13 Low-Energy Dog Breeds Ideal for Seniors

Thinking about bringing a furry friend into your life but worried about keeping up with a high-energy pup? Many dog breeds are perfectly suited for senior citizens. These breeds offer companionship, affection, and a reason to get outside for gentle walks, all without requiring extensive exercise or training.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Gentle and loving, these “Cavies” are known for their sweet temperaments and eagerness to please. Originally bred as lap dogs for royalty, Cavaliers are content with moderate exercise and quiet playtime indoors. Their silky coats require regular brushing but are relatively low-maintenance.

2. Bichon Frise

These cheerful white puffs of fur are a ray of sunshine. Bichons are playful yet calm, making them ideal for apartment living. Their hypoallergenic coats require regular brushing and professional grooming, but their small size makes them easy to manage.

3. French Bulldog

Dearly nicknamed “Frenchies”, these compact charmers are known for their playful personalities and bat ears. French Bulldogs are relatively inactive indoors but enjoy short walks. Their short, smooth coats are easy to care for, and their gentle nature makes them perfect for cuddling on the couch.

4. Maltese

Another small, white charmer, the Maltese is a devoted companion. These intelligent and playful pups thrive on attention and are easily trained. While their long, silky coats require daily brushing, their small size makes them a good fit for smaller homes.

5. Shih Tzu

Don’t be fooled by their flowing fur – Shih Tzus are surprisingly low-maintenance. These adaptable dogs are content with short walks and indoor playtime. Their long hair needs regular brushing, but their affectionate personalities make up for the grooming effort.

6. Pug

Affectionate and comical, Pugs are known for their wrinkled faces and playful spirit. These compact companions are relatively inactive indoors but enjoy short walks. Their short, smooth coats are easy to manage, and their gentle nature makes them perfect for cuddling on the couch.

7. Boston Terrier

Known as the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is a lively yet well-mannered breed. These intelligent and playful pups are easily trained and enjoy moderate exercise. Their short, smooth coats are easy to care for, and their friendly personalities make them excellent companions.

8. Poodle (Standard or Miniature)

Poodles may be known for their fancy show clips, but underneath it all, they’re intelligent and loving companions. Standard Poodles are larger, while Miniatures are more compact. Both require regular grooming, but their non-shedding coats are a plus for allergy sufferers. Poodles are highly trainable and enjoy learning tricks.

9. Puggle

This adorable mix of Pug and Beagle combines the best of both worlds: a playful spirit with a laid-back attitude. Puggles are relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise and grooming, making them ideal for seniors who prefer a relaxed companion.

10. Havanese

Havanese dogs are known for their silky coats and affectionate personalities. These small, lively pups enjoy playtime but are content with moderate exercise. Their long hair requires regular brushing, but their gentle nature and love of cuddles make up for the effort.

11. Shih-Poo

This designer breed combines the Shih Tzu’s devotion with the Poodle’s intelligence. Shih-Poos are relatively inactive indoors but enjoy short walks. Their long hair needs regular brushing, but their friendly personalities make them perfect companions.

12. Italian Greyhound

Often referred to as “IGs,” these sleek and elegant sighthounds are surprisingly low-maintenance. Gentle and affectionate, IGs are content with short walks and indoor playtime. Their short, smooth coats are easy to care for, and their calm demeanor makes them perfect for apartment living.

13. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are small but full of personality. These lively pups are intelligent and easily trained. While their long, silky coats require daily brushing, their small size makes them easy to manage. Yorkies are fiercely loyal and enjoy spending time with their humans.