50 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors
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Dogs make wonderful companions for retirees, and you should never let your age alone stand in the way of this rewarding relationship. But there are a few things seniors should think about before adopting or buying a pooch.
Perhaps the most important is lifestyle — how does your lifestyle compare to the traits of the breeds that interest you the most? Many dogs need quite a bit of exercise and often a lot of outdoor time. Certain breeds can get this on their own in a fenced yard, but it’s more likely they will need frequent walks and games of fetch. Size and space also matter. Is your home appropriate for a larger breed, or should you stick with a toy size?
We rounded up 50 dog breeds of all shapes, sizes and characteristics to help seniors on their quest for finding a dog companion.
Bichon Frise
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Bichons live by the idea that big things come in small packages. Standing about a foot tall at the shoulder, these little critters are full of personality. They most resemble a marshmallow or puffy jacket, which is to say it’s hard to resist a good petting or cuddling session with a Bichon.
They are only mildly active and come with the added benefit of a hypoallergenic coat.
Bichon Frise Overview
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Temperament: Playful, Curious, Peppy
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
*Breed information was sourced from theAmerican Kennel Club, unless otherwise noted.
French Bulldog
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If you want a smart and playful little companion who won’t wear you down, this is your breed. French Bulldogs are stout and as ugly-cute as any dog with their massive ears and wrinkly faces.
They need only minimal exercise (a walk a day) and rarely bark, making them great for smaller living spaces.
French Bulldog Overview
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Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Smart
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: Up to 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Greyhound
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The noble Greyhound is a gentle, sleek sprinter that will run right into your heart with proper care and attention. They will happily laze around the home all day, but too much downtime is not good for this breed.
They will never pass up the chance to show off their impressive speed and hunting ability — even if it’s just to go after a tennis ball. Greyhounds crave exercise and stretching their formidable legs.
Greyhound Overview
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Temperament: Gentle, Independent, Noble
Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)
Weight: 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Maltese
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Maltese are the quintessential toy dog, and they have one of the canine world’s most impressive coats, which requires daily brushing. This breed sheds lightly, however, and loves challenging activities.
Maltese live long lives and enjoy exercise, but they are so small that enough yard or indoor play can suffice for a daily walk.
Maltese Overview
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Temperament: Gentle, Playful, Charming
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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Tiny legs and a warm, inviting face are defining characteristics of this breed. Corgis are smart and agreeable, making them one of the best house dogs.
Bred for herding, they do need a fair amount of exercise and love performing tasks. Corgis are great watchdogs and have an unexpectedly ferocious bark.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Alert
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: Up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Pomeranian
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A well-groomed Pomeranian looks like it just emerged from a Nikola Tesla experiment, which is to say there’s a lot of energy in a small package here. Often called the ideal toy dog, Pomeranians can perform all sorts of tricks with proper training and are petite enough to be able to get sufficient exercise from indoor play.
They’re also at ease around the grandkids as long as the grandkids know they’re not a toy.
Pomeranian Overview
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Temperament: Inquisitive, Bold, Lively
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Poodle (Standard, Miniature and Toy)
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Poodles of all shapes and sizes are one of the most popular dog breeds thanks to their agreeable demeanor, high level of intelligence and infinitely adaptable coat, which is also low-allergen.
But don’t let the froufrou grooming fool you — Poodles are incredibly athletic and need tons of daily exercise (water activities and fetch top the list). And unless you’re keeping them in a buzz cut, their coat needs ample daily brushing.
Poodle Overview
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Temperament: Active, Proud, Very Smart
Height: Under 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)
Weight: 10-15 pounds (miniature), 60-70 pounds (male standard), 40-50 pounds (female standard)
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Shih Tzu
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The name will certainly make you giggle — heck, their faces are also amusing — but this is a serious breed that wants to play a bit and snuggle a lot. They were bred to be royal palace dogs, so hanging out all day is what they do.
But while they don’t need tons of exercise, their coat needs plenty of attention to keep it lush and beautiful. Shih Tzus are also great around small grandkids.
Shih Tzu Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
West Highland White Terrier
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Westies are among the most popular terrier bred for their intelligence, loyalty and positive attitude during playtime. They will chase after anything, and they don’t require a lot of pampering. That said, they can be difficult to train if you’re not patient enough.
