Worst dog breeds for seniors - 33 Dogs To Avoid (with pictures)

Working dog breeds

Let's get started with working dog breeds. Working dogs are called working dogs for a reason - they need to work!

Working dogs are naturally high energy and extremely active. If they don't have a job to do, have enough exercise or are not mentally challenged each day with obedience training then they can become a challenge to live for a senior citizen.

Labrador retriever

Labrador retrievers are probably one of the most popular dog breeds for a reason. Amazing family pets and great with kids. They are often used as service dogs but they have been bred to work so have high energy requirements.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

Hungarian Viszla

The Hungarian Viszla are high energy dogs and were originally bred as hunting dogs so are only suitable for owners that have an active lifestyle and can give them the adequate exercise that they will need every day.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a rugged hunting dog and interestingly has webbed toes which makes it a strong swimmer. As a hunting breed it requires a lot of daily exercise to tire it out otherwise it will get destructive.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The smallest retriever, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a high energy dog breed and is often described as being tireless. They need A LOT of exercise to wear them out so if you have mobility issues i would not recommend this breed.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Originating from Africa the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful breed that needs a lot of physical stimulation. They are relatively large dogs and heavy in stature so need a pet owner who can comfortably walk them without getting dragged over.

Why are they not suitable?

• Large and powerful breed - can easily drag you over

Samoyed

Samoyed are known to be quite mischievous amongst pet owners. They are bred to work hard in extremely cold climates and are not suitable to sit indoors most of the day due to their mental stimulation requirements.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

• High level of shedding

Schipperke

Shipperkes or Schips as they are commonly know were bred as ratters and watchdogs. They are fantastic companion dogs but require too much exercise for many seniors.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

• High level of shedding

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are a popular family pet but due to the nature of their coat they require a lot of grooming and shed a lot. They were originally bred as sled dogs for colder climates so require proper grooming frequently.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

• High level of shedding

Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs and can spend all day with their owners in the field. As a result they need at least an hour of exercise a day to keep this dog happy.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

Sussex Spaniel

Sussex spaniels are unlike other spaniels in that they can be quite stubborn so require a consistent approach to their training and obedience. As a result they aren't suitable if the right amount of time and energy can be invested in them.

Why are they not suitable?

• Can be stubborn

• Need more training than other breeds

Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier as the name suggests is one of the terrier breeds. It is a high energy dog that responds well to training and if physically stimulated enough make for great companion dogs. They are prone to digging alongside their short haired counterpart.

Why are they not suitable?

• Prone to digging

• High exercise requirements

High Energy Dog Breeds

 

Border Collie

Border collies is widely regarded as the smartest dog breed which means they require a lot of mental stimulation to avoid getting bored. The Border Collie is not suitable for apartment living and were originally bred as herding dogs meaning they need a lot of exercise.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

• Not suitable for apartments

 

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs as the name suggests were bred to herd sheep. They are a herding breed which means that if not trained properly will give in to their natural instincts and might give chase to other dogs in the park. High exercise requirements.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

 

Rough Collie

Rough Collies are another type of herding dog and have a similar temperament to the border collie. They originate from Scotland, are incredibly intelligent and need a lot of mental & physical stimulation requirements.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

• High level of shedding

 

Old English Sheepdog

Another herding breed on the list (is there a trend appearing?) the Old English Sheepdog is a large dog breed and very powerful. Their temperament is very laid back and they are good with people and other pets however they do moult a lot and need a lot of regular grooming.

Why are they not suitable?

• High level of shedding

 

Dalmatian

Dalmatians are iconic dogs made even more famous from the film 101 Dalmatians. They are a medium sized dog breed and were originally bred to guard horses and coaches so they have a protective nature about them.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

• Protective nature can cause them to be more protective than other breeds

 

English Pointer

The English Pointer are medium sized working dogs. They have energy that will last for days and are perfect for owners who love to hike or are fairly active. They are known for having a bold personality and were bred to go on hunts.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

 

English Setter

English Setters are great with children and make perfect family dogs if you like going for long walks or are fairly active. They are naturally gentle and placid dogs and love giving their family members affection.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

 

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the world. Intelligent, good with kids and naturally protective these dogs require need an experienced owner who can dedicate the time to making sure they are given the stimulation they need both mentally and physically.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• • High maintenance - mentally

  • High exercise requirements

  • Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

  • Strong prey drive so might not be good with other animals

  • High level of shedding

 

German shorthaired pointer

The German shorthaired pointer was bred as a hunting dog and is one of the most popular breeds amongst this group. Highly energetic it needs daily long walks and mental stimulation to avoid getting bored.

Why are they not suitable?

