This article was originally published on Crafting Your Home. A human contributor also wrote and edited the post.
The post 9 Dog Breeds That Suit Older Adults, According to the AKC first appeared on Crafting Your Home
Choosing a dog in retirement is not really about age. The American Kennel Club makes that point directly, explaining that while seniors are loosely defined by society as 55, 62, or 65 and older, the real question is lifestyle and physical ability to care for a dog, not a birthday.
A study the AKC cites backs up why the choice matters so much. Adults 60 and older who owned pets were 36% less likely to consider themselves lonely than non-pet owners, and dog ownership more broadly has been linked to lower stress, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of death from heart disease.
With that framing in mind, the AKC put together a list of breeds that tend to fit an older owner’s life well, weighing exercise needs, grooming demands, trainability, and temperament. Here are nine of them, and what makes each one work.
Havanese
Cuba’s only native breed, the Havanese is described by its breed club as happy, loving, intelligent, social and accommodating, a dog content to stay inside and snuggle rather than demand a long run.
It needs only occasional short walks, though its silky, ever-growing coat does require regular grooming to stay untangled. For an owner who wants steady companionship without a demanding exercise routine, it is close to an ideal match.
Pug
Bred for centuries as companions to Chinese emperors, Pugs are short-haired, muscular little dogs weighing 14 to 18 pounds with famously even temperaments.
They are easy to train, playful with children and charming with strangers, though their heavy shedding is worth planning for.
The breed’s whole design, going back generations, was companionship first, which is exactly what makes it work so well for an owner who wants a dog nearby rather than a dog to keep up with.
Shih Tzu
Topping out around 16 pounds, the Shih Tzu needs minimal exercise and does well in an apartment as long as its owner is there too.
Owners describe the breed as happy, even-tempered, and eager to please, and it tends to get along well with other dogs and children.
The tradeoff is coat care, since a long silky coat needs daily brushing, though a groomer can give the dog a shorter “puppy trim” that cuts the maintenance down considerably.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed was bred specifically to be a comforting, non-aggressive, gentle pet, and it shows in how the dogs treat nearly everyone they meet as a friend.
Its even temper and adaptability mean it can settle into an active, outdoorsy routine or a quiet afternoon in a recliner with equal ease, which makes it flexible enough for an owner whose energy levels vary from day to day.
French Bulldog
The most popular breed in America by AKC registration since 2022, the French Bulldog earns that ranking partly through its personality.
Its breed standard calls it well-behaved, adaptable, and comfortable, generally active and alert without being unduly boisterous, and it does not bark much, which makes it a good fit for apartment living. Moderate daily exercise is usually enough to keep one content.
English Cocker Spaniel
For a senior who still wants real activity, this medium-sized, lively breed is a great fit. Most need a couple of 30-minute walks a day, but are just as happy curling up on the couch once the walk is done.
They learn quickly, travel well, and are eager to please, though their coat needs a thorough weekly brushing to stay in good shape.
Italian Greyhound
A miniature version of the Greyhound in looks, this breed would rather be on a lap or a bed than on the floor, and despite its delicate appearance, it is sturdier than it looks.
Because Italian Greyhounds are sighthounds with a strong instinct to chase, they need to stay on a leash or inside a fenced area. Their short coat and low body fat also mean they appreciate a sweater or coat in cold weather.
Coton de Tulear
Originally from Madagascar, this breed carries a long, white, cottony coat that does not shed much, and it can live 15 to 19 years, a genuinely long run for a companion dog.
It is easy to train, gets along with people and other dogs alike, and adapts well to travel, making it a solid choice for a senior who still wants to be on the move.
Dachshund
Available in standard and miniature sizes and three coat types, the Dachshund forms strong bonds with its owner and, when socialized early, does well with children.
Grooming is simple since the breed tends to stay clean and odor-free. The one thing to watch is weight, since Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so a couple of short walks