Westies need plenty of daily exercise, but a good-sized fenced yard will do the trick.
West Highland White Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Loyal, Happy, Entertaining
Height: 11 inches (male), 10 inches (female)
Weight: 15-20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Havanese
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As the name suggests, this dog is from Cuba and is actually the only breed native to the island. Their silky fur is one of their most distinct features, whether it’s long and luscious or clipped short to make grooming easier.
Havanese are popular city dogs because they don’t bark much and need only light to moderate exercise — seriously, if they start panting it’s time to go home — but they don’t like being left alone for too long.
Havanese Overview
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Temperament: Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Lhasa Apso
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This ancient breed once guarded palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas, but they’re just as capable of watching over any humble abode. Marked by a flat, multicolored coat that parts perfectly in the middle and flows all the way down to their feet, Lhasas need regular grooming even if the fur is cut short.
One of the great things about this breed is its ability to self-exercise if it has enough indoor space or a fenced outdoor space.
Lhasa Apso Overview
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Temperament: Confident, Smart, Comical
Height: 10-11 inches (male), slightly smaller (female)
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Beagle
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We challenge you to resist that face with its floppy ears and earnest gaze. A pack hunter by nature, Beagles love company and are fiercely loyal. When you make a connection with this breed, you have a friend for all occasions.
They are one of the most loving breeds, and they need plenty of daily exercise to stay that way.
Beagle Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Merry
Height: 13 inches and under, 13-15 inches
Weight: Under 20 pounds (13 inches and under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas are compact, charming and graceful creatures. They’re so tiny they fit in your hand, purse or sometimes your shirt pocket. Their ears are as much a symbol of their mood as their big, bright eyes.
Chihuahuas are partial to warm weather and need plenty of lap time, making them a great companion for a more sedentary lifestyle.
Chihuahua Overview
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Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: Not exceeding 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Shiba Inu
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Japan’s favorite canine, the Shiba Inu was originally bred as a petite hunting dog. They are muscular and sturdy with a slight resemblance to foxes, especially if they have red accents in their coat.
Shibas shed a ton and love long walks.
Shiba Inu Overview
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Temperament: Alert, Active, Attentive
Height: 14.5-16.5 inches (male), 13.5-15.5 inches (female)
Weight: 23 pounds (male), 17 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
Welsh Terrier
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This high-energy breed is smart, friendly and ready to play. Welsh tend to have a calmer demeanor than other terriers, but they need ample playtime and daily walks to the point of tired but not exhausted.
Their long faces always look alert, and they wear a beard as well as any breed.
Welsh Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Spirited, Intelligent
Height: 15 inches
Weight: 20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Boston Terrier
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Often called the “American gentleman,” Bostons are known for their big, round eyes that will put a big smile on anyone’s face. True to the name, they are great city dogs who are always up for a brisk walk.
They resemble French Bulldogs more than their terrier brethren and top out at 20 to 25 pounds. A kind and curious breed prone to mischief, Bostons are terrific companions.
Boston Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Amusing
Height: 15-17 inches
Weight: 12-25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Pug
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Their eyes might have a lonely and desperate vibe, and their face might contort into human-like expressions, but that’s just part of the Pug charm. If you show this dog enough love, it will return the sentiment in spades.
Pugs need their diet and exercise monitored, as they are prone to overeating and lazing around the home all day. They also prefer moderate climates and should never do strenuous outdoor activities in hot weather.
Pug Overview
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Temperament: Charming, Mischievous, Loving
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Otterhound
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With a name like Otterhound, it’s fitting that this breed resembles an old sea captain. And since they were originally bred to hunt otters, they absolutely adore water activities.
Otterhounds can spend hours in the water, but they’re best exercised on long walks so they can absorb their surroundings and meet other dogs and humans. Socialization is key to their happiness and behavior.
Otterhound Overview
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Temperament:Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous
Height: 27 inches (male), 24 inches (female)
Weight: 115 pounds (male), 80 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Cocker Spaniel
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It’s easy to see why Cockers were once America’s most popular breed. They are warm, lovable, gentle and smart. If their coat is kept long, they need frequent grooming, which will make them the envy of all other dog owners.
