Companion dogs: list of the best dogs with photos

For many thousands of years, dogs have accompanied humans. Previously, they were used to protect the house and help with hunting. Nowadays these animals are increasingly used as companion dogs. They will never betray, the size of the owner’s wallet is not important to them. The only condition without which they cannot live is the love and care of a person. The parameters for choosing a friend for the soul are different for everyone. This may be a tribute to fashion, or friends have a dog that captivates everyone around with its sweet face or behavior.

Purpose

The main purpose of companions is to share the interests of the owner: daily long runs through the forest, long car trips or lying on the sofa. Man and dog receive only positive emotions from communicating with each other. Dog therapy, also called canine therapy, is a method of alternative medicine. What health problems can you get rid of by communicating with a dog? Normalize blood pressure, cheer up, awaken interest in life - all this is possible for both a simple mongrel and a titled dog. Four-legged companions are widely used for the socialization and adaptation of children with autism.

The doors of the entertainment industry are opening to people with four-legged pets. Restaurants, fitness clubs, cinemas for visitors with animals are no longer uncommon.

What breeds are suitable

A companion dog feels comfortable in a city apartment. The owner will not have to pay much attention to its care. When choosing a pet, you should pay attention to the main characteristics.

For apartment

In ordinary urban conditions, it will not be possible to properly maintain, for example, the alabai. He will not feel comfortable in the apartment. Limited space has a depressing effect on him.

In good health

The owner will choose an animal that has no health problems. To maintain immunity, it is recommended to regularly carry out deworming and vaccination. Attention should be paid to preventing flea and tick infestations.

The dog has a responsible mission - to accompany the owner. He can take her to the mountains or a long hiking trip.

If the owner does not plan to devote a lot of time to the pet, then it is not recommended for him to have:

Bulldog. Increased risk of heart problems. The pet does not tolerate high temperatures and walking with physical activity.
Shar-Pei. Often suffers from problems with the organs of vision, there is an increased risk of inflammation of various types on the skin.
German Shepherd. 90% of the breed develops joint dysplasia.
Dachshund. The breed has an uneven spine distribution. The physiological situation provokes paralysis of the hind legs.

Shar Pei
The following breeds have excellent health and make excellent companions:

Pomeranian Spitz - price from 15 thousand rubles.
Aussie (Australian Shepherd) - price from $400.

Australian Shepherd

Low maintenance

If you choose a short-haired breed, then there is no need to pay attention to its care. The owner will need to comb the animal's fur once a week. There is no need to comb out mats and bathe your dog every time after a walk. Pets adapt well to weather conditions and tolerate heat.

It is recommended to choose docile and friendly breeds that are not prone to dominance:

Belgian griffin - price from 20 thousand rubles.
King Charles Spaniel - price from 10 thousand rubles.

Belgian griffin

For the whole family

When choosing a dog breed, you should take into account the presence of small and elderly family members.

The pet should treat them equally well. Any resident of the house can go for a walk. This will greatly simplify the life of the owner.

The pet can go for walks with a junior schoolchild. He does not need to make a lot of effort, because the companion does not have the pack instinct. He doesn't dominate. It should be completely safe for even small children to be with a dog.

You can choose from the following breeds:

Pug - price from 10 thousand rubles.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi - price from 30 thousand rubles.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Representatives of large dogs

There is a belief that large dogs are meant to serve and protect. Use as a companion is far from uncommon. Contrary to general opinion, such pets do not pose a danger to their owners, although they belong to guard or service breeds. They are friendly and are often used as a companion dog for a child. Not suitable for people leading a passive lifestyle. Large dogs need long walks and sufficient exercise. Proper organization of your diet will allow your joints and bones to remain healthy for a long time. It should not be owned by people who have limited living space. Unfortunately, the larger the dog, the shorter it lives. The lifespan of large four-legged friends is short, 9-12 years with good care.

Top 5 most popular representatives:

East European Shepherd - guard dog. He is an example of intelligence, courage and devotion. Enjoys accompanying on long walks and outings into nature.

Not suitable for keeping in a small room. A reliable protector and at the same time a caring guardian for families with small children.
Leonberger. From the photo of this pet you can immediately see that he is a good-natured, big guy, a family favorite.

These large dogs are famous for their loyalty and intelligence. They have tender feelings for small children. Not whimsical in nutrition and maintenance. But, like all animals with thick fur, they need appropriate care.
German dog. A giant in the dog world. Despite its frightening dimensions, it is famous for its flexible character.

