Best dogs
Best dogs for seniors
Calm, manageable breeds of moderate size that suit older owners and quieter routines.
For an older owner the best dog is usually calm, manageable in size, easy to groom and willing to learn. This list leaves out the large, strong and very energetic breeds and looks for the dogs that fit a gentler daily routine.
The list
| # | Breed | Size | Typical weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | Small | 20 to 28 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 2 | Pug | Small | 14 to 18 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 3 | Japanese Chin | Small | 4 to 9 lb | 10 to 14 years |
| 4 | English Toy Spaniel | Small | 8 to 14 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 5 | Boston Terrier | Small | 12 to 25 lb | 11 to 13 years |
| 6 | Xoloitzcuintli | Medium | 25 to 40 lb | 13 to 18 years |
| 7 | Whippet | Medium | 25 to 40 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 8 | Cirneco dell'Etna | Small | 22 to 26 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 9 | Sloughi | Medium | 35 to 50 lb | 12 to 16 years |
| 10 | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Medium | 25 to 30 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 11 | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Medium | 25 to 38 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 12 | Border Terrier | Small | 11 to 16 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 13 | Australian Terrier | Small | 14 to 16 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 14 | Swedish Vallhund | Medium | 20 to 35 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 15 | Lancashire Heeler | Small | 13 to 17 lb | 12 to 15 years |
About the breeds
1. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small, muscular, bat-eared companion from France and England, popular in cities for its easygoing nature and limited exercise needs. Read the French Bulldog profile.
2. Pug
The Pug is a small, square, wrinkle-faced companion from China, kept for centuries for its easygoing charm and prone to breathing and weight problems. Read the Pug profile.
3. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, flat-faced toy with a long silky coat and a cat-like, dignified personality, kept for centuries as a companion of nobles. Read the Japanese Chin profile.
4. English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a quiet, short-nosed lap spaniel with a domed head and long silky ears, descended from the dogs of the English court. Read the English Toy Spaniel profile.
5. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a compact, short-nosed American companion with a tuxedo coat, known for its friendly, lively and sociable nature. Read the Boston Terrier profile.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient Mexican breed that comes hairless or coated in three sizes, valued as a calm, loyal watchdog and companion. Read the Xoloitzcuintli profile.
7. Whippet
The Whippet is a slim, quiet sighthound from England, bred to race and chase rabbits, and a gentle house dog that sprints in short bursts. Read the Whippet profile.
8. Cirneco dell'Etna
The Cirneco dell'Etna is a small, light, prick-eared hound from Sicily, bred to hunt rabbits on volcanic ground, with a mild nature and a lean, elegant look. Read the Cirneco dell'Etna profile.
9. Sloughi
The Sloughi is a lean, smooth-coated sighthound from North Africa, bred by Berber peoples to hunt hare and gazelle, and a reserved, sensitive companion. Read the Sloughi profile.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A low, sturdy herding dog from Wales with a fox-like face, big ears and a bold, outgoing manner, bred to drive cattle by nipping at their heels. Read the Pembroke Welsh Corgi profile.
11. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
A sturdy, long-tailed Welsh cattle-herding dog with a deep chest, big ears and a steady, loyal temperament, larger and heavier-boned than the Pembroke. Read the Cardigan Welsh Corgi profile.
12. Border Terrier
A small, rough-coated working terrier from the English and Scottish border country, valued as a friendly, sturdy, adaptable family dog. Read the Border Terrier profile.
13. Australian Terrier
A small, sturdy terrier from Australia with a rough blue-and-tan or sandy coat, a friendly, active nature, and a distinctive topknot. Read the Australian Terrier profile.
14. Swedish Vallhund
A short-legged, sturdy Swedish herding dog resembling a small, fox-faced corgi, bred to drive cattle and still lively, alert and hardworking. Read the Swedish Vallhund profile.
15. Lancashire Heeler
A small, short-legged English cattle-herding dog with a glossy black and tan coat, known for being cheerful, alert and fond of herding games. Read the Lancashire Heeler profile.
How this list was made
Breeds rated 3 or lower for energy and grooming, 3 or higher for trainability, and no heavier than 60 pounds, ordered by lowest energy, then by trainability. The ratings come from the breed profiles on this site, which rate each breed as a whole. Individual dogs differ, so use the list to decide which profiles to read, then meet the breed before you choose.