16 and 28 pounds. French Bulldogs are very people-friendly and thrive in human companionship, often forming close bonds with their owners. Their calm and patient nature makes them easy to care for, and their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them ideal for seniors who may not have the time or energy for a more thorough grooming routine. Despite their small size, French Bulldogs are sturdy and can provide elderly individuals with a sense of security.
4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small, sturdy dogs that make excellent companions for older individuals. Known for their intelligence and friendly nature, Corgis are easy to train and love spending time with their owners. They typically weigh between 25 and 30 pounds, making them manageable for most seniors. Corgis are also relatively low-energy dogs, requiring only moderate exercise, which can be accomplished with a daily walk and some playtime. Their short, weather-resistant coat is easy to care for, requiring only occasional grooming. Corgis are known for their loyalty and often form strong bonds with their owners, providing comfort and companionship to older individuals who live alone.
3. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a lesser-known breed that is particularly suitable for elderly individuals. These small, beautiful dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, often forming close bonds with their owners. Weighing between 7 and 14 pounds, Italian Greyhounds are easy to handle and prefer to spend time indoors, making them ideal for apartment living. They are also low-energy dogs, content with a few short walks daily, making them suitable for seniors with limited mobility. The Italian Greyhound has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, making it perfect for those who may not have the time or energy for more intensive care. Despite their delicate appearance, Italian Greyhounds are sturdy dogs that can provide comfort and companionship to elderly individuals living alone.
2. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy dog that has been a loyal companion for centuries. Originally bred as a guard dog in Tibetan monasteries, the Lhasa Apso is known for its alertness and protective nature, making it a great choice for elderly individuals living alone. Weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, the Lhasa Apso is easy to handle and adapts well to apartment living. They are also relatively low-energy dogs, requiring only moderate exercise, which can be accomplished with daily walks and some play time. The Lhasa Apso has a long, wavy coat that requires regular grooming, but their calm and patient nature makes grooming them a breeze. Their strong sense of loyalty and protective instincts make them a comforting presence for elderly individuals.
1. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, affectionate dog that is particularly suitable for seniors living alone. Known for their gentle and loving nature, Maltese dogs are easy to care for and adapt to apartment living. They typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds, making them easy to handle and manage. Maltese dogs are relatively low-energy, content with short walks and plenty of indoor play. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming, but their small size makes this task manageable for most seniors. Maltese dogs are also very intuitive and can often sense their owner’s emotions, providing comfort and companionship during difficult times. Their friendly and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for seniors looking for a loyal and loving companion.
Choosing the Right Dog to Live With the Elderly
When choosing a dog for an elderly person living alone, it is important to consider the breed’s size, temperament, exercise needs, and grooming needs. The breeds listed above offer a wide variety of options, each with unique qualities that make them suitable for living with the elderly. Whether it’s the loyal Maltese, the independent Pomeranian, or the gentle Italian Greyhound, there is a perfect match for every senior looking for a furry friend to share their life with.