The Best Dogs For Seniors That'll Fill Their Lives With Love

Having a dog doesn't just add to your daily happiness — it can also be good for your longterm health. Studies have found that people with dogs are more likely to practice heart-healthy lifestyle habits. They're also incredibly good for your mental health. The April 2019 National Poll on Healthy Aging found that, of those adults 50 to 80 that surveyed who had a pet, 88% said their pets helped them enjoy life; 86% said their pets made them feel loved; and 79% said that their pets reduced stress. So seniors not only love having pets — their pets are good for them.

When it comes to dogs specifically, there are a number of dog breeds that are good for seniors. When helping a senior choose a dog or finding a dog for them, it's important to take into account how active the dog is, the level of grooming they require, and whether the senior has other animals the dog might be around, among other factors. Given that info, here are 13 dogs that are considered great for seniors, because they don't require too much exercise and they're relatively small and easy to work with.