Oftentimes, senior dogs are passed over for younger pups, because they may be in need of more medical attention, and racking up unexpected veterinary bills can be a real challenge for dog owners. But older dogs also come with a variety of benefits that often outweigh those drawbacks, from their calm demeanor to their immense gratitude. So read on for 30 photos and stories that prove senior dogs really are the best dogs.
1. They're regal.
Senior dogs have been in the world for longer than their younger counterparts—and they know they rule it.
2. They're calm.
Young pupperinos are balls of energy, constantly keeping you on your feet (and, more often than not, on your hands and knees). But senior dogs—like 13-year-old Cooper—are long past all of those puppy shenanigans. They're much calmer and easier to cuddle with, too.
3. But they still love an adventure.
As long as your vet says it's okay, your senior dog will love going on missions with you. Fresh air, new views, and their loving owner by their side? It's all pros, no cons.
4. They're wise.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" data-context="false" data-id="5otWsa4" lang="en"><a href="//imgur.com/5otWsa4" target="_self">Reading made her sleepy</a></blockquote>
Senior dogs, like this wise guy, live for the quieter moments, like curling up with a good book with their specs on.
5. But they can still be silly.
For as stately as they are, every senior dog has an inner puppy. And we can guarantee that they'll still make you laugh daily.
6. They're adaptable.
Your senior dog may need a little extra help to get by, but you'll be stunned by how they rise to the occasion.
7. They make great copilots.
Nothing beats a road trip with a best friend by your side. Senior pups love a car ride just as much as younger dogs.
8. They're great snuggle buddies.
There's no getting around it: as you get older, you get tired more easily. Your senior dog feels the same way, and will love snuggling up to you while they snooze.
9. They're fashionable.
Who says the latest fashions have an age limit? As long as your senior pup doesn't mind you dressing them, they can don their best for holidays, special occasions, or just a random Tuesday.
10. They'll never fail to put a smile on your face.
Adopting a senior dog like Bob will give you a sense of satisfaction, knowing that you're providing some very happy golden years to a very good boy or girl.
11. They make great friends.
Your senior dog may even help calm your younger dogs down by exhibiting good behavior.
12. They'll do anything for a belly rub.
Rub that belly, like Laky's own is doing, and you'll be rewarded with unconditional love.
13. They appreciate the finer things in life.
A puppy is in constant need of stimuli, but a 15-year-old grandpa like Snoopy just wants to sit back and relax.
14. They don't dwell.
Blind senior dog Mack doesn't let anything define him. According to his owner, Mack loves "taking in the smells and sounds around him."
15. They love a good lap nap.
There is no better lapdog than a senior dog who just wants to snuggle by the fire, like Moe, for instance. "My Cockapoo, Moe, is a well-seasoned lap warmer for everyone that comes in my home," owner Kirsty Woodhousewrote on Facebook.
16. They have a real zest for life.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" data-context="false" data-id="s3LcV" lang="en"><a href="//imgur.com/s3LcV" target="_self">My dog is 13 years old and still acts like a puppy when she is around snow.</a></blockquote>
This dog is 13 years old, but he hasn't forgotten that snow is basically magic.
17. They're judgmental... in a good way.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" data-context="false" data-id="yohROjW" lang="en"><a href="//imgur.com/yohROjW" target="_self">The better to smell you with, my dear</a></blockquote>
Puppies will let you get away with a lot because they don't know any better. But, like a loving grandfather, senior dogs like this cutie are willing to call you out on your nonsense with a well-timed, disapproving stare.
18. They can parent younger dogs.
"Old dogs make the best mentors for silly young pups," dog owner Dawn Seatonwrote on Facebook.
19. And teach them the ropes.
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Senior dogs make it so much easier to train little puppers who have yet to understand the ways of the world. It's the perfect example of puppy see, puppy do!
20. They're the best parents to any little one, actually.
Fred, a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever, won over the internet by adopting nine orphaned ducklings in 2018.
21. They appreciate every moment.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" data-context="false" data-id="vfUmEmN" lang="en"><a href="//imgur.com/vfUmEmN" target="_self">She may be old and slow, but Droopy still loves a chin rub like any other dog.</a></blockquote>
Some humans get a little bitter as they age, but dogs know better than that. "She may be old and slow, but Droopy still loves a chin rub like any other dog," her owner wrote on Imgur.
22. They're extra grateful for you.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" data-context="false" data-id="Iz9zY" lang="en"><a href="//imgur.com/Iz9zY" target="_self">This face always makes me smile. </a></blockquote>
Puppies don't know how good they have it. But senior dogs have been through a lot, so they're especially appreciative of your love and kindness, like this little guy.
23. They're serious about family.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" data-context="false" data-id="xkB2R8K" lang="en"><a href="//imgur.com/xkB2R8K" target="_self">My daughter and dog checking out the first snow of the season</a></blockquote>
This white-faced dog is giving off extremely protective big brother vibes over his little sister.
24. And they carry themselves with dignity.
It's adorable to see a puppy tripping over its own two feet. But to see a senior dog carry himself with honor and grace, like Fidget here, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
"Senior dogs generously share their heart and layers of experience," Sandy O'Blenesswrote of Fidget on Facebook. "They inspire us with their zest for life and soothe our souls with their calm demeanor."
25. They show us what it means to be a fighter.
Senior dogs remind us that you can beat virtually any illness when you've got love and family on your side. "This is Spade, our 12 year old [Siberian] Husky who has suffered his entire life with Demodex," Heather Suedkampwrote on Facebook. "He is the most contrary, spiteful, stubborn yet most wonderful dog in the world."
26. They can be literal heroes
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You've probably heard of pups who've risked their lives to save their owners from immediate danger. And what senior dogs lack in sprightliness, they make up for in loyalty.
In 2016, an older dog named Che barked to alert residents of a fire in the building. When the firefighters arrived, they found the very good boy lying on top of his owner, shielding her from the flames.
27. They're young at heart.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" data-context="false" data-id="VhMLV6A" lang="en"><a href="//imgur.com/VhMLV6A" target="_self">Met this 19 year old senior the other day.</a></blockquote>
They may not have the same energy they used to, but all dogs are forever toddlers. So they'll still get excited when you treat them to a new toy, like this incredible 19-year-old dog who's just as excited as a two-year-old to be pulled around in a Radio Flyer.
28. They remind us of how precious life is.
Take Raina, who passed away in August 2013 at 14-plus years, for example.
"Raina was my dog from vet tech school," Senani Ratnaykewrote on Facebook. "Not only did she help me to become a better veterinary technician, she also taught me a lot about how to live life to the fullest. She carried herself with dignity through spinal cord issues and finally cancer. She fought hard and never stopped loving life, no matter what obstacles it placed in front of her."
29. They still have a lot to look forward to.
Like napping on your belly.
Passing on a senior dog means missing out on years of affection and companionship.
30. And they'll love you to death.
Actually, this is true for all dogs—like this good boy—and it doesn't change with age.
And for more lovable pets, check out 27 Precious Photos of Dogs and Babies That Will Melt Your Heart.