An affectionate, incomparably devoted dog. Has established himself as a companion and guard. To live comfortably, a dog needs space.
Newfoundland. In everyday life referred to as a “diver”. From the nickname it becomes clear that the dog is capable of swimming and loves water treatments. He has a balanced character, attacks of aggression are excluded.

Endless devotion to the owner, readiness to follow on his heels in any situation are the qualities that make the Newfie a family favorite. Perhaps this is the best companion dog for a child of any age.
Dogue de Bordeaux. A representative of large quadrupeds, a little frightening in appearance and with a vulnerable inner world.

A powerful dog with highly developed muscles is perceived in families as a full member. Dogs of this breed are ideal companions for children. They are characterized by a non-conflict nature.

Best Companion Breeds

Hypoallergenic dogs: list of breeds for apartments

Most dog breeds can be classified as companion dogs. Previously, dogs were more often used as guards and hunters, and there were special fighting breeds. The current time has muted all these functions, but the dog still remains close to the person.

West Highland White Terrier (West Highland White Terrier, White Highland)

Scottish origin miniature breed. The height of an adult animal at the withers reaches only 30 cm. These types of companions are perfect for young active families who love to make forays into nature and have fun. Animals are very playful and kind.

Labrador Retriever

This breed was originally a gun dog, which then moved into the rank of companions. He gets along well not only with all family members, including children, but also with other pets. Does not cause any difficulties when maintaining in an apartment.

Labrador Retriever

Golden retriever

The Golden Retriever is a wonderful and very loyal dog that will rush after its owner in case of danger. The advantage of a dog is that it is photogenic, but this same factor can also cause some inconvenience: you will have to carefully monitor the appearance of the animal.

Biewer Yorkshire Terrier - description of the breed

This is a fairly young breed, bred only at the end of the twentieth century. These dogs are very cute in appearance. Their fur practically does not shed and is not capable of causing allergies. They get along well with children and animals and love active recreation. For these qualities they are often chosen by young families.

French Bulldog

Scientists have proven that French bulldogs will make wonderful companions for elderly and lonely people. Even thanks to their snoring and snoring, a person understands that he is not alone and there is someone next to him.

French Bulldog

Border Collie (Border Collie)

The Border Collie regularly ranks among the top smartest dogs and would undoubtedly be included in the list of the most positive ones if such were compiled. The breed standard assumes a wide variety of colors, with both long and short hair. You can choose any one.

This dog will be an ideal companion and is also suitable for elderly owners, as it is able to remember and carry out the most complex commands and adapt to the person’s character.

German Shepherd

Representatives of the breed see their purpose solely in serving their owner. One of the most loyal types of dogs. They also belong to the official category. This dog is a territory guard.

Important! The German Shepherd sheds quite often and heavily, and also emits a specific odor, so it is more suitable for keeping in the yard.

Russian toy terrier

The Russian Toy Terrier is a breed known mainly only in Russia. Very affectionate, playful, kind. The short-haired variety is suitable for people prone to allergies, as it is one of the hypoallergenic breeds.

Advice! It is not recommended for families with small children to own Russian Toy Terriers, since children can harm the fragile dog in their games.

Russian toy terrier

Boston Terrier (Boston Terrier)

This is a small and incredibly smart dog. They are hardy, patient, and can calmly go about their business for several hours. The breed may be suitable for owners who spend time at work and cannot regularly be near the animal.

Welsh Corgi

An incredibly active, cheerful mini-shepherd who simply charges you with positivity. A very active breed. It is recommended even for families with other animals and small children. The Welsh Corgi will find a common language with everyone and become a true friend to everyone.

Pomeranian (Dwarf Spitz)

A cute little companion dog that has become fashionable and prestigious to own. This breed is decorative. They are smart, cheerful, and attached to all family members. A child is a true friend for them.

Important! Representatives of the breed tend to be stubborn and mischievous, so they definitely need training that disciplines them.

Cane Corso

Included in the list of the largest companion dogs. This is a powerful, muscular animal that will become an excellent defender of its owner. But it is important to remember that Cane Corsos also need human warmth and care. Especially a lot of tenderness should be given to puppies.

Cane Corso

American Spaniel

A popular breed with an expressive appearance and a fairly docile character. One of the breed's problems is its love of food, which can result in overeating and obesity. Therefore, the diet of these dogs should be monitored especially carefully.

Boxer (German Boxer)

These are smart, calm dogs that, despite their strict appearance, are excellent nannies for children. Remarkably amenable to training. If the owner is an athlete, such a dog will keep him company on the sports ground, since he is also quite active.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

It’s not always possible to pronounce a dog’s name right away, but in everyday life they are unusually simple and picky. It differs from its brothers in that it is completely devoid of aggression, so it becomes a wonderful friend for kids.

