Whether you’re an elderly senior searching for a new furry best friend, or perhaps you’re looking to help an elderly person find some more companionship, we’ve made this quick guide to assist you.
If so, this article will be of great interest to you. We are going to explore the 12 best small dogs for seniors. We made a short list based on their activity level, their grooming needs, their temperament, and their age.
#1 PUG
The Pug dog breed is an intelligent, loving, affectionate, sociable, and well-balanced breed of canine. The Pug is actually a purebred breed of dog of the European origin, with some distinguishing physical characteristics of a short, wrinkled, curly-tailed face, with a medium-length coat and glossy, medium-sized coat.
The Pug is also a very gentle, non-shedding breed that typically has a light, medium to medium-haired coat. They are ideal companions for children and seniors.
The Pug is very gentle and easy to train. Although it is not considered to be extremely aggressive, it does need proper socialization. The Pug can be an excellent choice for seniors or a large family with children because they are gentle, responsive, alert, and affectionate dogs.
In fact, many of them will play with your child’s toys and cuddle close to you while watching TV or listening to music, as a reward for a job well done. Because of their high energy levels, a Pug can be a difficult dog to train, but it will come around.
#2 Chihuahua
The Chihuahua dog breed is a small, yet very energetic breed that was developed from the Alaskan malamute. Due to their intelligence and keen eyesight and they are also known to be very protective of their owners, especially their young ones.
Many people prefer these animals as pets because of their small size, friendly personalities, easy-going nature, and ability to act as an animal guardian. A Chihuahua dog is not only adorable, but they are also extremely loving and affectionate, making them good companions.
Chihuahuas are great pets for the elderly, as they are very friendly, and have a natural curiosity about life that helps them develop mentally. Although Chihuahuas are small, they tend to be strong-willed and strong-minded.
Although they have this trait, they can still have a little of a stubborn side. This is what makes them so popular as breeders. These dogs will always want to do things their way no matter how frustrating they may seem, even if it results in a messy house.
Overall, a Chihuahua dog breed is ideal for those that want a dog that is gentle and cuddly but is also smart enough to look after seniors or their young ones. As the name suggests, they are friendly and loyal, which is one of the reasons why so many people love them.
#3 ShihTzu
The Shih Tzu Dog breed has many qualities that make it a good pet for people of all ages and ability levels. The Shih Tzu dog breed is usually small in size, often weighing up to 7 pounds when fully mature.
This large size makes this type of dog great for people who are working outdoors but is also good for households that need a small dog. The Shih Tzu was originally developed in the Tibetan region of China.
The breed itself is a large medium-sized dog that is very intelligent, strong, and friendly. The Shih Tzu dog breed is typically considered to be friendly and happy, making it a wonderful companion to have with seniors and other pets. The Shih Tzus loyal, playful and have a lot of energy.
This breed is great if you want to keep an active and playful dog. If you have children, they make great companions for kids. When you get a Shih Tzu dog breed as a pet, you want to be sure that you take good care of him. The breed needs plenty of exercise, as much as any other type of dog.
They love to run, play, walk, and climb. Be sure to get your Shih Tzu a daily exercise routine so that he doesn’t become bored. The Shih Tzu is very intelligent and friendly, making them great pets.
#4 Poodle
The Poodle dog breed is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They are also considered one of the most intelligent and playful of all the types of dogs.
The original poodle is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Pomeranian. Although the exact origin of this breed is not always discussed, there is a strong debate as to whether the cross descends from Germany or the French Barbet.
Either way, it has resulted in an incredibly powerful breed of dog that is highly intelligent and playful. As such, the Poodle makes a great family dog.
Although they are often very independent and curious animals, they are loving companions that make wonderful companions for people of all ages. Just like any other breed, the Poodle will require plenty of love, care, exercise, and attention.
If you have never owned a poodle before, it is important that you give them time to adjust to your daily routine. They should not be left alone all the time, because the energy level can quickly get out of hand.
This breed requires more time spent with you than you are spending with them. Because the Poodle has such a strong personality, you need to train them from an early age. The Poodle dog breed is very good with children and is one of the easiest breeds to take care of.
The Poodle is not known for shedding much fur and does not require any regular grooming. Although they may shed a little on occasion, they do not require regular brushing. Make sure you also have a veterinarian checkup at least once or twice a year to ensure that your dog is in good health and to make sure he or she is not sick.
#5 Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier dog breed is extremely popular. This “American Gentleman” has been accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1893. The color and markings of this dog are also very important when distinguishing it from the AKC breed standard.
A lot of Boston Terrier dog breeders have to learn the differences between the different types of this dog. The most common Boston Terrier dog breed is the short-haired variety, the short coats being very shiny and smooth and having hair that is uniform in color and texture.
They do not have long thick coats like the French Bulldogs or the English Bull Terriers, but they do have long hair with a silky texture. This dog is often bred with an eye color that is close to black to blend into the overall color and texture of their coat.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies the Boston Terrier as a “medium-sized dog.”The Boston Terrier dog breed is very active and is very smart. However, it can be misidentified as such by some people who might think that they have a toy dog.