And although Cockers are a sporting breed, they don’t need a ton of energy release. They love their humans, making walks an ideal activity.
Cocker Spaniel Overview
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Temperament: Gentle, Smart, Happy
Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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A regal beauty of a breed, this spaniel has ears so long and floppy that they resemble flowing locks of human hair. It’s hard to resist that face.
Cavaliers are a nice combo of gentle-attentive and spunky-athletic. They were bred as lap dogs but descended from a sporting breed, so they enjoy moderate activity and exercise.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Scottish Terrier
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Scotties are a high-spirited terrier breed marked by their stout and powerful frame, long face and beard. Wary of strangers, they are terrific watchdogs.
They don’t always play nice around other canines, but they love activities and walks with their human companions. They need regular grooming and healthy play sessions.
Scottish Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Confident, Independent, Spirited
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 19-22 pounds (male), 18-21 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12 years
Italian Greyhound
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It’s a Greyhound only much smaller. More slender than its cousin, but just as elegant and graceful, Italian Greyhounds are attentive lapdogs that prefer mild climates and an active lifestyle.
They can be hard to manage when off-leash outdoors, as they love chasing small animals and running free. One of their quirks is that they need their teeth brushed daily.
Italian Greyhound Overview
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Temperament: Playful, Sensitive, Alert
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Miniature Schnauzer
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Some might say this breed’s piercing eyes and pointed brows give it an intimidating look, but Miniature Schnauzers are as friendly as can be. They’re also whip-smart and highly obedient. They live long lives and shed little.
Miniature Schnauzers are at their best with a loving human companion who’s ready to play and play and play. They need frequent grooming and daily exercise.
Miniature Schnauzer Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Smart, Obedient
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 11-20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Pekingese
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You’ll be forgiven for wondering where the dog is inside all that fur. But when you do find it, you’ll have one of the most affectionate and loyal breeds that absolutely adores its human companion.
While Pekingese are high maintenance when it comes to brushing and grooming, they don’t require very much exercise and are happy as your sidekick.
Pekingnese Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Chinese Crested
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These toy dogs don’t have much fur other than the crested tuft on their head (from which their name derives) and the socks on their feet. That means they don’t really smell like dogs and shedding is of no concern, which might be ideal for some folks.
Cresteds are spunky and full of love, and they have a natural ability to fall into the rhythm of their home. Give them moderate daily exercise and playtime with plenty of affection, and they will thrive.
Chinese Crested Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Alert, Lively
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-18 years
Bolognese
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As the name suggests, this is an Italian-bred toy dog known for being calm and faithful and for having a pillowy-white coat. They love humans and playtime, and a well-trained Bolognese warms up to strangers fast.
They shed lightly and need regular grooming if the coat is long. But they don’t need much exercise, making them ideal for small living spaces.
Bolognese Overview
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Temperament: Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 5.5-9 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Japanese Chin
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A quiet breed with mannerisms more like a cat, the Japanese Chin has a silk smooth coat and loving personality. Grooming is less intensive for this breed (at once a week) than others with long fur.
Japanese Chins work well in small living spaces and like slow walks. They play well on their own in a fenced yard.
Japanese Chin Overview
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Temperament: Charming, Noble, Loving
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 7-11 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Basset Hound
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As the droopy face might suggest, this breed is low key and then some. They might be occasionally stubborn but are always full of charm.
When Bassets move, it can sometimes look painful, but this is a true tracking breed built for the long haul. They have short hair but need regular grooming, and moderate exercise will do a Basset well.
Basset Hound Overview
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Temperament: Charming, Patient, Low-Key
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Dachshund (Standard and Miniature)
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This breed is unmistakable in appearance — nicknamed the weiner dog because of its elongated shape and tiny legs — with a spunky and friendly demeanor.
Dachshunds are one of the most popular breeds in America thanks to their good behavior and a face that’s impossible to resist. They need plenty of regular exercise to build muscles to support their unique frame.
Dachshund Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Spunky
Height: 8-9 inches
Weight: 16-32 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Brussels Griffon
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A charming little breed with a big personality in a small package, Brussels Griffons have human-like faces and substantial beard-mustaches. They are fiercely loyal to their preferred humans and detest being left alone too long.
Griffons snore while sleeping and are too delicate for roughhousing with small children. They require moderate daily exercise.