Brussels Griffon

Cute, a little like monkeys, small and very active companion dogs. They love communication and long walks.

Brussels Griffon

Belgian Shepherd

The Belgian Shepherd is the most common dog in Europe. There they are as popular as the Germans in Russia. They are characterized by identical service qualities, as well as optimism, goodwill, and a sharp mind. Due to their compactness, they are suitable for keeping in apartment conditions.

Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a miniature dog that makes a wonderful companion for older people. Main character traits: goodwill, love of peace and quiet, but at the same time the need to communicate with the owner, playfulness, the ability to establish contact with other pets.

Important! The Japanese Chin is a dog that makes virtually no noise, and therefore an elderly person will be comfortable with it. The dog will not whine, interfere with sleep, or cause mischief.

English or Irish Setter

The English Setter is a wonderful sociable dog, friendly, sociable and an excellent nanny for children. She easily gets along with both people and other pets. However, the list of all these lovely positive qualities does not detract from the dog’s merits as a hunter.

Moscow watchdog

A large service dog, which, despite its watchdog qualities, does not display itself at the slightest opportunity. Dogs are quite calm and smart. They will not act rashly. The animal is dominant by nature, so it must be trained by a professional.

Important! These are very large dogs, the weight of males can reach 55 kg, so it is not intended for typical apartments.

Moscow watchdog

English toy terrier

This is a miniature companion breed. Main characteristics: intelligence, intelligence, optimism, love for people, compactness.

Hungarian Kuvasz

A snow-white shepherd dog that has been a human companion since ancient times. This is a very large dog (up to 60 kg and 77 cm at the withers). You shouldn't get one if you don't have time for training and education. Kuvasz requires a lot of attention, only then will it become a good friend and protector. Otherwise, aggressive qualities may appear.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Amstaffs resemble a pit bull, but have a larger and more muscular build. They will be an excellent companion for families with children, for whom they will be excellent nannies. Dogs are very loyal to their owners and will never hurt them.

Silky Terrier (Australian Silky Terrier)

The Silkie Terrier looks a little like a Yorkie, but despite its long coat, it does not shed much. The calm, easy-going nature of the dog can be loved by homebodies; dogs would rather spend a quiet evening at home, in the company of family, than go frolicking on the sports ground. However, they sometimes need active walks and games in the fresh air.

American Eskimo Spitz (Eskie)

A breed that was originally bred as a companion dog. Cute, smiling fluffies with a friendly, easy-going character. However, their fluffiness does not always work to their advantage, since they will require quite a lot of care, especially during the molting period.

Papillon (Continental Toy Spaniel)

The Papillon is a cheerful, nimble, very active dog that requires active walks and attention from its owner. They get along well with children and other pets. This is one of the most intelligent companion breeds. Dogs can bark loudly, causing discontent among neighbors, but this problem can be solved with training.

Interesting! Papillons love cats.

Russian hunting spaniel

This is more of a hunting dog, but thanks to its intelligence, tact and intelligence, it gets along well in city apartments, becoming a loyal and devoted friend to all family members.

Poodle

Very smart, not at all capricious, inquisitive, active animals are especially suitable for families with children. The standard assumes different breed sizes, so everyone can choose the right dog for themselves.

Interesting! It's hard to believe, but poodles were once exclusively a hunting breed. However, for many years they have been doing an excellent job as companion dogs.

Drathaar (German Wirehaired Pointer)

Drathaar is an excellent hunter, a fairly large dog, the average height of a male is 65 cm at the withers. They have excellent memory and are able to quickly remember even the most complex commands. They love all family members, but they consider only one to be the real owner.

Pug

Beautiful dogs with a touching expression on their faces. They are absolutely indifferent to other pets, but at the same time they adore all family members. This breed is very common, absolutely everyone knows what these chubby dogs look like.

Pug

Corgi

Corgi is a small dog that is ideal for a large and friendly family and will become one of its members. Main features: intelligence, intelligence, mobility, lack of aggression, easy to train.

Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)

The Shetland Sheepdog looks similar to the Scottish Sheepdog, but their family ties are very distant. This is a kind, devoted dog, which in its specificity belongs to the shepherd breeds, and, therefore, protects humans. Its compactness makes it easy to keep it in an apartment, but its long, thick coat requires constant care.

Mongrels

According to many, mongrels are the best companions. They are smart, kind, sympathetic and very loyal to their owner. The undeniable advantages are also high immunity and the fact that you can take such a dog into your home absolutely free. And another dog’s life will be saved, for which the animal will undoubtedly thank the owner.

