The best (& worst) dogs for the elderly

What dogs are best (or worst) for elderly adults?

Dogs can offer great companionship for older people, especially if they live alone, but different breeds have different temperaments, so choosing the best dog for an older person is important. Here, we are taking a look at the benefits of having a pet in later life, the best dog breeds for older people, breeds that are best avoided, how to choose the right dog, and how home carers can help with pet needs. 

At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global domiciliary care network, supporting over 100,000 older adults with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about pet care for older adults, we can help.

What are the best dog breeds for older adults?

Before getting a dog, either for yourself or for an older loved one, it is important to do your research and fully understand the needs of each different breed. For example, some dogs require a lot of daily exercise, so if you or your loved one has mobility issues, certain breeds won’t be a good fit. 

While it is tempting to go to a dog shelter and pick the cutest dog, keep in mind that adorability does not equal manageability. You should always consider their exercise needs, grooming requirements, potential health issues and more before jumping in. 

By researching and selecting a breed of dog that is known to be more relaxed and laid-back, happy with shorter walks, and who can offer the affection and companionship you need, you will find your new best friend without issue. 

Here are some of the most popular and suitable dog breeds for older people:

West Highland Terriers

Affectionately called Westies by their owners, West Highland Terriers are loveable and highly suitable for older people. Their average weight is just 13 to 22 pounds, so depending on the abilities of their owner, they are a manageable size that can be picked up if needed. They have a friendly temperament and moderate energy levels, so they don’t require miles of walking every day. 

Low demand and high affection makes this breed a great choice for older people who want a new friend to cuddle with in front of the TV. They do have some particular grooming needs, but are still on the low-maintenance end of this scale. Plus, they are relatively quick to train if you are planning to adopt a younger dog, and come with lots of personality and charm.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are one of the best dog breeds for older people, as they bring lots of affection and a gentle nature to the table. Their small size and average weight of 10 to 18 pounds makes them easy to handle, and a perfect size for living in a flat or small home. 

Shih Tzus love companionship and become very attached to their owners, yet they are not known for being prone to separation anxiety. Keep in mind, their long coat may require regular grooming appointments, but many people choose to give them a shorter trim which is easier to maintain. 

They are a good fit for older people as they are just as happy lounging around with their human all day as they are getting out and about. They will of course need regular walks, but their little legs mean they don’t need to go for miles to feel satisfied. Shih Tzus also love indoor play, so for older people who cannot get out much, they are a great fit.

Bichon Frisé

For those who are allergic to dogs, bichons are the perfect choice due to their hypoallergenic coat and low shedding. They are also a brilliant breed for older people as they offer a happy temperament, compact size (weighing between 11 and 15 pounds), and lots of affection. 

An ideal breed for living in small spaces, bichons can adapt easily to their environment and love human cuddles, so they can provide endless emotional support. These tiny dogs will be a great choice for older adults who need low-maintenance companionship. 

Corgi

Corgis are short in stature but absolutely huge in affection and loyalty. These intelligent creatures are small to medium in size, so they are great for older adults who perhaps can’t take a dog on long walks. Weighing 27 to 30 pounds on average, they are not the lightest choice of small dog, but also not too heavy to have perched on your lap. 

They are a great choice for their ability to adapt to their owner’s level of activity, so no matter how much you walk and move around each day, they will happily follow. These stocky but small dogs are usually very alert, making them handy watchdogs for those who live alone. They are probably most famous for being Queen Elizabeth’s favourite, and it’s not hard to see why.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful choice of lap dog for older adults for a few reasons. Despite being a type of spaniel, they are small in size, making them excellent for living in a flat or a small home. They are known for their gentle nature, and are hyper affectionate towards their owners, making them a lovely companion. 

They tend to weigh just 12 to 18 pounds, so it’s usually easy to lift them if needed. They are great emotional support dogs due to the affection they so freely give, which can help to reduce loneliness. Spaniels have a reputation for needing a lot of exercise, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an exception to this rule, as they need only moderate exercise like short walks or indoor play. 

Greyhounds

Greyhounds are a great breed for older people due to their extremely calming, gentle nature. Despite their reputation as a racing dog, the assumption that they require a lot of exercise is untrue. In fact, this breed is one of few larger dogs that are actually rather snoozy, needing only a couple of short walks a day. 

