Top 10 Companion Dog Breeds for Seniors

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Top 10 Companion Dog Breeds for Seniors

Introduction

What characteristics should you look for in a dog as a companion for seniors? They should be easy to care for, loving and obedient, and definitely should love to cuddle. When you get to a certain age, you may not feel like going to the dog park every day or playing tug of war with a pup that may even pull you onto the ground, so choosing one that needs less exercise may be ideal. If you are an active senior, you don’t want a pooch that is going to lay around all day. Although needs may vary, here are the top 10 companion dog breeds for seniors.

#1 Poodle

As one of the first known dog breeds and most intelligent, the Poodle is a pawesome pup for seniors. They’re gentle, patient, loving, and easy to train. Their coat is easy to care for, and they come in three sizes. They’re happy to sit at home or go for a walk, and will keep you smiling.

#2 Pug

These little characters are fun to look at and will make you laugh with their hilarious facial expressions. Their wrinkly skin has a short coat, so they are easy to care for, and they pawsitively love to spend time with their human, whether at home or running around doing errands.

#3 Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is a tiny tot that only gets up to seven pounds fully grown. This pup is not just a lover, but a furocious hunter as well, so you won’t have to worry about mice at home. However, they prefer to sit in a lap or lay on the couch with their favorite human.

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#4 Chihuahua

Tiny and adorable, the Chihuahua makes a pawfect companion for those who have trouble getting around, as they don't require daily walks. Small enough to go anywhere with you, this loving pup is loyal and full of personality! They also fancy themselves guard dogs, so you'll have an alarm system too.

#5 Maltese

Another tiny pup, the Maltese has one of the sweetest dispositions in the dog community, and they love to be held and snuggled. Their silky white coat is hypoallergenic and easy to care for, and their playful fursonality will keep you active and happy too. They enjoy doing whatever you want to do.

#6 Boston Terrier

This elegant pup was born to relax, and makes a woofderful cuddle buddy. With short fur, they are easy to maintain, and their small and compact bodies mean they are a good fit anywhere you reside. Boston Terriers are gentle and friendly, and their happy expressions are sure to keep you smiling!

#7 Bichon Frise

Something in the face of this white puffball says happiness- and that's just what you'll feel with this little cutie around! With a hypoallergenic curly coat, this pup is pawfect for seniors with allergies. The Bichon is a cheerful and affectionate breed who is easy to train, and loves being the center of your world.

#8 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The adorable Cavalier is the premier cuddle pup! Want a gorgeous silk coat to stroke? They got it! How about a calm and patient temperment? This Spaniel has it in spades. These pups are happy to take walks with you, or just snuggle for as long as you'll let them.

#9 Shih Tzu

This small Tibetan pup is easy to handle and train, and loves being a lapdog. The Shih Tzu does have long hair that needs brushing, but this only means more bonding time with this cutie. They also need a daily walk, so they encourage seniors to get up and move around a bit.

#10 Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small dog of about 13 pounds and has a great personality with a loving nature. These little bundles are great watchdogs too, and are sturdier than most small breeds. Their coat needs a lot of care though, which is why they’re at the bottom of the list.