Top 10 Best Low Energy Dogs for Seniors | Perfect Companion

Since I love dogs so much and I’m aware of the benefits that they bring to seniors life, I have decided to write this post on the best low energy and lazy dogs for seniors.

I’ve written this post immediately after I finished my previous one which you also might want to check on the Best 10 Small Watchdogs for Seniors.

Low Energy Dogs – The Perfect Companion For Seniors and Elderly

Dogs are socially compatible animals. They give you love, emotional support, companionship, and protection if need be. In return, you provide them with a roof over their head, food, love, and exercise. All dogs need stimulation and daily exercise, and they should not be left alone for long periods.

However, there are certain breeds that are known for having low energy, which in turn means their exercise requirement is low as well. And these breeds are perfect for certain groups of people. No, we aren’t talking about all the couch potatoes; it’s the seniors. 

Having low-energy dogs can make the life of elders a lot easier. Most seniors don’t get furry friends just because they are afraid that they will not be able to satisfy their energy needs. But worry not, we are here for you.

In this article, I will go through a list of the top 10 low-energy dogs that are perfect for seniors.
This dogs are very helpful with making the senior more active and will force him to go for short walks.

Daily short walks are extremely important both mentally and physically for seniors.

Let’s get to it. 

Are There Dog Breeds That Are Actually ‘Lazy’? 

When it comes to owning a dog, every breed need love and attention and exercise; the amount of exercise, of course, differs. If you are a senior who doesn’t want to deal with a dog’s needs, you should reconsider getting a dog. Maybe a cat might be a better fit for you.

But if you are worried that you won’t be able to take your dog on long walks and keep it active all day long, then you really shouldn’t worry. 

There are many dog breeds that are happy with short walks and less exercise. So in that aspect, you are all set, but they still need a friend and a loving home, so you can’t slack off on that!

Age of the Dog You Adopt

If you are an elder who plans on adopting or buying a puppy, even if the breed is generally known for its low energy, let us stop you before you make that mistake. Puppies are really energetic beings, no matter which breed they are. You need to socialize puppies and train them as well, which requires a lot of energy from the owner.

If you are careless and don’t fulfill their needs, they might develop self-destructive habits or even social anxiety. So it’s better if you stay away from puppies, no matter how adorable they are. 

Adult dogs, on the other hand, are a better choice. Not many people adopt adult dogs. That’s why you will find most foster cares filled with them. If you adopt an adult puppy, the foster care will cater to your need more specifically, keeping in mind the dog’s energy level and activities properly as they have spent more time with them, and their behavior is much more predictable. 

You can also adopt a senior dog since they are usually more than happy to curl up beside their owner and just enjoy the peace. Again, most people don’t adopt senior dogs because of which they end up in foster care. However, old dogs are more prone to sickness and health issues, so you might have to give them extra attention in that aspect. 

Top 10 Low Energy Dogs for Seniors 

Here are the top 10 low-energy dogs, but keep in mind that this list is in no specific order and is also not definitive. Although these breeds mentioned in this article have low energy and are known for that, each dog is an individual.

This means that if you get one of these dogs, it does not guarantee that you will have a furry friend who will enjoy being lazy and staying indoors and not exercising. 

1. English Bulldog 

English Bulldogs are known for their low exercise requirements. They have a stocky body and a flat face. They are a brachycephalic breed, so if you plan on getting one, you need to be careful not to overexert them, especially in hot weather.

Bulldogs are generally laid-back dogs. They are friendly and love being cozy all the time. However, they are sometimes also known for their stubbornness as well. Another downside to owning an English Bulldogs is that they are prone to a lot of health issues, especially respiratory problems. So your breeder should be reputable and should also consider having pet insurance. 

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very adaptable breed. If their owner is active and loves long hikes, they will love to accompany them. But if their owner is less active, they will be content with small walks paired with lots of cuddles throughout the day. This doggo is very affectionate, and loves being showered with love and giving love. 

3. French Bulldog 

French Bulldog, or better known as Frenchie, has gained popularity in recent years. Their personality, along with their looks, makes them very popular. Their small body, large ears, and adorable small face are really hard to resist. French Bulldogs have a really playful personality, so you will surely not be bored.

But as much as they love their playtime, they love relaxing more, making it a great companion for all the seniors. Just the perfect amount of exercise to remain active. However, just like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs are prone to a lot of health issues as well, and extra measures should be taken to ensure that they don’t overheat. 

4. Shih Tzu 

Shih Tzu is another playful, adorable small dog on our list. They are also often the most common choice in elderly and family households because of their furry face and loving personality. They are a very intelligent breed and can adapt to their surroundings fairly quickly.

Other than that, they are also very friendly and love children and other animals as well. So, if you are a senior around other animals and/or children often, Shih Tzu is a perfect fit for you. 

5. Lhasa Apso

Just like Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso is known for its playful and loving personality. Although they don’t have high exercise requirements, they won’t mind long walks every now and then.

But if you have children at home, you might not want to get this breed as they are usually not tolerant of children and their behavior. They are also strong-willed, so you will need to be patient with them at times. But apart from this, Lhasa Apso is an absolute joy to have. 

6. English Mastiff

Now we know that English Mastiff is a large breed, but they are not known for being overly active regardless of that. Instead, they are seen as a bit lazy. Many people think that large dogs are intimidating, and usually, they are, but English Mastiff is an exception.

If you put aside their size, they are very loyal and affectionate towards their family and owners. They are also very protective by nature; hence they need to be properly socialized, so they don’t become Territorial and exhibit negative behavior. 

7. Whippet 

Whippets are a very happy and friendly breed of dog. Because of this reason, they are considered great family pets, but if you are a senior who lives alone, a Whippets company might be just what you need. Although they enjoy a bit longer walk compared to the other breeds on this list, they love to snuggle and get cozy after their walks and then snooze.

They can be considered high energy as well as low energy dogs, depending on the household they live in. All they want is their general needs to be met. You also need to keep in mind that this breed thrives in the company, so if you are often away and plan to leave your dog alone, a Whippet might not be suitable for you. 

8. Chow Chow 

Now, this is a unique and rare breed on our list, and it’s for seniors who want their dogs to be independent. Chow Chow is known to be loyal, calm and this has low exercise requirements. But they are not good with strangers and other animals, so they might need extra attention when socializing with them.

This is because they, more often than not guarding their owner.  They are aloof and love being independent, and do not usually like being cuddled with a lot. On the other hand, their coat needs a lot of attention and grooming, so it doesn’t tangle. 

9. Pugs 

This small breed of dog is unique to look at and has gained a lot of popularity recently. They are known to be playful yet lazy at the same time, so you don’t have to worry about exercising them a lot.

BUT they are prone to weight gain, so their diet needs to be taken care of. Other than that, they love their sleep and relaxing all day long, that is if they are not in a naughty mood. 

10. Pekingese 

Pekingese are known to be affectionate, playful, and pretty low energy. They are also known for their stubborn streak, so reward-based training might work if you plan on training them. Other than that, their coat needs to be taken care of often. 

So here you go, top 10 low-energy dogs that are perfectly suitable for seniors. We hope At Least one of them has caught your attention, and woof luck when getting one.