Due to the short hair and thick undercoat, these dogs tend to look very large. Therefore, they are very good dogs for walking in areas where other dogs might be seen such as parks and gardens.
Because of the many different variations of the Boston Terrier dog breed, it is difficult to say which one of the various breeds is the best in all aspects. You just have to choose one of the different types of this dog and make sure you have the right dog in your home.
#6 Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer dog breed originated in Germany around the middle to late 19th century. It is the only breed that is recognized by the European Kennel Club as the smallest purebred dog type.
The Schnauzers are known for their intelligence and their love for children. They can be very loving, gentle dogs and do well with other animals. The Schnauzers are very active and enjoy playing fetch, running, and playing in fields.
They have a short coat, with silky smooth hair. The miniature Schnauzers are a great choice for people that have children or other pets. This breed is very protective of its family and will do anything to make sure that everyone is safe.
Because of their protective nature, this breed is not recommended for anyone that does not live by themselves. If you live by yourself, then a miniature Schnauzer may be right for you.
The Miniature Schnauzers are usually very laid back and mild-tempered. They tend to be very affectionate and caring, they like being around people and making friends.
They do not require as much exercise as other dog breeds, although they are extremely friendly and enjoy human interaction. If you want a dog that will not shed too much or a dog that will be a great companion for the kids, then a miniature Schnauzer may be for you. These dogs require plenty of attention and a lot of love.
#7 Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed is among the smallest dog species of dog type, and the smallest breed to be recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). It was developed in Yorkshire, England during the late 19th century. It is a medium-sized dog, which possesses a medium coat.
The breed has a very good temperament. It loves to be around people and enjoys family events and social occasions. The dog should not be used for protection purposes, however, because it can become extremely dangerous when left alone at home alone.
It is very sensitive to its owner’s moods and if it feels that he or she is being rejected, it may be a threat to you or to your family members. The Yorkshire Terrier dog is a very gentle dog, and will need constant encouragement, but does have a great deal of loyalty towards its owner.
There are many different types of Yorkshire Terrier dogs available. You can choose from short-haired ones, medium-haired ones, long-haired ones, and those with a long coat, all of which are very popular.
When you first meet the Yorkshire Terrier dog, it may appear somewhat timid and may seem to be looking around for attention. They are normally very gentle and very intelligent dogs and will respond well to training.
These dogs make excellent family pets. They are wonderful companions to seniors and children and should be given as many opportunities as possible to play and socialize with them. Even though the breed has a high level of intelligence, they should be well-socialized and trained because they can be stubborn.
It is very important to remember that if you want to raise a Yorkshire Terrier puppy properly, it needs to be taken out into the public at some point so that they can interact with other dogs. And people.
#8 Maltese
The Maltese is actually a very good-natured breed of a small dog. It is supposed to have originated in Spitz-type dogs of Germany. Despite of the common name, it does not have a proven historical or scientific relationship to the small island of Malta.
This dog breed is characterized by a flat, wide head, and shoulders. The chest is slightly wider at the top than at the bottom. The ears are set high and the face is rounded and symmetrical with the neck. The tail is somewhat curly in nature.
The color of the coat texture is a medium brown with some black markings. The legs and body length are average and it is not very heavy and muscular. It has a muscular chest and shoulders.
The body structure of this dog is very well balanced. The short length of the legs helps it in balance. The short length of the body makes the dog more agile and flexible. The long, tapering coat also helps in balancing out the short and long limbs.
As a dog breed, the Maltese may be a good choice for those who want to own an active dog or for those who want a pet that will always be with them. However, there are some limitations in choosing this breed.
The Maltese breed can be very active and is often confused with the French mastiff or the English bulldog because of its active, protective nature. This dog breed may also bark excessively.
This dog breed can also be a very good companion. It is highly intelligent and alert. It is gentle and loyal to its master. In fact, these traits make the Maltese a very good dog for people who are shy or don’t like strong or dominant dogs.
This dog breed may be sensitive to loud noises. The noise can cause hyperactivity or excessive barking.
A properly trained dog that is properly exercised should be able to resist pulling a leash without much effort.
The dog may also require a lot of space and be constantly supervised at times.
#9 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel dog breed is a medium-sized breed of spaniel breed classified by the American Kennel club and the Toy group of the club, which originated in Britain. It is considered as one of the most elegant of all the breed varieties.
In recent years, it has also become popular in the US and ranks as the second-most common pure-bred in the US. The Cavalier is one of the few breeds that have retained its original coat color throughout the centuries. It retains its black and white markings and is still quite easy to recognize.
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel dog breed was first bred in England in 1810. During that period, the breed had become very popular and many dogs were used for hunting.
However, because of the popularity of the breed, breeding the breed became more popular and in later years, the breed was crossed with many other breeds, and it became the modern Cavalier.
The original coat color was light brown. But during the later years, the color gradually changed to black. Today, the black and white version of the breed is still very common. Its coat is short and dense and is very shiny and attractive.
