12 Perfect Lap-sized Dog Breeds for Seniors

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Dog with Senior
Freepik/Freepik

For senior citizens seeking affection and loyalty in a manageable and compact package, finding the perfect canine companion can make all the difference. For this purpose, lap-sized dogs are good because they provide the appropriate balance between devoted company and ease of handling. With their adaptable nature and kind temperaments, these little canines can bring companionship, joy, and even a touch of excitement into the lives of seniors. Let’s have a look at twelve different breeds that are suitable for senior citizens, each of which possesses its special features and allure.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Leah Newhouse/Pexels

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a delightful lap dog, recognized for its friendly and loving personality, as well as its ability to adapt easily. Cavaliers have a soft coat and large, soulful eyes that make them incredibly lovable. This breed is great for seniors because they easily adjust to a laid-back lifestyle and enjoy spending time relaxing at home with their owners. Cavaliers are gentle and easygoing dogs that need just a moderate amount of exercise. They’re affectionate friends who are always up for a snuggle, which makes them easygoing pets. Their gentle nature and loving attitude make them an ideal choice for seniors seeking a loyal, easygoing friend.

2. French Bulldog

Dog with Senior
stockbroker/123rf

French Bulldogs are loved for their distinct bat-like ears, charming eyes, and delightful personalities. Known for their calm and friendly nature, Frenchies are easy to train and love being around their humans. They are a great option for seniors looking for a dog that has a lively personality but doesn’t require a lot of exercise. French Bulldogs are incredibly loyal and love to stay close to their owners, whether they’re lounging on a lap or following them around the house. French Bulldogs are great companions for seniors, offering joy and friendship with very little grooming and low activity needs.

3. Shih Tzu

Dog with Senior
Freepik/Freepik

The Shih Tzu is a small dog known for its big heart, originally bred to be a companion for Chinese royalty. Shih Tzus are very loving and relaxed, enjoying close connections with their humans and forming bonds quickly. This breed is perfect for seniors looking for a calm and easygoing dog that has a gentle nature. They need regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats, but their friendly nature makes them a breeze to manage. Shih Tzus thrives in a relaxed lifestyle, so a daily walk or some fun indoor playtime keeps them happy and makes them simple to care for.

4. Pug

Pug
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Pugs are known for their wrinkled faces, curly tails, and quirky personalities, making them popular with seniors and families alike. They are laid-back and thrive on human companionship, making them an excellent choice for seniors looking for a lovable, low-maintenance pet. They don’t need much exercise, though they do benefit from short walks to stay healthy. Pugs are incredibly affectionate, loyal, and great at adapting to their owners’ routines. The charm of this breed lies in its playfulness and love of snuggling, making them fantastic lap dogs that enjoy being close to their humans.

5. Maltese

Maltese
Hope Pontifex/Pexels

The Maltese is a loving and elegant dog that enjoys being a cozy lap buddy. With its beautiful coat and friendly demeanor, this breed is an excellent choice for seniors looking for a gentle companion. Maltese dogs fit well into indoor living and love to have short playtimes along with plenty of cuddle moments. They need regular grooming to keep their lovely coats in shape, but their friendly personality makes them a joy to have around. Their balanced energy and affection for companionship make them an excellent option for seniors seeking gentle, loving, and easy care for their pets.

6. Chihuahua

Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with big personalities, known for their loyalty and strong bonds with their owners. These small dogs are perfect for seniors because they are easy to manage, require little exercise, and have a compact size. They fit nicely in apartments and enjoy snuggling up on a cozy lap. Chihuahuas are protective and love being the center of attention, making them a great choice for seniors looking for a close, devoted companion. Despite their small size, they are spirited and courageous, adding both joy and a touch of excitement to their owners’ lives.

7. Bichon Frisé

Bichon Frisé
ymyphoto/Pixabay

The Bichon Frisé is a friendly and gentle breed known for its fluffy, low-shedding coat, making it a great choice for seniors and people with allergies. Bichons are friendly and sociable dogs that enjoy being around people and flourish in loving environments where they get plenty of attention. They are quite simple to train and love light activities, which keeps them healthy. Bichons need a bit of grooming, but their friendly and calm personality makes them a breeze to handle. With some grooming and plenty of love, the Bichon Frisé can be a wonderful companion for seniors, bringing joy and warmth to their homes.

8. Havanese

Havanese
Dennis Bautista/Pexels

Havanese dogs are small and loyal, making them wonderful lap dogs that are ideal for seniors seeking a close companion. They have a soft, silky coat and a playful, gentle personality that helps them form strong bonds with their humans. They adjust easily to different living environments, such as apartments, and need just a moderate amount of exercise, which makes them simple to look after. Havanese are commonly referred to as “Velcro dogs” because they’re incredibly loyal and love to stay close to their owners. This breed is perfect for seniors looking for a loving, easy-going dog that enjoys spending quality time together.

9. Miniature Poodle

Dog with Senior
mcininch/123rf

Miniature Poodles are clever, loving, and a great choice for seniors looking for a hypoallergenic friend. Their hypoallergenic coats make them perfect for people who are sensitive to pet dander, and they love short walks or playtime. Mini Poodles are highly trainable and eager to please, making them easy to train and adapt to a senior’s lifestyle. They appreciate moderate activity and find joy in mental challenges, making them ideal for an active and engaged senior. Their small size and loving personality make them great lap dogs, and they also love to join in on some fun adventures.

10. Yorkshire Terrier

Dog with Senior
martinan/123rf

The Yorkshire Terrier, often called a Yorkie, is a small and energetic dog that has a vibrant personality and is very loyal to its owners. Ideal for indoor living, Yorkies require only a bit of exercise, making them a great choice for seniors. Yorkies enjoy being near their humans and are always happy to cuddle on a lap or have some fun during short playtimes. They need regular grooming, but their playful and loving nature makes it all worthwhile. Yorkies are perfect for seniors looking for a loyal and easy-to-manage dog that adds companionship and joy to their everyday lives.

11. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier
SHVETS production/Pexels

Boston Terriers are loving and laid-back dogs with a friendly nature, making them perfect companions for seniors. Often referred to as the “American Gentleman” due to their tuxedo-like markings, these dogs are calm and friendly. Boston Terriers love short walks and playtime, making them an excellent option for seniors who want a dog with a relaxed energy level. These dogs are sociable and versatile, making them a great fit for various home settings. Boston Terriers are great pets for seniors because they require little grooming and love being around people, offering comfort, companionship, and a touch of fun.

12. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound
Ron Lach/Pexels

Italian Greyhounds are gentle and calm, and they have a sleek, elegant look that stands out. They love quick play sessions but are just as happy to snuggle up next to their owners, making them a great lap dogs for seniors. With their short coats, Italian Greyhounds are easy to groom, and their relaxed demeanor suits a peaceful lifestyle. They connect closely with their owners and are wonderful companions for seniors seeking a pet that provides comfort and companionship without the need for a high-energy dog.

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