Aussie

Aussie is a new, rare, fashionable breed. This is the result of the work of Australian breeders. Very beautiful and no less smart. But they are suitable only for those who are ready to constantly provide them with good physical activity.

Schipperke

The Schipperke is the smallest representative of the shepherd dogs. A very active and temperamental dog, it needs to be trained so that it feels the owner and follows his commands. This breed is only suitable for active people.

Schipperke

Bullmastiff

All varieties of mastiffs are revered in Great Britain and are considered royal dogs. The Bullmastiff is always restrained, resilient, and quite difficult to anger. But he will always defend his owner.

Norwich Terrier

A very sweet, energetic baby, with an easy-going character and friendliness. These dogs are especially common in the United States. These are sociable animals that require constant attention. If you leave them alone for a long time, they will express their dissatisfaction with loud, ringing barks.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is originally a herding breed bred in Germany. They don't require much care other than their fur, but they don't always make ideal companions. They have a rather capricious character; the more freedom they are given, the worse they will behave.

Representatives of medium sizes

Medium-sized companion dogs are the largest segment of the entire canine world. They are suitable for apartments with small square footage. Life expectancy is longer than that of large breed dogs. With proper care they live 12-15 years. Dogs are friendly towards children and can even look after them. They are loyal to outsiders, but when they feel danger is approaching, they are ready to fight back. Some breeds do not need frequent or long walks. It is enough for them to take a walk in the morning and evening.

Top 5 popular representatives:

Labrador. The most good-natured creature. The purpose of the breed when bred was to help fishermen.

In modern times, they are used to help people with disabilities; they are excellent guide companions. They have proven themselves to be excellent nannies for small children.
Chow chow. The original bright appearance captivates many who decide to get this dog. The ink-colored tongue looks unusual.

Only the owner will be the object of love and adoration. He will simply allow himself to be adored by the rest of the household. Needs training and long walks.
Welsh Corgi. These dogs will leave few people indifferent. Non-conflict animals by nature get along well with other animals.

Funny short legs are not a reason for laziness; they love to run a lot and quickly. Extremely loyal to the entire family equally.
American Cocker Spaniel. Easy to train, happy to follow the owner's commands, sociable, and has a playful disposition.

Long walks required.
Basset Hound. A hunting dog with the habits of a companion for energetic people. Belongs to the hound family; while walking, it can get carried away, pick up a trail and get lost.

Suitable for families with children, it will be a caring friend for them.

Small dogs

Decorative dogs are separated from all other breeds intended to perform some kind of work. The main purpose is to bring the joy of communication and the feeling of being needed to people. They lack the hunting instinct and natural anger. They are distinguished by their attachment to the owner and excessive emotionality. Small dogs are not known for their good health. But the life expectancy of decorative dogs is slightly higher than that of representatives of large and medium breeds. With good care they can live up to 15-18 years.

Top 5 most popular small dogs:

Pug. Never discouraged dogs. They know how to adapt to the rhythm of their owner’s life. For lovers of quiet evenings, a pug will keep you company, sitting next to you on the floor with a warm blanket. He won’t refuse a walk in the park either. They are happy to be trained.

These are terrible cunning creatures who are ready to carry out any command for a piece of cookie. And without encouragement with a tasty treat, they will easily pretend that they don’t know or understand anything. They need a correct diet and selection of food, since not all types of food are suitable for the little charmer.
Chihuahua. A universal companion dog for all occasions. Doesn't take up much space. This dog is taken with them to different places: for a walk, shopping or visiting friends.

The dog does not like long walks and feels great at home within four walls. You don’t have to walk your dog at all to meet its natural needs if you train it to the litter tray in time.
Pekingese. A small dog of imperial blood with the appropriate character. Capable of becoming a friend to a lonely person, a faithful companion and an understanding friend.

This is a proud but smart dog that understands the mood of its owner. The character of an individual farmer is jealous of his adored owner even of small children. The difficulty in keeping him is the problem with a weak heart and eyes. Needs regular visits to the veterinarian.

Miniature Poodle - An ideal companion dog for a schoolchild. An energetic and cheerful dog. Will not let the owner get bored for a minute. He is easy to train and will happily follow simple commands.

Catchy appearance, perky disposition. Curly fur requires constant care, otherwise the dog will lose its attractive appearance.
Maltese. A sofa dog whose appearance speaks of its purpose to decorate a person’s life. Snow-white wool requires careful and daily care.

It is undesirable to stay in a family with small children: attempts to involve them in games will be perceived by the lapdog as a threat. This is the best companion dog for lonely people.