Brussels Griffon Overview
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Temperament:Loyal, Alert, Curious
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Bulldog
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The one and only Bulldog is the quintessential symbol of strength and tenacity. From their loose-skinned head to furrowed brows to flattened noses, small ears and droopy mouths, this breed exudes charm.
And it helps the lovability factor when, even at their great size, Bulldogs will curl up in your lap any time of day. They don’t need much exercise and are best kept indoors in hot weather.
Bulldog Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Courageous, Calm
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Labrador Retriever
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Labradors earned the title of America’s most popular breed for their winning personalities and friendly demeanors. These short-coated dogs have a look of honesty and love, and that’s what they want to give to their human companions.
Labs do require tons of exercise, such as long games of fetch, lengthy walks and even aquatic sports. They also shed quite a bit.
Labrador Retriever Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Active, Outgoing
Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Golden Retriever
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There might not be a more perfect companion animal than a Golden Retriever. Originally bred for fieldwork and hunting, they are amazing guide dogs and essential components of many search-and-rescue teams. Domestically, they are smart, devoted and full of love to give. They train well and are eager to please.
Shedding can be a hassle, and they need ample daily exercise, but it’s worth the effort for this breed.
Golden Retriever Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted
Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (male)
Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Ibizan Hound
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Is it a deer or a dog? Ibizan Hounds are graceful with the long legs of a sprinter. And they need ample space to let loose and tons of daily exercise, making them best suited to the active retiree.
This breed is so athletic that it can leap up to 6 feet into the air from a standing position.
Ibizan Hound Overview
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Temperament: Family-Oriented, Even-Tempered, Polite
Height: 23.5-27.5 inches (male), 22.5-26 inches (female)
Weight: 50 pounds (male), 45 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
Cairn Terrier
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This little busybody is a fearless explorer that loves to dig. They pack a lot of punch in their small frames and will reward a devoted human companion with entertaining playtime and fierce loyalty.
Despite their thick and shaggy coat, they don’t need intensive grooming. And they adapt well to various living situations, so heavy exercise is not essential.
Cairn Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Alert, Cheerful, Busy
Height: 10 inches (male), 9.5 inches (female)
Weight: 14 pounds (male), 13 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Jack Russell Terrier
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Jack Russells are a lively bunch and not easy to train or maintain, but once you find that sweet spot, you’ll have an ideal companion for many years to come. They are friendly and affectionate, even around strangers. They’re easy to groom and shed only moderately.
Jack Russells require patience to train but are not difficult, and they need tons and tons of daily exercise to keep a positive demeanor. They’re best for an active lifestyle.
Jack Russell Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Alert, Inquisitive, Lively
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 9-15 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
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Dandies are not as delicate as their name might suggest. Originally bred for farm life, they adapt well to city living or smaller spaces. They have a big personality and a bright face, and their commanding bark belies their small stature.
Dandies have the willful, independent and courageous traits of all terriers and need plenty of daily exercise.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Independent, Smart, Proud
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 18-24 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Papillon
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If the traits you seek in a canine companion are happy, alert and friendly, then this is your breed. With ears resembling a butterfly (“papillon” is French for butterfly) and a sweet face, these dogs are cuddle-worthy and love affection.
They need a fair amount of exercise for their size, but their long coat requires only moderate grooming.
Papillon Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Happy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Shetland Sheepdog
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Shelties are the smaller cousin of Collies (so, yes, they look like a miniature version of the famous Lassie). Obedient and highly trainable, they make wonderful watchdogs, as they’re skeptical around strangers.
They shed profusely and need weekly grooming. They are active and athletic and benefit from a good amount of exercise, but also adapt well to their human companion's way of life.
Shetland Sheepdog Overview
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Temperament: Playful, Energetic, Bright
Height: 13-16 inches
Weight: 15-25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Japanese Spitz
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Eager to please, these little balls of delight have a natural smile and love to make their humans laugh. They’re quite adaptable to various living situations, thriving just as much in a smaller space as an open and expansive rural situation.
Spitzes are friendly and easy to train.
Japanese Spitz Overview
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Temperament: Loyal, Playful, Smart
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 10-25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Schipperke
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If it’s a hands-on, lively companion you’re looking for, the Schipperke is your breed. These little black devils are mischievous and curious, marked by erect and pointy ears above a sly and foxy face.