Greyhounds are affectionate, calm, and sleep a lot. They are known for their speed, but around the house, they are simply gentle giants that weigh on average 60 to 70 pounds. This is a great breed for an older person who prefers a larger dog to cuddle with.

What breeds are best avoided? 

Every dog will have their own unique personality, so there really are no “bad” dogs for older people. However, there will be less suitable dogs for this age group due to their size, energy levels, or reputation for being more demanding and high-maintenance. Some examples of these breeds include: 

• Border Collies – These highly intelligent dogs are wonderful, but have a lot more energy and playfulness than other breeds as they are typically bred for herding other animals. They need lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy, and this can be too much for older people who may have health conditions that prevent them from giving this kind of attention. 
• Siberian Huskies – Known as a headstrong and energetic breed, huskies are very independent, so not only do they need a lot of exercise, but they also won’t be the most loving companions compared to other breeds. They also have a reputation for being challenging to train, so for older people who would like a low-maintenance dog, a husky may not be the best choice.
• German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and similar large breeds – These large breeds are known for their strength, and require firm training to ensure they do not develop behavioural issues. It is best to socialise them from a young age, so if you do not have the ability to do this and you lack the strength and mobility to control them, they may not be a good fit. 
• Old English Sheepdogs, Afghan Hounds, and similar hairy breeds – Dogs with demanding grooming needs can pose a problem for older adults who perhaps lack the money for grooming fees or who prefer to keep their home free from shedding. They may require regular outdoor brushing to maintain a tidy coat, so they are not always the easiest dogs to keep. 
• Jack Russell Terriers and similar energetic small dogs – Despite their compact size making them seem like a good choice for older people, it is important to remember that some smaller breeds do require a lot more exercise than it may seem. Jack Russell Terriers, for example, are small but full of energy, and are also thought to be stubborn, making them more difficult to train and manage.

How to choose the right dog for an older person 

By selecting the ideal dog for your lifestyle, you can ensure both you and your new companion are a good fit for each other. Although you may be looking for the perfect dog for you, remember that dogs also deserve the best owner for their individual needs, so never rush into a decision like this. 

When choosing a dog, consider their temperament, energy levels, exercise requirements, size, food requirements, grooming and maintenance needs to ensure you have the ability to look after the dog you bring into your life. Whether or not you are sure of the decision, it helps to involve family and friends in the choice so they can give their opinion on what may be best for your lifestyle. This is particularly important if you know your family members or friends may be looking after the dog from time-to-time. 

When evaluating your energy levels for a particular breed, it helps to try walking at least once a day for a week and keeping a note of how long you are able to walk for before feeling tired. Doing so helps determine how much exercise you could provide for a dog, and once you know this, you can decide on a breed that needs this level of exercise. 

If in doubt, you can also discuss breeds and any predisposed health conditions they may have with your local veterinarian or pet adoption agencies who can give you impartial advice on the best breeds for you. Plus, remember to spend some time with your potential dog in the rescue centre or breeder’s home, so you get a sense of their temperament. 

If you need more resources, Dogs Trust has a calculator to help you find the best breed for your lifestyle, and The Kennel Club has more information on how to choose a dog. 

How can home care support older people with a dog? 

While it is important that older people can handle the needs of their pet, we understand that as you age, your mobility and health may impact your ability to adequately care for your furry friend. In these instances, sometimes family and friends can help, or if you need additional support with this, a professional caregiver could provide assistance. 

At Home Instead, pet care can be a helpful additional service that takes over strenuous activities like walks and bending down to refill food and water bowls. If you are worried about your pet, our Care Professionals can make sure they are treated with the utmost importance and have everything they need to remain safe, healthy and happy in your home. Staying with beloved pets can help older people to avoid loneliness and feel a sense of purpose each day, so whatever we can do to keep them part of your life, we are happy to help.

You can learn more about our pet care services, here.

Our friendly, supportive Care Professionals are dedicated to helping maintain quality of life for older people, and if this means helping care for pets in the home, we can provide the support you need. Reach out to your local Home Instead office to discuss your options.

We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.