20 Best Dogs for Your Golden Years

Boston terriers are a good balance for their owners. They have an easy temperament and love to be with their human family. Boston terriers can be playful at times, but more often than not, they like to be cuddled up on the sofa or in bed. They are friendly with most everyone they meet.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are one of the friendliest dogs around. They have a wonderful temperament. They stay close to their owner's side and respond well to positive training. They like to have structure in their routine and they have low energy. They still enjoy daily walks, though. They are affectionate and sweet, and love to cuddle.

Poodles are very easy to train, making them a great option in terms of obedience. They are known to have lively personalities and enjoy performing tricks for their owner. There's also the added benefit of being able to choose a toy or miniature poodle if size is a concern.

Pembroke Welsh corgis are determined dogs. They have a strong will and are very smart. They make lively companions and keep their owners entertained. While they have a big personality, their ambition is kept in check by their short, stubby legs. As such, they have low energy and enjoy cuddling with their owners.

Schnauzers come as miniature schnauzers as well, packing the Schnauzer personality into a package half as small. These dogs are energetic and playful, so they need someone whose personality matches theirs. They are very trainable, however, and will stick close to their owner's side. They need to have daily activity in order to stay happy, so they will keep their owner physically active, as well!

Maltese are very attentive dogs. They are small enough to go everywhere with their owners and that's exactly where they like to be. They have a calm demeanor and low energy. They are wonderful lapdogs, but be careful when taking them out and about. They are small enough to become lost in the world.

Pugs are a naturally loyal breed and make for great companions. They have medium energy levels, enjoying some physical activity. Because pugs are also small dogs, they are perfect for cuddling together and catching some ZZZ's.

Bichon Frise dogs are excellent companions. They have lots of playful energy and are easy to train. They are obedient and affectionate, with a cheerful disposition. They have medium energy and they like to have a daily walk. Other than that, their energy levels are relatively low and they are content to stay inside with their owner.

Yorkshire terriers are an adaptable breed. They are intelligent and loyal. After one walk a day, they are set for physical activity. They have light energy and make for excellent companions. Best of all, their size! Yorkshire terriers grow to about 6 to 9 inches in height.

West Highland white terriers are calm dogs that can be safely left to their own devices. They are small enough to carry around from place to place. They have low energy and enjoy staying home more than going outside. They are a friendly breed and are able to keep themselves entertained.

French bulldogs want to be their owner's best friend. They will stick close to their owner's side, and their best day is one where they can stay together the entire time. They enjoy leisurely walks and don't require much more physical activity than that. However, this breed is in danger of becoming obese quickly, so a strict diet is necessary, which means no table scraps!

Lhasa Apso dogs are another affectionate option. They are small, loyal dogs who enjoy doing nothing. They have low energy and are happiest when they are sitting on their owner's lap. They do well with lots of attention, and they return that affection tenfold.

Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities. Although they are small enough to lift with one hand, Chihuahuas pride themselves on being protectors of their owners. They are extremely loyal and tend to bark more often than not. They need lots of training, but when they are trained, Chihuahuas are affectionate and fun dogs.

Shih Tzus are friendly and playful dogs. They are a small breed, but not overly small, making them a perfect travel companion. They like to have daily walks, but they also like to cuddle all day with their owners. They are best with company to keep them entertained, and they enjoy a good fetch session.

Cocker Spaniels have an enviable temperament. Nothing ruffles their feathers. These dogs are happy, affectionate and very loyal. Their personalities are a wonderful mix of what most look for in a companion dog. They have medium energy and require daily walks as well as some games.

Beagles make wonderful family pets. They are loyal and friendly to both humans and other dogs. They have medium energy, enjoy lots of walks and some light physical activity. They require a firm hand when it comes to training, so the older, the better when it comes to beagles!

The Havanese breed is a happy and playful one. They are all about people, and they do not like to be left alone. They are happiest when they are with their owners and enjoy lots of attention. They are affectionate and love to cuddle. They are gentle with everyone they know, but they are a little wary of strangers.

Pomeranians are very intelligent dogs. They are people-pleasing dogs and have medium energy. They don't need lots of exercise, but they do need lots of attention. They are happiest when they are with their owners. They also have a loud personality, meaning that they can start to bark excessively at times.

The schipperke is a great option for more active individuals. The small dog has medium to high energy. This breed is ready for anything and enjoys water just as much as land. For all those snowbirds heading south, schipperkes are perfect to come along for an adventure.

The Bolognese breed is similar to the Maltese, in that they love to spend time with their owners. They are calm dogs that are devoted to their owners. This breed is eager to please, and they respond well to training. They have low to medium energy and enjoy play dates with other friendly dogs.