• High exercise requirements

• Strong prey drive so might not be good with other animals

 

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are everyones best friend however they do have high exercise requirements and due to their long luscious fur moult A LOT meaning they need weekly brushing.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• High level of shedding

• High exercise requirements

 

Gordon Setter

Gordon setters need around 2 hours of exercise per day. They are large sporting dogs and were originally bred to hunt pheasants. Due to their size they are not suitable for apartments.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Not suitable for apartments

• High level of shedding

• High exercise requirements

 

Guard Dog Breeds

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are Italian mastiffs and are massive animals. They are naturally protective and are only suitable to strong experienced owners that are capable of training this breed correctly. If they don't release pent up energy or are socialized from a young age they can cause problems for inexperienced owners.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• High maintenance - mentally

• High exercise requirements

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• Strong prey drive so might not be good with other animals

 

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman pinschers are fantastic family dogs and natural protectors if given the proper training and obedience work is started early. As they are protective dogs if not properly socialized they can be aggressive towards other dogs or people if they come too close to their owners.

Why are they not suitable?

• High maintenance - mentally

• High exercise requirements

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• Strong prey drive so might not be good with other animals

 

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a high maintenance dog that needs significant obediance training. They are commonly used by the police and military due to their unique personality traits and willingness to work. If they aren't mentally stimulated and given a minimum of 2 hours of walking per day they will become destructive

Why are they not suitable?

• High maintenance - mentally

• High exercise requirements

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• Strong prey drive so might not be good with other animals

 

Bull Mastif

Despite their image and large size bull mastiffs are affectionate with their family and very protective. They are quite a laid back dog when relaxing until they feel threatened.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

 

English Mastiff

Similar to the Bull Mastiff the English Mastiff does well in families with well behaved children and is a loyal and protective dog. They are incredibly large and if not handled by a strong owner could easily pull you over.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

 

Pit Bull

Pit bulls have a lot of social stigma around them due to unscrupolous breeders and owners not giving them the proper training that they need. They have natural guarding instincts but love their family dearly and can be great with kids. Due to their natural guarding and high prey drive a pit bull is one of the worst dog breeds for seniors.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• Strong prey drive so might be good with other animals

 

Extra Large Dog Breeds

 

Below is a list of some of the largest dog breeds you can get. Although these dogs have lovely temperaments and are great for families (if you have the space) due to the size these are not recommended unless you have the strength to walk them .

 

Bernese Mountain dogs

Weighing up to 120 pounds the Bernese Mountain Dog is a versatile working dog. Due to their high energy and size for new owners handling a Bernese Mountain dog can be challenging.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• High level of shedding

• Not suitable for apartments due to size

 

Bloodhound

Used as a scent hound, Bloodhounds are very large dogs that need a strong owner to be able to handle them effectively. They can be quite stubborn and are not as easy as other dogs to train.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over
• Not suitable for apartments due to size

 

Great Dane

One of the largest dog breeds the Great Dane is a lovable dog that originates from Germany. It was originally bred to hunt boar, deers and bears. They have similar characteristics to the Irish Wolfhound and need a lot of early socialization. They need early obedience training due to their large size.

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• Not suitable for apartments due to size 

Irish wolfhound

Weighing up to 180 pounds the Irish Wolfhound requires a lot of space! They make great family dogs but are not suitable unless you have a large home and garden.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• Not suitable for apartments due to size

 

Japanese Akita

Japanese Akitas are extremely powerful breeds not suitable for novice owners. They require more training than other breeds due to their temperament and have a double coat which means extreme levels of moulting!

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• High level of shedding

• Not suitable for apartments due to size

• Strong prey drive

 

Leonberger

Amazing with kids and families but due to the large size they need a lot of space. They do not do well in apartment living and shed a significant amount.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• High level of shedding

• Not suitable for apartments due to size

 

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands were bred as fishing dogs and helped to pull equipment or boats into harbour. They are incredibly strong, have webbed paws so they can swim better and are massive. They are amazing with families with kids and are very lovable but are not recommended for seniors.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• High level of shedding

• High level of drool

• Not suitable for apartments due to size

 

St. Bernard

St. Bernards were bred for alpine rescue and have a lovely kind & gentle temperament. Due to their massive size and strength they would not be suitable to anyone that is frail and doesn't have the strength to walk them.

 

Why are they not suitable?

• Incredibly strong - easy to pull the owner over

• High level of shedding

• High level of drool

• Not suitable for apartments due to size

 

33 of the Worst dogs for seniors - Conclusion

 

Most dogs require a lot of of exercise and therefore are not suitable for elderly people. Picking the right dog will ensure that you have an amazing bond and reduces the chances of unsuitable breeds getting rehoused.

 

Very high maintenance breeds need a lot of work and hopefully the list above has helped you steer away from the dog breeds that are not suitable for your lifestyle.

 

If you want to find the perfect dog breed as a senior citizen use our free app and filter for 'Great for senior citizens'. These are dog breeds that are low maintenance and perfect companion dogs. CLICK HERE to use the app (FREE).