These busy little dogs need tons of exercise and respond well to proper and patient training.
Schipperke Overview
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Temperament: Confident, Alert, Curious
Height: 11-13 inches (male), 10-12 inches (female)
Weight: 10-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Rat Terrier (Standard and Miniature)
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If you seek a companion for anything, this is your breed. As the name suggests, they were originally bred to control rat populations and have all the hallmarks of a terrier breed. They love games and stretching their small legs.
And although sufficient indoor playtime will suffice, Rat Terriers will be even more happy and agreeable with daily walks and games of fetch.
Rat Terrier Overview
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Temperament:Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable
Height: 10-13 inches (miniature), 13-18 inches (standard)
Weight: 10-25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-18 years
Irish Setter
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Irish Setters are quite beautiful with their deep red coat, floppy ears and earnest facial expressions. As with all sporting breeds, they need lots of daily activities.
They particularly like long walks and games, and they love being around humans. Moderate grooming will keep their distinct coats in tip-top shape.
Irish Setter Overview
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Temperament: Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured
Height: 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female)
Weight: 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Whippet
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Graceful sprinters with sweet demeanors, these dogs mean business when there’s something to chase. Otherwise, you’ll find them to be affectionate, playful and calm.
Whippets don’t bark much and are fairly low-maintenance. Their nature demands regular walks and games of fetch, and they love playing with other dogs.
Whippet Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Calm
Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
Weight: 25-40 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Yorkshire Terrier
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It’s easy to mistake this terrier breed as dainty and delicate, with some having very long, silky fur, but it’s still very much a terrier at heart. After all, Yorkies lived as mine ratters long before they occupied the laps of Victorian-era dames.
A short-coated Yorkie will shed lightly, and their fur is low-allergen. If the coat is kept long, grooming can be a time-consuming daily activity. They also need daily walks but nothing too extreme.
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish
Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
Yakutian Laika
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Don’t stare too long into those icy blue eyes, or you might be lost forever. Although originally meant as an assistant for the Yakut people of far northeast Russia to help pull sleds and hunt in difficult conditions, Laikas are just as happy being by their human companion’s side — granted they get ample exercise.
That’s largely thanks to generations and generations of these dogs being treated just like family by their humans.
Yakutian Laika Overview
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Temperament:Affectionate, Intelligent, Active
Height: 21-23 inches
Weight: 40-55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Goldendoodle
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A cross between a Poodle and Golden Retriever, the Goldendoodle is a mixed breed that was originally bred as a large alternative to the Cockapoo mix.
Its genetics make the Goldendoodle incredibly smart, easy to train and great around humans while shedding very little. But they need their space to get ample daily exercise and don’t work well in small apartments.
Goldendoodle Overview
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Temperament: Intelligent, Sociable, Energetic
Height: 20-24 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Peekapoo
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A mixed-breed combination of a Pekingese and Poodle, the Peekapoo was developed in the 1950s and is one of the first Poodle crossbreeds.
They’re not as popular as other Poodle mixes, but they’re adorable and make great companions. Peekapoos do well in homes with good space and outdoor enclosed areas, as they like to exercise and bark loudly.
Peekapoo Overview
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Temperament: Loyal, Smart, Active
Weight: 4-20 pounds
Height: Up to 11 inches
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Labradoodle
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This cross between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever was originally intended to be a hypoallergenic guide dog and was indeed bred by the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. But soon it became evident that they are an ideal companion animal as well.
They’re smart and sociable with light shedding. Labradoodles adapt well to various living situations and require only light grooming. They do, however, need tons of exercise and playtime.
Labradoodle Overview
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Temperament: Sociable, Intelligent, Loyal
Weight: 50-65 pounds
Height: 21-24 inches
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Other Mixed Breeds
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While goldendoodles, Peekapoos and labradoodles stand out as popular mixed breeds for retirees, honestly, all of them make an excellent choice because they're often less high-maintenance than their purebred counterparts. Plus, they're often the ones left in animal shelters, and they're looking for someone to give them a second chance.
So, before you go off and buy that expensive and exotic pooch, think about visiting your local shelter and doing just that.