Breeds suited to the retired life
Owning a pet can be hard work, but as any dog owner will tell you, it’s incredibly rewarding!
Some of the benefits of owning a dog include gaining new skills, gaining a furry best friend and even encouraging you to exercise.
Picking a pet for older owners
Although finding the perfect canine companion can be extremely fun, it should never be done on impulse without making sure it’s a good fit first.
All you need to know before offering a dog a home
There will always be individual differences within dogs, but some dog breeds will be more likely to exhibit certain temperaments or have different needs.
Important steps when picking a puppy breed
Not all dog breeds will suit all lifestyles, for example, a Labrador Retriever breed will love an active lifestyle whereas a Basset Hound will happily snooze all day.
The breed you choose must match the prospective owner’s needs and abilities. Whether they prefer a small lapdog that enjoys a cuddle, or a larger breed that will prioritise playtime – it really is a personal preference!
Whatever your preference, we’ve put together a list of 10 adorable puppy breeds that suit retirees.
10 perfect dog breeds for older owners
1. French Bulldogs 
There’s a reason why the French Bulldog is such a popular breed. They’re a versatile breed that suits all ages, from young to old.
They enjoy snuggling up on their sofa with their favourite human whilst also enjoying short-medium daily walks.
Any love that a French Bulldog gets it will happily return in spades!
Read more about the French Bulldog breed
French Bulldog puppies for sale
2. West Highland Terriers
They are a tiny but mighty little breed. They might be small in stature but they more than make up for it with personality!
Not needing a great amount of exercise, they make a great option for owners with reduced mobility. Although they will still need plenty of daily playtimes!
They will need ongoing grooming so it’s important to consider the cost associated with this.
West Highland Terrier puppies for sale
3. Shih Tzu
Much like Westies, they usually don’t need a great deal of exercise as long as they’re getting plenty of quality playtime.
Their small size makes them much usually easy to handle, although Shih Tzu’s are known for sometimes being a little stubborn with their training.
They need an owner who is patient, calm and persistent. Like most dogs, they often respond better to positive puppy training.
Read more about the Shih Tzu breed
Shih Tzu puppies for sale
4. Poodles
This hypoallergenic dog doesn’t shed and so makes a great option for elderly owners with allergies.
Their intelligence makes them easier to train but also often means they get bored without daily puzzles or challenges to keep their mind active.
When trained, they also make great guard dogs and are perfect pets to alert owners that are hard of hearing to a knock at the door.
As they come in 3 size variations, they suit those looking for small breeds to suit apartment living and larger dogs who need more space.
Toy Poodles for sale
Miniature Poodles for sale
Standard Poodles for sale
Read more about the Poodle breed
5. Bichon Frise
With an adorable appearance and its ‘Toy’ breed size, they make an ideal choice for retired owners looking for a companion.
Because of their small size, they are usually easy to handle and are often relatively simple to train for confident owners.
Joyful and affectionate, this breed adores being in the limelight and will happily enjoy being the centre of attention!
Read more about the Bichon Frise breed
Bichon Frise puppies for sale
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Well known for its “puppy-like” appearance, this affectionate and adaptable little pooch makes a great choice for elderly owners.
Normally happy to match the pace set by their owner, they will happily spend the day snuggled up with their owners.
Although they need regular grooming, they are normally easy to handle and train.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale
7. Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi 
For retirees looking for a medium-size dog, the Welsh Corgi is a great choice.
With minimal grooming needs and being small enough to handle, they make great furry friends for older companions.
As they’re quite an intelligent breed, they are usually quite easy to train and won’t need much direction.
Welsh Corgi Pembroke puppies for sale
8. Maltese
Maltese are happy to go on shorter easier walks and spend the rest of the day as a lapdog.
Much like a Bichon Frise, they tend to need regular grooming but are small and easy to train.
They often become extremely protective of their human and are often used as therapy dogs.
Read more about the Maltese breed
Maltese puppies for sale
9. Pug
The pug breed has a lovely laptop temperament and is happy to get along with most people and/or pets.
With a great sense of humour, this lovely little pup will happily entertain its owners.
They are prone to becoming overweight and are known for their love of food. So, it’s important not to spoil them like grandchildren with endless treats.
Check out our puppy feeding guide for more information on what you can and can’t feed dogs.
Read more about the Pug breed
Pug puppies for sale
10. Greyhounds
Now, this breed might seem surprising as they are famous for their speed. But Greyhounds (particularly those retired from racing), make fantastic companions for older owners.
These gentle giants are known for being deeply affectionate dogs and often form strong bonds with their owners.
Retired Greyhound dogs for sale
Not found the breed for you?
Here at Forever Puppy, we are passionate about educating puppy lovers to make sure they offer positive environments for their pets.
We post regular content to help new and experienced owners alike understand the best way to care for their canines.
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