6 Top Dog Breeds for Empty Nesters and Older People Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Top Dogs for Empty Nesters

Breeds and other facts to consider when picking your perfect pooch

GETTY IMAGES The house seems quiet once the last of the kids move out, doesn't it? If you want to bring some energy back into your world, may we suggest a new family member — one with four legs who's always happy to see you? Although they do take some time and effort, including walking, feeding and grooming, dogs can enrich your life in so many ways (as more than 43 million American dog-owning families can attest). But with nearly 200 breeds, it can be hard to decide which pup is best for you. Start by considering your physical, time, money and space constraints, says Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club. “The trick is to choose a dog based on your lifestyle.” Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Certain breeds — as well as many mixed-breed — can be especially wonderful companions for a wide range of animal lovers, including older ones. A few to consider: GETTY IMAGES

The Cuddlers Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Talk about bloodlines. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were the favorite lap dogs of royalty centuries ago. They got their name from King Charles II, the 17th century monarch who, legend has it, was so obsessed with his pups that he neglected his royal duties. It's easy to see why: They're adorable, doe-eyed dogs, with sweet, comfort-loving temperaments. “They'll cuddle up with you by the fireplace while you read a book,” says Klein. “But they're happy to go for walks, too.” (Just keep close watch: These Spaniels like to give chase to squirrels and butterflies.) And thanks to their compact size and easygoing nature, they're good traveling companions. The only thing high-maintenance about them is their grooming: That long, silky hair needs frequent brushing and trims. GETTY IMAGES

The Playmates Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature Schnauzers are small but have big “Look at me!” personalities. The playful, ever-curious dogs will want to know everything you're up to, shadowing you around the house and watching with fascination as you perform even the most mundane tasks. They also tend to be vocal, which means potential intruders will be kept at bay. (They're not the best choice for people who prefer a very quiet pet). You'll want to take them for daily walks and let them run around in your yard or a nearby park so they can work off their energy. Otherwise they could get into mischief (say, using your slippers as a chew toy). Bring a ball — they love a good game of fetch.
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The Athletes Schipperkes

If you have an active lifestyle and aren't intimidated by an independent, take-charge pet, the Schipperke (pronounced SHEEP-erk-ker) is for you. Small, alert black dogs, with dark button eyes and a clever, foxlike face, they make terrific watchdogs and are game for pretty much any activity, particularly if it involves water. A fenced-in yard is a must (they love chasing after small critters). They also tend to be easy on the wallet, says Klein: They're “sturdy and don't have a lot of health issues, and that beautiful black coat is easy to care for.” GETTY IMAGES Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > Poodles also have the advantage of being the lightest-shedding, most hypoallergenic of all coated breeds. (They need grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.) They do have their quirks. Because they like routines, they can get flustered by big changes in schedules or lots of activity in the home. GETTY IMAGES

The Sensitive Souls Greyhounds

Though many of us envision Greyhounds zipping around a racetrack, they're actually quite calm, gentle and affectionate. They'll need a fenced-in space to stretch their long legs, but surprisingly, don't usually want or need hours of exercise. In fact, the breed has been dubbed the “40 miles-per-hour couch potato” for a reason. These comfort-lovers will often just want to snuggle (don't tell them they're not a lap dog). Their short coat doesn't require a lot of grooming, says Marks, “and they don't have a lot of those purebred diseases that afflict some other breeds, such as hip dysplasia or respiratory issues.” With the last Greyhound racetrack closing in Florida in 2020, there will be a lot of these sweet creatures available for adoption through rescue groups. AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe , or to find your new best friend.

Older Dogs

And while, yes, puppies are adorable, adopting an older pooch has its advantages. “Puppies are usually going to be a lot more work than an adult dog — socializing, house-breaking,” says Nick Hof, owner of Paws Look Listen dog training in Cincinnati. “Adult dogs are generally more well-mannered and don't require as much supervision and training in the beginning to prevent problematic behaviors as they get older.” Some shelters have started offering adoption discounts for older people looking for older canines. North Shore Animal League America, for example, has a “” program for those 60 and up. If you adopt an animal who's at least 4 years old, there's a flat adoption fee of $l50 that covers everything, including vaccinations and spay and neutering, as well as $15 twice-a-year grooming for the life of your pet.

Foster Pups

And if you don't want a long-term commitment, you could think about becoming a foster parent, says North Shore's Yohannan: “You get the benefit of helping these animals and the companionship at the same time.” More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS