Our needs and preferences change as we age, which extends to choosing the right canine companion. For someone in their 70s, the ideal dog should provide companionship, love and joy without being too demanding in terms of exercise, grooming or care. The right breed should be easygoing, gentle and adaptable to a slower pace of life, as well as providing the emotional bond that makes dog ownership so rewarding. Here is a list of dog breeds that are particularly suitable for people in their 70s, with a mix of well-known and lesser-known breeds that could be a perfect fit.
15. Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is a small, lively breed known for its affectionate and energetic personality. Despite their small size, Silkies are full of energy and enjoy playing fetch, making them a fun and engaging companion. They are easy to manage in terms of size and exercise requirements, requiring only moderate walks and some indoor play. Despite requiring regular grooming, their silky coat adds to their attractive appearance and they are not too difficult to maintain. Silky Terriers are also known for their loyalty and form strong bonds with their owners, making them loving and devoted companions.
14. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are the perfect choice for someone over 70 who prefers a calm and dignified companion. Known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, Pekingese dogs prefer a quiet and relaxing environment. They are low-energy dogs who enjoy short walks and spending a lot of time relaxing at home. Their long coat needs regular grooming, but their calm demeanor makes them easy to care for. Pekingese are also known for their independence, which means they don’t require constant attention, making them ideal for someone who appreciates a peaceful and low-maintenance companion.
13. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are beautiful, small dogs that are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are incredibly loyal and love to stay close to their owners, often acting like a shadow, following their owner from room to room. Italian Greyhounds are low-energy dogs that only require moderate exercise, such as short walks and some playtime, making them ideal for someone who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Their short coat is easy to maintain, requiring minimal grooming. Italian Greyhounds are also known for their calm and quiet demeanor, making them a great choice for someone looking for a calm and loving companion.
12. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small, cheerful breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it a perfect companion for someone in their 70s. These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their owners, often acting as a constant companion. Cotons are low-energy dogs that require only moderate exercise, such as short walks and playing indoors, making them ideal for someone who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Their fluffy coat requires regular grooming, but this can be an enjoyable and relaxing activity for many owners. Cotons are also known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in a variety of living situations, whether it’s a house with a yard or an apartment.
11. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are a great choice for someone over 70 due to their intelligence, adaptability and affectionate nature. These little dogs are easy to train and thrive on human interaction, making them excellent companions. Toy Poodles shed less hair, which is a bonus for people who prefer a clean living environment. They do require regular grooming to maintain their curly hair, but this can be a bonding experience for dog and owner. Toy Poodles are also known for their longevity and good health, ensuring they can be a loyal companion for many years. Their adaptable nature means they can be content in a variety of living situations, whether it’s a spacious home or a cozy apartment.
10. Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them a great companion for someone in their 70s. These medium-sized dogs are easy to handle and are known for their intelligence and loyalty. Corgis love moderate exercise, such as daily walks, which can be a great way to stay active together. Their short coat is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular brushing to keep it looking its best. Corgis are also known for their strong bond with their owners and their ability to adapt to different living environments, making them a versatile and loving companion.
9. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a lesser-known breed that can make an excellent companion for someone in their 70s. These small dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are low-energy dogs that prefer short walks and plenty of time to relax at home. Their unique, long body and short legs give them a distinctive look, and their coat requires regular grooming to maintain its soft texture. Dandies are also known for their loyalty and become very attached to their owners, making them loving and devoted companions.
8. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is another lesser-known breed that is suitable for someone in their 70s. These small to medium-sized dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, which makes them excellent companions. Bedlington Terriers have a unique, lamb-like appearance, with a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming. They are relatively low-energy dogs that enjoy moderate exercise, such as daily walks, but are also content relaxing at home. Bedlingtons are known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them easy to train and pleasant to live with. Their calm demeanor and adaptability make them a perfect fit for a variety of life situations.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a popular choice for people over 70 due to their gentle and affectionate nature. These small dogs are known for their love of companionship and ability to adapt to their owner’s lifestyle. Cavaliers love moderate exercise, such as daily walks, but they are just as content relaxing at home with their owners. Their grooming needs are moderate, requiring regular brushing to keep their coat in good condition. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for people who enjoy a calm and loving environment.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are ideal for someone in their 70s due to their affectionate nature and minimal exercise needs. These small dogs are known for their friendly, sociable personalities and love of pampering. They enjoy short walks and play sessions but are just as content relaxing on the couch with their owner. Shih Tzus shed less hair, which makes them a good choice for people who prefer a clean home environment. Their grooming needs are more intensive, as their long, luxurious coats require regular brushing and occasional trimming. However, many owners find this grooming time to be a relaxing and enjoyable bonding activity. Shih Tzus are also known for their good health and longevity, which means they can be a beloved companion for many years.
5. Norwich Terrier
Norwich Terriers are small, sturdy dogs with a lively personality, making them a great companion for someone in their 70s. These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Norwich Terriers are relatively low-energy dogs, content with short walks and indoor play, making them ideal for someone who enjoys a laid-back lifestyle. Their short, curly hair is easy to maintain, requiring only the occasional brushing. Norwich Terriers are also known for their good health and long lifespan, ensuring they can be a loyal companion for many years. Their small size and adaptability make them suitable for apartment living or homes with limited space.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small, lively dogs that make great companions for someone in their 70s. Their compact size makes them easy to handle, and they are known for their cheerful and affectionate nature. Pomeranians love being around their owners and are content with short walks and indoor play, making them ideal for a more relaxed lifestyle. Their fluffy coats require regular grooming, but the bonding activity can be enjoyable. Pomeranians are also known for their alertness and will happily serve as a tiny watchdog, providing a sense of companionship and security.
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog that’s perfect for someone in their 70s. Known for their friendly and playful nature, Bichons are great companions who love spending time with their owners. They’re hypoallergenic, which is a significant plus for people with allergies or who prefer a breed that doesn’t shed a lot. Bichons are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring moderate play and short walks to stay healthy. Their grooming needs are high, as their curly coat requires regular brushing to keep it from becoming tangled, but this can be a comfortable routine for many owners. Bichons are known for their adaptability, which makes them suitable for a variety of living situations, whether it’s in a house with a yard or a small apartment.]
2. Papillon
The Papillon is a small, beautiful dog known for its friendly and intelligent nature, making it a great choice for someone in their 70s. Despite their delicate appearance, Papillons are strong and agile, often enjoying agility training or playing around the house. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, whether it’s a small apartment or a large home. The Papillon requires moderate exercise, which can be easily managed with daily walks and playtime. Their coat, although long, is not prone to tangling and is relatively easy to clean with regular brushing. Papillons are known for their longevity, which means they can be a beloved companion for many years, bringing joy and companionship to their owner’s life.
1. Monkey
Pugs are a great breed for people over 70 due to their lovable and friendly nature. These little dogs are known for their distinctive wrinkled faces and curly tails, which add to their unique charm. Pugs are extremely affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners, often following them around the house. They are relatively low-energy dogs, content with short walks and lots of playtime, making them perfect for someone who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Pugs are also known for their humorous personalities, often bringing lots of joy and laughter to their homes. Their grooming needs are very minimal, only requiring regular brushing and attention to their facial wrinkles to keep them clean and healthy. Pugs are also known for being great companions for seniors due to their gentle and friendly nature.
Finding the ideal canine companion at age 70
Choosing the right breed of dog for your 70s requires striking a balance between the desire for companionship and the practicalities of care and maintenance. The breeds listed here offer a variety of personalities, sizes and care needs, ensuring there is a perfect match for everyone. Whether you are looking for a small, affectionate dog or a dog that is a little more independent, each of these breeds can provide the love and companionship that enriches life during this stage.