A fluffy pooch that is as excited to relax in front of the TV with you as it is happy to accompany you on a walk is definitely an amazing companion during your senior years. If you’re considering adding a little friend to your family, yet not sure about the best breeds that would fit your lifestyle, our list is here to help!
⇆10. GREYHOUND
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You’d love to adopt a new furry friend that’s larger in size, but worry about ending up with a pup that’s not easy to handle – if that’s what you’re worried about, then here’s our best suggestion: the Greyhound! Greyhounds are a large breed, with adults weighing around 70 pounds – but the good news is that they are quite easy to train and love to follow orders. This particular breed is moderately active, meaning that they do love walking and running, but won’t be unhappy if you can’t provide a big yard or long daily walks.
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9. SCOTTISH TERRIER
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You want a new puppy that will get along perfectly with your young grandkids, but worry that a breed that’s compatible with seniors can’t be kid-friendly at the same time. While that might be true for some breeds, this next breed is perfect for both the youngsters and the elderly: the Scottish Terrier! These cuties weigh around 20 pounds as adults and they are as playful as they are feisty. Bonus points: despite having a long coat and rocking the furry look, this breed comes with minimal shedding, which means less cleaning for you.↚
8. WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER
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If you are looking for a fuzzy companion that it is equal parts affectionate and independent, meet the West Highland White Terrier. This sweet breed is highly intelligent, which is why many of these dogs work as therapy pups. They are small in size, weighing around 15 pounds as adults and they require moderate amounts of exercise – 30 minutes /day, to be exact. And if you are worried that your busy lifestyle won’t agree with this breed’s need for companionship, you’ll be happy to know that these pups are happy even when left alone for hours at a time.
7. CHIHUAHUA
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If your ideal type of dog is high on energy and small in size, your best match is the adorable Chihuahua. These pups are extremely small (the smallest, in fact), weighing just around 5 pounds, which makes them excellent lab dogs and purse dogs. The Chihuahuas are extremely loyal to their owners and very protective, which means that they make excellent watch dogs, despite being smaller than your average cat. Since they rock a short do and don’t need a lot of exercise, these pups make excellent small apartment dogs.
6. OTTERHOUND
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If you can’t imagine yourself sharing your house with a small purse dog and would love an honest and loving companion during your senior years, you might want to consider the Otterhound as your new best pal. These pups are definitely large in size, weighing around 50 pounds as adults – but they are easy to manage, given they good-natured personality and even tempered character. Bonus points: these dogs make excellent watch dogs, not only because of their size, but also because they are highly protective of their owners.
5. MALTESE
If you love a tiny dog that’s also quite furry, then you’ll simply adore the Maltese, aka the pup that weighs only 4 to 6 pounds as an adult. These sweet dogs are very low-maintenance when it comes to exercising – in fact, they are perfectly content being lab dogs and they only enjoy short walks. If that sounds like a pup that would fit perfectly into your lifestyle as a senior, then we say go for it! Bonus points: given their tiny size and their easy-going nature, the Maltese are perfectly content being carried around in your purse.
4. KEESHOND
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If fluffiness is one of the main attributes you are looking for when on the market for a new best friend, then we’ve got a great suggestion: say ‘hi!’ to the Keeshond! These unique-looking pups have an impressive mane in gorgeous shades of grey – and they will definitely get the compliments rolling! Personality-wise, the Keeshonds are very friendly dogs, and they love to play with their owners, so if you’re all about keeping your heart young while bonding with your pup, this type of breed might just be the one for you.
3. POODLE
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If you are looking for a very intelligent dog breed and are keen on picking a specific size, here’s our best recommendation: the poodle! Poodles are extremely popular and part of the reason is the fact that, due to their elevated intelligence, they are extremely adaptable and trainable. And as you might have guessed, you can pick the size you are most fond of: miniature, toy or standard – they are all equally adorable! If you’re worried about maintaining their curly mane, know that this breed requires professional grooming monthly or once every two months.
2. ICELANDIC SHEEPDOG
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Despite its name, the Icelandic Sheepdog looks nothing like a sheep – in fact, their coat is soft, fluffy and straight (which yes, comes with extra shedding). Since they are smart, you can train them easily without needing professionals to do the job. Weighing around 25 pounds as adults, these pups love to be lap dogs and are quite affectionate with their owners. Bonus points: these fuzzy creatures are quite curious and alert, so you will adore them if you want a companion that loves to be stimulated with various games.
1. SHIBA INU
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If you are looking for a dog that’s pretty much the ultimate family pet and that won’t have any trouble adapting in a large family with members of all ages like yours, then count on the Shiba Inu to meet your expectations. These fox-like pups are extremely cute, especially since they are very expressive and are capable of making quite a range of adorable faces. These pups are very confident and self-assured and quite independent, although they do love to spend time with their owners more than anything else.