The Cavalier is one of the most intelligent and alert breed varieties. Although, it is a medium size, they are usually not too big, weighing between fourteen to sixteen pounds.
Their coats are shiny and silky, giving them a well-groomed appearance. Their eyes are blue but are easily distracted by bright lights.
Because of its gentle temperament, this dog breed is an excellent choice for seniors, families and with children.
As with any dog, it is important that you give your Cavalier plenty of exercise. A healthy, active, and well-socialized Cavalier can make a great companion. It has a very good disposition and is friendly toward other people.
And because it is a very intelligent dog, it makes a great watchdog. You can easily train this dog to be obedient and to stop barking because of its natural ability to become very alert.
#10 Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is a crossbreed of a Pekingese and a Greyhound. The Pembroke Corgis are a highly prized herding dog breed. They were developed for a long time and there is very little doubt about its high quality.
They are very intelligent and friendly dogs and can be loyal companions for a lifetime. They are also very loyal to their owners and are known for their excellent work ethics and devotion to their family members.
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is considered to be one of the best working breeds ever developed by man. These dogs are highly intelligent and have an eagerness to please their owners. They have a great deal of energy and are often very playful and loyal.
The Pembroke Welsh corgi has very fine bone structure and this makes it extremely strong. It has strong muscles, which make it excellent hunters and protectors of their family and property. They make wonderful companions for any family,
They are also very gentle and patient when it comes to training, as they do need to be taught what is acceptable behavior.
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is also a great swimmer. This means that the dogs can take part in outdoor activities without problems.
They can swim at the beach and also in ponds. It is said that they can swim for over 30 miles in just a few minutes.
This dog breed is very protective of its family and the home they live in.
They also tend to show a protective nature towards children and other dogs, especially when there are young ones around. They will often chase away other dogs that get close to the house or to people. They also guard the house against intruders.
Pembrokes can be great companions for people who live alone. The Pembrokes are friendly and gentle and do not require constant human interaction in order to keep them happy and healthy.
They also have a very long life expectancy. Although they are fairly quiet dogs, they will only bark if something is wrong with their surroundings, and they do bark when strangers are around.
#11 Beagle
The Beagle is an extremely intelligent breed of a little dog that looks very much like the larger foxhound. The Beagle is a hunting hound, bred primarily for catching small wild game such as rabbits and hares.
They are not a large breed, weighing about twenty pounds, although some are bigger. Beagles are very good with children, however, they have to be trained properly.
Their high level of intelligence means that they can be trained to perform simple tasks, such as sitting still on command, and remain quiet until spoken to. When they are younger, they will be less aggressive than older Beagles. But Beagles are very stubborn Beagles will never change.
Beagles are sociable by nature, always eager to please their masters. They are very devoted dogs and love human company, especially children. If you have a young child, it’s best to get them used to Beagles early on.
Beagles require plenty of exercises and will not do well if their master is constantly on the go. Beagles cannot stay for long in one place without getting bored and unhappy.
A regular time for bonding is to take your Beagle out for a long walk around the neighborhood, with you and your family. It’s a good idea to buy your Beagle from a reputable breeder.
Breeds such as the Beagle and Golden Retriever are more prone to health problems than other breeds. Many times, breeders will not be willing to put forth the time necessary to ensure the health and happiness of their Beagle pets.
If you don’t find a breeder with a high-quality reputation, ask others who own Beagles about recommendations. Beagles are excellent watchdogs, but they may not be suitable for homes with children.
Although they are not aggressive dogs, they can be somewhat territorial if left unsupervised, especially when their master is gone for long periods of time. Beagles are very alert and responsive when called by their master, so they make great companions for the elderly.
Their temperament is determined by genetic disposition, so Beagles that are more lively and active will tend to be nervous, and easily excited. Beagles are very intelligent and respond well to praise, so the more they are rewarded, the more they will be interested in you.
# 12 Pomeranian
If you have been contemplating getting a Pomeranian, the great thing about this small dog is that it can make a great family pet. The Pomeranian dog breed has a very large following among both small and large dog lovers.
Most Pomeranians are very healthy and well-trained dogs. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them a great pet.
The Pomeranian dog breed is also considered to be a friendly dog.
They are very loving and loyal and have an innate desire to please their owners. This makes them a great companion for seniors who love animals and children of all ages. Pomeranians are very active dogs.
They need to be walked often and with a lot of enthusiasm. You will find that this dog breeds are very good with children and are extremely affectionate and loving. They are known to be quite playful and are quite intelligent.
Because of the breed’s active nature, a Pomeranian should not be left alone for long periods of time. A Pomeranian must receive regular exercise. The breed is small in size and very strong.
Pomeranians make a very good choice for a family with young children because they are easy to care for and very intelligent.
As you can see, there are many positives to owning a Pomeranian. Your Pomeranian will be a great pet that everyone in your family can enjoy.
Owning a Pomeranian dog breed is ideal for the elderly and families with children. You won’t regret taking on the responsibility of having a Pomeranian when it is finally yours.
