Looking for a companion in life? It should be no surprise that a dog is often the perfect solution. However, finding a companion dog is something that should have a lot of thought put into it. Not all breeds are alike and it’s important that you know which breed would be a good fit for your needs.
With so many different options, making the right choice can be a bit overwhelming. We thought it would be a good idea to narrow the choices down a little. Keep reading to learn which breeds make the best companion dogs.
The Top Companion Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
2. Basset Hound
3. Italian Greyhound
4. Pekingese
5. Bullmastiff
6. Chihuahua
7. Yorkshire Terrier
8. Irish Setter
9. Golden Retriever
10. Poodle
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed is a favorite on many of our lists and for good reason. Being extremely affectionate, loyal, well behaved, and small in size, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels easily make excellent companion dogs. Minimal exercise is needed to keep these fur babies in great shape. However, they do require regular grooming.
2. Basset Hound
Some people may be surprised to learn that Basset Hounds make excellent companion dogs due to their history as hunting dogs. However, this breed has changed a lot over the years. These days, Basset Hounds are well known for being loving, gentle, and mild-mannered. One thing is for certain. You won’t go a day without smiling while watching your new BFF walk around the house with those adorably floppy ears.
3. Italian Greyhound
These fur babies are definitely hard to beat when it comes to an ideal companion dog. Their small to medium size allows them to make excellent lap dogs. Plus, they require very little maintenance which is definitely a huge benefit. The only real downside with this breed is that they don’t do too well in cold weather. However, this issue can easily be solved with a sweater or minimal time spent outdoors.
4. Pekingese
Spending just a few minutes around one of these adorable little balls of fur will quickly make it obvious why they have been a top choice when it comes to companion dogs for a very long time. Believe it or not, they were often the top choice for royal family members throughout China which is where they were originally bred for the sole purpose of being a companion.
5. Bullmastiff
Don’t let the large size of this breed fool you. Bullmastiffs are basically big teddy bears. They are notorious for being gentle and lazy, but they’re also known for being great protectors. This is a breed that will happily spend an entire day lounging around the house with you. Due to their lazy nature, Bullmastiffs don’t need a lot of space. In fact, they can even live comfortably in apartments.
6. Chihuahua
If you’re looking for a new companion that you can take with you literally anywhere, a Chihuahua would be a great choice for you. This breed really likes to spend time with their humans. Their small size makes it easy to bring them along while you’re out and about. They also tend to have a medium amount of energy which makes them a great companion for someone looking for a furry BFF that loves to play and also enjoys relaxing.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Being incredibly intelligent, adaptable, and eager to please their humans, Yorkshire Terriers would make a great companion dog for nearly any household. Despite their small size, this breed is known for being a tiny little watchdog. More often than not this breed is really easy to train. However, there will likely be times when your furry BFF shows some stubborn behaviors. This is something that can easily be corrected with enough time and attention.
8. Irish Setter
This breed tends to lean more toward the energetic side. They love to play and they’re always eager to please their family. Their burning desire to put a smile on their human’s face makes them an incredible choice when it comes to a companion dog. However, you’ll definitely want to spend some time training your fur baby.
9. Golden Retriever
No matter what you’re looking for in a companion dog you’ll likely find it in a Golden Retriever. This is one of the most popular breeds throughout the world and for good reason. A calm attitude and a loving personality are just a couple of the reasons why these fur babies fit into nearly any household. They love to get out into the great outdoors which makes them an excellent choice for someone who likes to take long walks or go on hikes.
10. Poodle
Poodles are highly intelligent which makes them easy to train. They also have a burning desire to spend time with their humans. They’re known for being very friendly and they’ll happily stand by your side, lay in your lap, and spend an entire day in your presence. Plus, Poodles comes in three different sizes which offers a lot of flexibility. This breed easily makes a great companion dog.
There are plenty of other fur babies that make excellent companion dogs. This list is little more than the tip of the iceberg. We just wanted to take some of the confusion out of your decision by providing you with the top 10 companion dogs. Thanks for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for welcoming a new BFF into your home. Trust me, it won’t be a decision that you regret.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a companion dog?
As the name suggests, companion dogs are simply furry little friends that are meant to give their human companionship and company. Unlike service dogs, these fur babies aren’t trained for any specific disability. They are often used by people to help them overcome high levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, or other emotional complications.
What is a certified companion dog?
Emotional support animals, commonly called companion dogs, are dogs that have undergone a certification process involving basic obedience tests both on and off leash. The purpose of the certification process is to prove that they can remain obedient in public places.
Which is the best companion dog?
In most cases, the best companion dogs are four-legged friends that are calm, simple to train, and easy to form a bond with. Some of the best breeds ranging from smallest to largest would be Papillons, French Bulldogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Golden Retrievers.
What’s the difference between a service dog and a companion dog?
Service dogs go through extensive training that prepares them to aid people with specific disabilities. They are often bred to be service dogs and begin training at an early age. On the other hand, companion dogs don’t have any specific training for performing tasks.
Can any dog be a companion dog?
Absolutely! Almost any size or breed can certainly go through the steps to become certified. However, if you plan on having a companion pet, it’s important that they are able to remain calm in public places, have undergone basic obedience training, and offer you the comfort and companionship you desire.
How do I train my dog to be a companion dog?
You’ll want to start socializing your furry friend in public places as soon as possible. Obedience training is also an absolute must. If you plan on certifying your emotional support animal, they will need to know several basic commands. Make sure you research your local laws and regulations to see what tests they will need to pass. Many people hire professional trainers, but training can certainly be done at home.
How do I make my dog a companion?
Certifying companion dogs is actually a fairly simple process. First, you’ll need to explain your need for an emotional support animal to a doctor or therapist. If qualified, you will be provided with documents proving your need for an ESA. It’s that easy! There’s not even a need to register your furry friend.
How do you get a companion dog?
The best place to start is stopping by a local shelter or rescue. You’ll find plenty of fur babies that would happily come home with you and get a second chance at life. You might be surprised to learn that shelter and rescue dogs often make amazing support animals. It’s almost like they know you saved their life.
How much is a companion dog?
If you plan on purchasing a companion dog from a breeder, you can easily spend $1,000s. On the other hand, adopting one from a rescue or shelter will typically cost no more than $50-$250. Annual costs for taking care of your four-legged friend will vary depending on their size and breed.
Can companion dogs go anywhere?
ESA’s are allowed to go to most places, but typically speaking, they are not allowed in restaurants or malls. However, individuals with a companion dog can travel with their fur baby on planes, live with them in housing where pets normally aren’t allowed, and go to most public places without any issues.
