Best Dog Breeds For Senior Companions

At Treeview Estates, our furry residents are a welcome and important part of our community. While everyone has a different idea as to what their ideal pet companion might be, there are definitely some dog breeds that are better suited to a senior lifestyle than others. Check out some of our recommended dog breeds.

Shih Tzu- 

Since this particular breed can be found on every list of “best breeds for seniors”, we thought we would start with the Shih Tzu! They are great lap dogs, loving the cuddles and attention from their humans. Affectionate, kid friendly, and easy to train, the Shih Tzu fits well into any living environment. Playful, but typically happy with their daily walks for exercise, this is a small breed, usually around 4 – 6kgs, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Poodles-

The poodle also falls into the category of a companion dog. Smart and loving, poodles are a loyal family pet. They are friendly around others and are not big shedders. They do not do well with boredom, so they shouldn’t be left for long stretches. Poodles are playful and energetic, but highly trainable. Available in 3 different sizes, the average weight and lifespan can vary, depending on whether you choose toy, miniature, or standard.

French Bulldog-

Frenchies are a great choice for a quieter, small dog that is still on the sturdy side. Averaging about a foot tall, they typically reach around 10kgs They don’t have high exercise needs, and are generally happy with short walks or some time in the yard. This breed lives 11-14 years, and is typically a loving lapdog, with a good sense of play and easily trained. Another big plus for the Frenchie is their low grooming needs!

Westie-

The West Highland Terrier is a good compromise if you are looking for a mid-size dog. They can get up to 10kgs when fully grown, making them less fragile than other breeds. Described as an entertaining and “lively” breed, this terrier is very friendly, and enjoys an active lifestyle. They will require grooming, but they are blessed with an average lifespan of 12-16 years.

Bichon Frise-

Described as bright and cheerful, the Bichon is a small, hypoallergenic breed that does well with lots of love and affection. Highly trainable and intelligent, this breed does enjoy regular exercise and playtime. Though Bichons only average around 5kgs, they are sturdier than other small breeds. Take though that Bichon’s require regular grooming, and do not do well left alone for long periods.  

Of course, it is important to evaluate your ability to care for a dog, going through the puppy stages can be demanding so a great option is adopting an older dog. The RSPCA is a great place to start for adopting a pet as they assess each dog’s temperament and background to ensure rehoming is a success for everyone. All small pets are welcome at Treeview – cats, birds and fish can also be great options and easily cared for if you love to travel.