As we age, our lifestyle needs and preferences evolve, and this naturally extends to selecting the right dog companion. For individuals in their 70s, the ideal dog should provide companionship, love, and joy without requiring excessive exercise, grooming, or care. A perfect canine companion for seniors should be easygoing, gentle, and adaptable to a slower pace, while still offering the emotional connection that makes dog ownership deeply rewarding. Here’s a list of dog breeds particularly well-suited for those in their 70s, featuring both popular and lesser-known breeds that might just be the perfect fit.
15. Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is a small, lively breed known for its affectionate and energetic personality. Despite their small size, Silkies are full of spirit and enjoy short bursts of playtime, making them a fun and engaging companion. They are easy to manage, both in terms of size and exercise needs, requiring only moderate walks and some indoor play. While needing regular grooming, their silky coat adds to their charming appearance without being overly difficult to maintain. Silky Terriers are also known for their loyalty and tend to form strong bonds with their owners, making them loving and devoted companions.
14. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are a perfect choice for someone in their 70s who prefers a calm and dignified companion. Known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, Pekingese dogs enjoy a quiet and relaxed environment. They are low-energy dogs that are content with short walks and plenty of time spent lounging at home. Their long coat does require regular grooming, but their calm demeanor makes them easy to care for. Pekingese are also known for their independence, meaning they don’t require constant attention, making them ideal for someone who appreciates a peaceful and low-maintenance companion.
13. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are elegant, small dogs known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are incredibly loyal and enjoy being close to their owners, often acting as a shadow, following their owner from room to room. Italian Greyhounds are low-energy dogs that require only moderate exercise, such as short walks and some playtime, making them ideal for someone who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Their short coat is easy to maintain, requiring minimal grooming. Italian Greyhounds are also known for their quiet and calm demeanor, making them a great choice for someone looking for a serene and loving companion.
12. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small, cheerful breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it an ideal companion for someone in their 70s. These dogs are incredibly loyal and tend to form strong bonds with their owners, often acting as a constant companion. Cotons are low-energy dogs that require only moderate exercise, such as short walks and indoor playtime, making them ideal for someone who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Their fluffy coat does require regular grooming, but this can be a pleasant and relaxing activity for many owners. Cotons are also known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in various living situations, whether in a house with a yard or an apartment.
11. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are an excellent choice for someone in their 70s due to their intelligence, adaptability, and affectionate nature. These small dogs are easy to train and thrive on human interaction, making them wonderful companions. Toy Poodles are low-shedding, which is a bonus for those who prefer a cleaner living environment. They require regular grooming to maintain their curly coat, but this can be a bonding experience for the dog and the owner. Toy Poodles are also known for their longevity and good health, ensuring they can be a faithful companion for many years. Their adaptable nature means they can be content in various living situations, whether in a spacious home or a cozy apartment.
10. Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great companions for someone in their 70s. These medium-sized dogs are easy to manage and are known for their intelligence and loyalty. Corgis enjoy moderate exercise, such as daily walks, which can be a great way to stay active together. Their short coat is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular brushing to keep it looking its best. Corgis are also known for their strong bond with their owners and their ability to adapt to different living environments, making them a versatile and loving companion.
9. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a lesser-known breed that makes an excellent companion for someone in their 70s. These small dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are low-energy dogs that enjoy short walks and plenty of time relaxing at home. Their unique, long body and short legs give them a distinctive appearance, and their coat requires regular grooming to maintain their soft texture. Dandies are also known for their loyalty and tend to be very attached to their owners, making them loving and devoted companions.
8. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is another lesser-known breed that is well-suited for someone in their 70s. These small to medium-sized dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them great companions. Bedlington Terriers have a unique, lamb-like appearance with a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming. They are relatively low-energy dogs that enjoy moderate exercise, such as daily walks, but are also content to relax at home. Bedlingtons are known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them easy to train and a pleasure to live with. Their calm demeanor and adaptability make them a great fit for various living situations.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a popular choice for someone in their 70s due to their gentle and affectionate nature. These small dogs are known for their love of companionship and ability to adapt to their owner’s lifestyle. Cavaliers enjoy moderate exercise, such as daily walks, but are equally content to relax at home with their owners. Their grooming needs are moderate, requiring regular brushing to keep their coat in good condition. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them excellent companions for someone who enjoys a calm and loving environment.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are ideal for someone in their 70s because of their affectionate nature and minimal exercise needs. These small dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and love of being pampered. They enjoy short walks and play sessions but are equally content to relax on the couch with their owner. Shih Tzus are low-shedding, making them a good option for those who prefer a cleaner home environment. Their grooming needs are more intensive, as their long, luxurious coat requires regular brushing and occasional trimming. However, many owners find this grooming time to be a relaxing and enjoyable bonding activity. Shih Tzus are also known for their good health and longevity, meaning they can be a loving companion for many years.
5. Norwich Terrier
Norwich Terriers are small, sturdy dogs with a lively personality, making them a great companion for someone in their 70s. These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Norwich Terriers are relatively low-energy dogs, content with short walks and indoor playtime, making them ideal for someone who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Their short, wiry coat is easy to maintain, requiring occasional brushing. Norwich Terriers are also known for their good health and longevity, ensuring they can be a faithful companion for many years. Their small size and adaptability make them well-suited for apartment living or homes with limited space.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small, lively dogs that make excellent companions for someone in their 70s. Their compact size makes them easy to manage, and they are known for their cheerful and affectionate nature. Pomeranians enjoy being around their owners and are content with short walks and indoor playtime, making them ideal for a more relaxed lifestyle. Their fluffy coat requires regular grooming, but bonding activity can be pleasurable. Pomeranians are also known for their alertness and will happily act as a little watchdog, providing companionship and a sense of security.
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog that is perfect for someone in their 70s. Known for their friendly and playful nature, Bichons are great companions who enjoy spending time with their owners. They are hypoallergenic, a significant plus for those with allergies or who prefer a breed that doesn’t shed much. Bichons also have relatively low maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring moderate playtime and short walks to stay healthy. Their grooming needs are higher, as their curly coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, but this can be a relaxing routine for many owners. Bichons are known for their adaptability, making them suitable for various living situations, whether in a house with a yard or a smaller apartment.]
2. Papillon
The Papillon is a small, elegant dog known for its friendly and intelligent nature, making it a great choice for someone in their 70s. Despite their delicate appearance, Papillons are sturdy and agile, often enjoying agility training or playing around the house. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, whether in a small apartment or a larger home. Papillons require moderate exercise, which can be easily managed with daily walks and playtime. Their coat, though long, is not prone to matting and is relatively easy to maintain with regular brushing. Papillons are known for longevity, meaning they can be a loving companion for many years, bringing joy and companionship to their owner’s life.
1. Pug
Pugs are a wonderful breed for someone in their 70s because of their loving and sociable nature. These small dogs are known for their distinctive wrinkled faces and curly tails, which add to their unique charm. Pugs are extremely affectionate and tend to form strong bonds with their owners, often following them around the house. They are relatively low-energy dogs, content with short walks and lots of cuddle time, making them perfect for someone who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Pugs are also known for their humorous personalities, often bringing a lot of joy and laughter to their households. Their grooming needs are minimal, requiring only regular brushing and attention to their facial wrinkles to keep them clean and healthy. Pugs are also known for being excellent companions for seniors due to their gentle and friendly disposition.
Finding the Ideal Canine Companion in Your 70s
Selecting the right dog breed in your 70s involves balancing the desire for companionship with the practicalities of care and maintenance. The breeds listed here offer a variety of personalities, sizes, and care requirements, ensuring that there is a perfect match for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a small, affectionate dog or one that’s a bit more independent, each of these breeds can provide the love and companionship that enriches life during this stage.
