Best Dog for Seniors

Donna Nichols • January 12, 2022

If your loved one has a dog, it may be a little more difficult to place them into assisted living but don’t let that discourage you.

As a Senior Placement Agency here in Florida, we work with many assisted living and independent communities that will accept small dogs, usually not over 30 pounds.

Watch the video below of Rose over on our TikTok account answer one of our FAQ’s, 

“Can I bring my pet with me to an Assisted Living Facility?”

@roseassistedlivingguide The good ones dodon’t settle when looking at #assistedliving ♬ TIME IN OBLIVION - iANO

Top 11 Dogs for seniors living in an Assisted Living or Independent Living Communities

1. Boston Terrier

The terrier is small, usually around 10 – 25 pounds and their life expectancy is approximately 12 years. They prefer a more relaxing life with leisurely walks as opposed to strenuous exercise which makes them perfect for a senior.

2. Bichon Frise

This is another small dog that loves to give and get attention. They are hypoallergenic, sweet and affectionate. They range in size from 7 – 12 pounds so they’re perfect for seniors in a community and they live an average of 12 to 15 years.

3. French Bulldog

These dogs do well in small spaces and usually weigh under 28 pounds. They love other people, are loyal, do well with leisurely walks daily and live 10 – 14 years.

4. Cocker Spaniel

The cocker spaniel is happy, easy to train and extremely loyal to its owner. They weigh between 20 – 30 pounds, live 12 – 15 years and love being around people.

5. Italian Greyhound

These are smart, loving and playful lap dogs with a hypoallergenic coat; weighing less than 11 pounds. They love to snuggle and may need a sweater in cold weather. They are pretty energetic though and live 14 – 15 years.

6. Maltese

These lap dogs weigh only 4 to 7 pounds and live 15 – 18 years. They’re a great companion and are affectionate and smart. The best part is they are well under the weight limit most assisted living communities have for dogs.

7. Toy poodle

The toy poodle weighs anywhere from 6 – 9 pounds and can live up to 15 years. They are also hypoallergenic, smart and very loyal to their owner.

8. Pug

The pug can weigh between 14 – 18 pounds and live 13 – 15 years. They’re very playful, gentle and affectionate and prefer to take leisurely walks over strenuous activity.

9. Scottish Terrier

This dog weighs between 18 – 22 pounds and lives 11 – 13 years. They are hypoallergenic, intelligent, friendly and adapt easily to small places.

10. Shih Tzu

The shih tzu is sweet and friendly and loves being a lap dog. However, they do need walks and playtime. They weigh 9 – 16 pounds and live 10 – 16 years and do well in small places. The shih tzu tends to bark if left alone, so if you’re in an assisted living community you may not want to leave them alone.

11. Yorkshire Terrier

The little babies weigh 4 – 6 pounds and live 12 – 15 ears. They love cuddling and playtime and are happy with a short walk a day. Also very loyal and affectionate to their owner, they are wary of strangers and children.

Depending on the type of dog you have, arrangements can be made for you at an assisted or independent living community to move in with your dog.

Call us for a free consultation to see how we can help you today!! Our services are ALWAYS FREE to you!!

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