5 best dog breeds to provide companionship for older adults

A dog is the best friend anyone can have, and there’s no better time in life to share with a canine than in the golden years.

The sincere love, companionship, and loyalty a dog brings to the home are most welcome in a person’s old age when the daily routine seems to slow its pace and make room for such a companion. 

If you’re in your golden age and considering having a dog as a pet, read along — we’ve listed the five best dog breeds for older adults.

1. Havanese

Havanese dogs are best loved for their affectionate nature. A Havanese makes for a constant companion and is always there to love and be near when you need it most.

The breed is known for its pleasant attitude and general happiness.

Havanese are intelligent, highly trainable, and love to learn tricks, making this canine breed the perfect choice if you have a knack for teaching and enjoy engaging with your pet.

The Havanese has a relatively high life expectancy of 14 and 16 years.

2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is famous for being the favorite canine breed of the former Queen of England, Elizabeth II, to the point where she owned more than 30 of them. 

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are short, beautiful dogs that are social, agile, and like to be included in everything. Take this dog for a few walks daily on a nature trail, and it will be a happy camper. 

The breed is known as an excellent dog breed for older adults. These dogs are known for their intelligence and playful personality. They love to spend time with their owners and are easily distracted by a simple dog toy. 

Ensure your corgi has a toy nearby, and take the dog with you on a stroll at least once a day to keep the dog mentally stimulated.

This breed is devoted to its owner and can be a careful watchdog. 

3. Poodle

If you consider yourself a pet parent who loves training a dog, you should get a poodle.

After all, this is a beautiful and intelligent dog that learns quickly and stays loyal by your side no matter what.

With just enough attention and time to play every day, the poodle makes for a joyful and obedient pet that maintains a bubbly energy in the home. Be sure to take your poodle on a short walk and talk to it throughout your day to ensure the dog doesn’t become lonely or disobedient.

Poodles are some of the most loyal dogs worldwide and form strong bonds with their families.

4. French Bulldog

Commonly known as a “Frenchie,” the French Bulldog is another excellent dog for older people because it’s pretty easy to take care of.

This humorous canine enjoys giving and receiving bunches of love, making it one of the perfect dog breeds for older adults.

French Bulldogs are easygoing and known for their compatibility with other pets and even human strangers.

You shouldn’t worry that your Frenchie might get aggressive when a visitor knocks on your door. The dog will greet anyone with a wagging tail. 

The French Bulldog makes for the perfect companion if you like staying at home, considering Frenchies don’t need too much physical activity.

5. Greyhound

The large and robust Greyhound is one of the fastest breeds but, surprisingly, is one of the laziest dogs we know. Greyhounds are calm dogs that will lay on your couch all day long if you let them.

Take your Greyhound for a pleasant, long stroll every day to ensure it stays in optimal health.

This breed is the perfect dog for senior citizens who like big and manageable canines.

This furry friend is not only gentle but also quiet and very compassionate.

Final thoughts on the best dog breeds for older adults

While many dog breeds are ideal for older people and senior citizens, the five mentioned above are some of the best.