10 Best Dogs for Seniors & Older People (2026): Calm & Low-Energy Breeds

A small, affectionate breed that is easy to handle and enjoys company. In our ratings the Shih Tzu (9-16 lbs) and the Bolognese (9-14 lbs) score 2 out of 5 for energy and 5 out of 5 for apartment living, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel adds a 4 out of 5 for trainability. All three are content with short walks and bond closely with one person, which suits a quiet household.

For most older owners an adult dog is the easier choice. Puppies need house-training, night trips outside and months of energy, while an adult's size and temperament are already known. Lifespan matters too: a Shih Tzu can live 10-18 years and a Bolognese 12-14, so a puppy adopted at 70 may still need you well into your 80s. Rescues and shelters often have calm older dogs that need a quiet home.

Yes, and it is worth planning for. A CDC report estimated about 86,600 fall injuries a year in the US were linked to pets, with dogs involved in nearly 88% of them, often from tripping over the animal or being pulled while walking it. Teach the dog not to pull and not to rush through doors, use a short fixed leash rather than a retractable one, and keep a bell or bright collar on small dogs.

In US public housing built for the elderly or people with disabilities, federal rules let tenants keep common household pets such as dogs and cats, though the housing operator can set reasonable rules on size, number and care. Private senior communities and assisted living facilities set their own policies, and many limit size or breed. Ask for the written pet policy before you sign anything.

Make a plan while you are well. Name a person who agrees to take the dog, write down its vet, food and routine, and keep a card in your wallet saying a pet is at home alone. In all 50 states and Washington, D.C., you can also set up a pet trust that leaves money and instructions for the dog's care with a caretaker you choose.

Our yearly estimates for food, routine vet care and grooming run from $700-1,200 for a Bolognese and $800-1,500 for a Shih Tzu or Pug to $1,200-3,000 for a Bulldog, whose breathing, skin and joint problems raise vet bills. Long-coated breeds add regular groomer visits. On a fixed income, a pet insurance plan or a set monthly savings amount helps cover a surprise vet bill.