Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles make the best canine companions for people over 50, new research has found.

Pets can provide a myriad of benefits for older adults, including boosts to emotional, mental and physical health. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 86% of pet owners aged 50 to 80 said their pets made them feel loved, while 88% explained their furry friends helped them enjoy life.

While not all dogs are suitable for seniors, care home company Lottie found that dogs scored highly as the best pets for mental health, with flat-faced pugs coming out on top. Other smaller dogs that were found to be the best for those over 50 include Westies, Shih Tzus and Cavaliers.

white poodle dog on green grass  fieldpinterest
disqis//Getty Images

"It's well-known that as we age, we tend to look for a quieter life with simple pleasures, such as taking companionship with a four-legged friend in the country," the team at Lottie say. "Our study found that smaller dogs are favoured over larger breeds."

As well as dogs, other animals that are great for later life include indoor birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, fishes, domestic fowls and tortoises — thanks to their easy-going nature.

Wanting to get a dog of your own? Take a look at the full list of breeds below...

1. Pug

portrait of a pugpinterest
© Jackie Bale//Getty Images

2. West Highland White Terrier

portrait of smiling dogpinterest
Kmatta//Getty Images

3. Shih Tzu

walking shih tzupinterest
© copyright 2011 Sharleen Chao//Getty Images

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

cavalier king charles spanielpinterest
Sergey Ryumin//Getty Images

5. Poodle

poodle dogpinterest
Tara Gregg / EyeEm//Getty Images

6. Pomeranian

white pomeranianpinterest
Dmytro Synelnychenko//Getty Images

7. Yorkshire Terrier

yorkshire terrier relaxing on grassy fieldpinterest
Jiri Rozporka / EyeEm//Getty Images

8. Welsh Corgi

pembroke welsh corgi puppy resting in grasspinterest
Purple Collar Pet Photography//Getty Images
13 dog shampoos to tackle dry skin, shedding, odour and more
Headshot of Lisa Joyner
Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.