7 Best Small Dogs for Senior Citizens

It’s no secret that dogs are man’s best friend. They cheer us up when we’re feeling down. They motivate us to get off the couch and out the door for regular walks. When we’re out for a walk or playing fetch in the park, dogs can help us meet other dog owners and their furry friends. Above all, dogs give us a sense of purpose and, in return for food and shelter, show us unconditional love. That’s a pretty good deal for us humans.

Which Dog is the Right Dog for You?

Let’s assume you don’t live on a farm or are looking to join your local K-9 police unit. Rather, you want a small dog that’s not too active or too yappy. Ideally, one that’s easy to handle, simple to train, and fits in your lap. To help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle, here are seven of the best small dogs for seniors.

1. French Bulldog

With a playful spirit, love of entertaining and tendency to snort, this breed has earned the nickname “clown dog.” Their distinctive bat-like ears will make you smile, too. They’re people pleasers who’ll follow you from room to room and love being the center of attention. Frenchies have a good deal of energy but lack endurance, so they’re perfectly happy with short walks or playtime in the yard. Easy to groom, they’re quiet, amiable and readily adapt to apartment life.

2. Boston Terrier

This terrier variety is developed from the English Bulldog and the white English terrier. Their manageable size, friendliness and ease of grooming makes them one of the best small dogs for seniors. Known for their boundless energy and fun-loving ways, they can provide endless entertainment with their silly antics. Apart from snoring, grunting and tooting, they’re quiet and only bark when they’re riled or hear someone at the door. Well-suited to apartment life.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are a smaller breed of spaniel, typically about 12 to 18 pounds, with a medium-length silky coat. Sweet, gentle and playful, they’re known as the “love sponge” of dogs, and like nothing better than snuggling up with their owners. Highly intelligent, they’re easy to train because they’re so eager to please. Overall, Cavaliers make great companion dogs well-suited for apartment living.

4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

This breed’s origins can be traced back to Welsh King Hywel Dda in 920. These days, corgis are better known as Queen Elizabeth’s canine companions. (She’s owned over 30 of them.) A herding dog by nature, corgis need regular exercise, but daily walks and trips to the dog park should be enough. Corgis are smart, require little grooming, and like the occasional cuddle. Despite their small stature, they’re protective and make great guard dogs.

5. Shih Tzu

Pronounced SHEED-zoo and interpreted as “little lion,” the Shih Tzu is bred from the stock of Tibetan Apsos and Chinese Pekingese. They’re famous for their flowing locks and will require regular grooming. One good walk per day, or even laps around your living room in a pinch, is all the exercise they need. Shih Tzus can be stubborn and prone to barking. But with the right training, they’ll be a friendly, playful companion. They make good lap dogs and live for cuddles and attention.

6. Bichon Frise

This fluffy little bundle of joy makes an excellent companion. Bichons are easy to train but require frequent brushing and grooming. Styles vary from the fluffed out cotton-ball ’fro for show dogs to a simple close-cropped cut for dogs that just want to roll around and play fetch. Highly compatible with other household pets, this breed is affectionate and has a cheerful nature.

7. Pomeranian

Poms are known for being smart, curious, energetic, feisty and bold. They have a foxlike face, pointy ears and feathered tails that arch over their backs. Small enough to fit in a handbag, these fluffy little furballs are descended from larger Arctic breeds, such as the Malamute, Husky and Samoyed. Poms have a yappy bark and can be tough to train. But they’re very playful and love being the center of attention. (Fun fact: Isaac Newton, Michelangelo and Mozart all had Pomeranians.)

Dogs are Part of the Family at Sagewood

We love our canine companions as much as you do, so if you already have a dog, you’ll feel right at home. There’s even a dog park on campus where you and your best friend can run around, sniff out what’s new, and meet other dog lovers.

To learn what makes Sagewood the best doggone senior living community in Phoenix, get in touch.