Dogs for the elderly

An ideal dog for an elderly person has the following basic qualities: moderate sociability, calm disposition, good nature, and peacefulness. Such a dog will not rush at passers-by, will not run away, and will not tug on the leash. The temperament of a companion for older people should be flexible and balanced. For older people, an important quality in choosing a friend is ease of care and maintenance. People of advanced age are not able to constantly work with pets. It is recommended to select a dog with a calm character. If an older person is alert and leads a fairly active lifestyle, a dog will become an additional source of joy. Participation in exhibitions and communication with other dog breeders will bring positive emotions into the monotonous life of a pensioner.

Dogs of various breeds are widely used for medical purposes, especially for the elderly. During their fleeting life, dogs give selfless love to humans. The dog becomes a source of joy and relieves loneliness. When interacting closely with a trained pet, an elderly person relaxes and becomes more attentive. A pensioner immersed in his own world becomes more sociable and overcomes depression. Simply stroking a dog reduces high blood pressure in humans.

List of recommended breeds: Spitz, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua.

Dog size

The next equally important milestone is the size of the future pet. In this matter, you need to take into account not only the size of your living space, but also many other factors. Let's talk about what size dog is suitable for whom.

Small dogs

Popular breeds: Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, Chihuahua , Griffon, Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Boston Terrier, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu.

Small dogs are energetic, adorable and playful. A small apartment, short walks and occasional games are enough for them. These dogs have a huge heart and a strong character, despite their modest size. You need to pay attention to the fact that they often get cold, can be shy, and also need regular and proper training.

Medium dogs

Popular breeds: beagle, spaniel, basset hound , fox terrier, border collie, whippet, bull terrier, boxer.

Medium-sized dogs are affectionate and active, loving games and walks in the fresh air. They respond well to training and need it. At the same time, they are usually more expensive than small dogs and are much more energetic, which can sometimes tire their owners.

Large dogs

Popular breeds: Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Labrador , Bloodhound, Great Dane, Caucasian Shepherd, Greyhound.

Large dogs get along well with children and are well suited for protecting homes and owners. They are calmer than their smaller counterparts, hardy and less susceptible to disease. Please note that they need a lot of space, fresh air and food, in addition, they need high-quality, professional training.

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A dog of "noble" origin"

Separately, it is worth noting the existence of mongrels. As surprising as it may sound, mongrel dogs taken from the street are unusually loyal, affectionate and intelligent. With this behavior, the dog is trying to thank the person who took pity on and sheltered the tramp. Mongrels are easy to train and pick up new knowledge on the fly. Small and medium-sized dogs are suitable for a companion.

Advantages of mongrel dogs:

You don't have to spend money on buying an animal.
They are not susceptible to genetic diseases and have good health.
The lifespan is longer than that of purebred dogs.
Unpretentiousness in nutrition.
They have the qualities of defenders.
Cleanliness.
High level of intelligence.

Features of training companion dogs

Any animal needs training, and companions are no exception. The furry friend must learn the basic commands: “Ugh,” “Place!”, “Nearby!”, “Walk!”, “Come to me!” Many owners think that if a pet is intended to decorate the sofa, then it should not be exercised. In this case, the dog will grow up to be an unbridled and obstinate creature, coexistence with which will turn into torment for the family. Education and development of rules of behavior is the responsibility of every breeder. Any companion dog can be used as a guard dog. A big dog with just his appearance will prevent hooligans from approaching his owner. The little dog will raise the alarm with a loud bark.

The best breeds of pets that can be trained are: East European Shepherd, Retriever, Poodle, Collie, Pug, Miniature Schnauzer, Labrador.

The list of companion dog breeds is quite long. The main criterion for a person when choosing is the heart, which will begin to beat faster when meeting that only friend. Life on the run, a minimum of informal communication, lack of time to communicate with family, rare forays into nature - everyone is familiar with the living conditions in modern society. Companion dogs are the best dogs for people who want to take care of someone and be needed themselves. It’s a great happiness to come home and know that you are expected and always welcome!

What are companion dogs?

Some time ago there was an opinion that a dog should not live in a cramped apartment. And they didn’t want to let her into a private house. It was believed that a friend's place was on the street.

Over time, a person became more lonely and began to need a living being who would share his hobbies and who would need to be taken care of. What animals can be classified as companion dogs? Strictly speaking, any dog can become one. It all depends on what image is inherent in the owner and where he lives.

Of course, in a city, the easiest way is to live side by side with a small decorative breed dog. Let's look at the pros and cons of dogs of different sizes.