Check out our latest products
Selecting the perfect dog breed for someone in their 70s means finding a balance between companionship and ease of care. At this stage in life, a dog can be a wonderful source of emotional support, joy, and daily structure—but it’s important that the pet’s temperament, size, and care needs align well with the owner’s lifestyle. Breeds that are gentle, affectionate, and not overly demanding in terms of grooming or exercise are ideal.
Dogs can help seniors stay more active, boost mood, and even provide a valuable sense of routine. However, seniors should avoid high-energy breeds that need constant stimulation or dogs with intensive grooming needs unless they have ongoing help.
The following list highlights ten breeds that are particularly well-suited for people in their 70s. These dogs tend to have manageable activity levels, loving personalities, and a lower-maintenance lifestyle—making them great companions for older adults seeking a loyal friend without overwhelming responsibility. The breeds are listed in descending order, starting with the best overall match and continuing with other excellent choices.
10. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a delightful breed that offer exactly the kind of companionship many seniors appreciate—calm, affectionate, and deeply loyal. Their compact size means they are easy to manage, even for those with limited strength or mobility, and they are well-suited for smaller homes or apartment living. These dogs thrive on human connection and are happiest when they’re close to their owners, often following them from room to room or curling up beside them for a nap.
Although Shih Tzus don’t require a great deal of exercise, they enjoy leisurely walks and gentle play sessions. Their low-energy nature makes them ideal for seniors who prefer a slower pace. The main consideration for this breed is coat maintenance. Their long, luxurious fur needs regular brushing to prevent matting and occasional grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best. For those willing to maintain their grooming routine or schedule regular grooming visits, Shih Tzus can be a wonderfully cuddly and gentle addition to a senior’s life.
9. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a charming little companion, perfect for seniors looking for a friendly, affectionate dog that fits easily into a quieter lifestyle. Known for their soft, curly, hypoallergenic coat, these dogs are a popular choice for those with allergies and do well in both small apartments and larger homes. They are sociable by nature and tend to form strong bonds with their owners, offering both emotional support and joyful companionship.
Bichons are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. Their energy level is moderate—they enjoy a daily walk and some indoor playtime but don’t require extensive physical activity to stay healthy and happy. One consideration for potential owners is their grooming needs: regular brushing and professional grooming appointments are necessary to keep their coat in good shape and free of tangles. With their upbeat personality and manageable care requirements, the Bichon Frise is a wonderful match for older adults who want a cuddly, cheerful friend.
8. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are loyal and affectionate, known for their regal appearance and charming personality. They are small, making them easy to manage, and they do not require extensive exercise. A couple of short walks and indoor playtime are sufficient to keep them happy. Pekingese have luxurious coats that require regular grooming, but their calm and composed nature makes them excellent companions for seniors who prefer a more relaxed pace of life.
7. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs that bring joy with their energetic and friendly personalities. Despite their small stature, they have a bold and lively spirit. Pomeranians easily train and adapt well to various living conditions, including apartments. They enjoy short bursts of play and short walks, making them suitable for older adults who cannot commit to long exercise routines. Regular grooming is needed to keep their beautiful coats in good condition.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle, and love to be around people, making them excellent companions for seniors. They are adaptable and can thrive in various living environments, including apartments. Their moderate energy levels mean they are happy with daily walks and some playtime. Cavaliers have a silky coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Their friendly and easygoing nature makes them a great choice for those seeking a loving and loyal companion.
5. Maltese
Maltese dogs are known for their elegant appearance and affectionate nature. They are small, making them easy to manage, and their exercise needs are minimal, typically satisfied with short daily walks and indoor play. Maltese have long, flowing coats that require regular grooming, but their friendly and adaptable nature makes them perfect companions for older adults. They thrive on human interaction and are known to form strong bonds with their owners.
4. Havanese
The Havanese is a small, sturdy breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. These dogs are highly adaptable and can live comfortably in apartments or small homes. Havanese are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners, making them ideal companions for seniors. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat, but their exercise needs are moderate, consisting of daily walks and playtime. Their sociable nature ensures they get along well with other pets and visitors.
3. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, friendly, and easy to train. Their small to medium size makes them easy to handle, and they have a distinctive, low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming. Miniature Schnauzers are energetic and enjoy daily walks and interactive play, but they are not overly demanding in terms of exercise. Their alert and loyal nature makes them excellent companions and even good watchdogs for older adults.
2. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are independent and dignified dogs known for their distinctive appearance and loyal nature. They are small and sturdy, making them manageable for seniors. Scotties have a moderate energy level, requiring daily walks and some playtime. Their wiry coat needs regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Scotties are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners, making them excellent companions for those in their 70s.
1. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a lesser-known breed that is perfect for older adults. These small, elegant dogs are known for their charming and affectionate nature. They are relatively low-energy, requiring only short daily walks and some indoor play. Japanese Chins have a silky coat that requires regular grooming, but their calm and gentle temperament makes them easy to manage. They thrive on companionship and are known to be very loyal to their owners.
Choosing the right dog breed can significantly enhance the quality of life for someone in their 70s. The breeds listed here are all excellent choices, offering companionship, manageable exercise requirements, and varying grooming needs. Each breed has its unique charm, ensuring that there is a perfect match for every senior looking for a loyal and loving canine companion.
![[5G & 2.4G] 2K Indoor Security Camera for Home Security, AI Voice Change for 2-Way Talk, Motion Detection, Night Vision, 24/7 SD Recording/Cloud Storage, WiFi Home Camera, Pet Cam with Phone App](https://i3.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61I2U+sTT3L._AC_SL1500_.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1)
