When hearing the term “companion dog” a lot of us tend to think of small dogs. While it is true that most toy breeds were originally bred to be the ultimate companions and lap dogs, that doesn’t mean some of their larger canine cousins will be excluded from the list.
So, what makes a dog a great companion? Honestly, any breed can be an excellent companion. When looking for companionship with a dog it is important to know what you are looking for and if the breed’s characteristics suit your lifestyle.
If you enjoy relaxing activities like reading, gardening, and watching TV, then it is best to pick a calmer breed that doesn't require a lot of activity. If traveling, swimming, or hiking are more of your speed then a larger and more active breed would be your best choice. If you have a cat, choose a dog that loves both cats and people! Picking the best breed that checks all your boxes will ensure that you have a furry companion who will always want to tag along.
Medium and Large Companion Breeds
Boxer
The fun-loving Boxer is a medium-large size breed that would love to join you on any adventure. They’re known for being patient, courageous, and often goofy. Boxers are highly sensitive and can form a strong bond with their person. Boxers are kind and gentle souls. Their easy to train nature will shine through when provided with lots of exercise. Though they acclimate to most family environments, they do not often thrive in extremely hot or cold climates. They are one of the easiest dogs to groom and their friendly disposition makes them simple to take care of by anyone in the family.
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German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is the most versatile breed and has been employed as herders, guardians, police and military dogs, and service dogs. While they boast an impressive working resume, they’re also fiercely loyal companions. Their boundless energy, sharp minds, and their devotion to their humans make them a great choice when picking a companion. The GSD is also a breed that can suffer from separation anxiety and would prefer to tag along on any adventure, big or small.
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Golden Retriever
Are you looking for a furry companion that is like a ray of sunshine? Then look no further than the Golden Retriever! The Golden was purposely developed as an attentive and loyal hunting companion. This friendly, outgoing, and eager-to-please breed is also known for keeping their joyful puppy disposition well into adulthood.
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Great Dane
While their large size can be intimidating, the Great Dane is one of the sweetest and most gentle-natured breeds you can find. They love to play but only require a moderate amount of exercise. If you’re willing to share some couch space or even a spot on the bed, they would be more than happy to spend their day cuddling with you.
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Labrador Retriever
The ever-popular Labrador Retriever is a sweet and playful companion. They particularly love to join you for a swim and enjoy hiking your favorite trail. Their friendly dispositions mean they often get along well with other dogs and with strangers that you might meet when out on a walk. They thrive in almost any climate and environment with proper exercise and love being with family of all sizes and types. You will find that the Labrador Retriever is also easy to groom and to train. They are the overall perfect companion breed for any family.
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Border Collie
A Border Collie is a great dog for someone not only looking for a companion pet, but a service pet as well. This hardworking and highly intelligent dog has a history in herding and knows how to get things done. They are very healthy and while needing regular brushing, are generally an easy dog to take care of. This is a breed that gets bored easily and needs both mental and physical stimulation provided by their human companion. If you give them a job to do and space to run, they will be one of the best family dogs you can have.
Basset Hound
You'll know the Basset Hound from many movies and its huge floppy ears. Great with kids, these dogs are one of the perfect breeds for you to have as a friend. However, they are known for being stubborn at times which can make training a process, so it could be beneficial to seek out a professional dog trainer. Once trained, this healthy and long-living breed will need weekly ear cleaning, and plenty of room to run and bay to become the best companion he or she can be.
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Bulldog
Perhaps most known for it's small bow-legged look, Bulldogs are often misinterpreted as being mean and aggressive. However, what is not often known is that this dog is actually very friendly and would make a great companion pet. While they are tough to train, they are great with both adults and children and can easily become part of the pack. It should be noted, however, that they do not do good with heat and their past breeding has created a rather short lifespan. Also, take care to clean this breed and their cute folds can be prone to infection.
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Bullmastiff
Though often thought of as a guard dog, this companion dog makes a great friend. This gentle giant can be exactly what you are looking for in a companion. They require little exercise, are easy to bathe and care for, and work great in a family unit. However, they are also known to be stubborn when training and are known to be more prone to serious health concerns when compared to other breeds.
Small Companion Breeds
Bichon Frise
This fancy little cotton ball has all the great qualities of a companion breed. Not only is the Bichon Frise small enough to take everywhere with you but they are just pure joy to be around. Their cheery and curious nature makes them a delightful companion and their “Bichon Blitz” mode will surely have you rolling with laughter!
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Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier, known as the “American Gentleman” is a sweet, amusing, and adaptable breed. Their small but sturdy size makes them ideal companions for short walks or just cuddling on the couch.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you are looking for the perfect companion-type dog, then you have found it! Known for their gentle personalities and sweet facial expressions, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was born to be a lapdog. However, that doesn’t mean that you will have a dog that will want to lay around all day and do nothing, as they are a Spaniel after all. The Cavalier does enjoy bonding during meaningful playtime with their person.
This royal breed is easy to train, great for apartment living, and fun to have around. This breed's long, fringy hair does require regular grooming, but their sweet nature makes this an enjoyable task to do.
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Chihuahua
One of the most easily recognizable breeds, the Chihuahua is a large dog trapped in the smallest of canine bodies. They are known to form a strong bond with their human companion and will enjoy just hanging out on your lap.
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French Bulldog
If you’re in search of a furry companion that is full of character, then the French Bulldog is the one you want! The ever-amusing Frenchie is sure to always make you laugh even on the toughest of days. They’re known for being adaptable, easy-going, friendly, and devoted.
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Maltese
The charming Maltese is a petite breed known for their elegant white coat and dazzling black points. This ancient breed of Malta has been a beloved companion dog for over 28 centuries. The Maltese loves being carried around and having a good cuddle, but their sweet and gentle personality truly shines during playtime.
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Papillon
As beautiful and social as the butterfly, the Papillon is definitely a breed to consider when looking for a companion dog. The Papillon is friendly, alert, and wicked smart. This toy-sized breed is also very outgoing, playful, and high-energy, making it a wonderful companion that will keep you on the move.
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Poodle
If you’re in search of a highly intelligent companion that you can match wits with, then the fancy Poodle is up to the challenge! Poodles are ranked second as the smartest breed due to their skill levels for instinct, problem-solving, and the ability to follow human instructions. All three sizes—standard, miniature, and toy— are energetic, playful, and thrive on companionship.
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Pug
Who doesn’t love the Pug mug? You will never be bored with this mischievous charmer as your companion. While the Pug is an easygoing couch potato, they do require both a mental and physical outlet to keep them out of trouble.
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Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed that has spent centuries providing humans with not only companionship but also a warm lap. This playful and affectionate breed has a spirited and joyful personality which allows them to make friends wherever they go. They are known for their ability to be happy anywhere, their long lifespan (11 to 16 years), and the ability to get along with everyone, especially the elderly. This lap dog does require grooming and opting to keep its coat short can save you time and hassle if you plan on going outside often where the long hair could get dirty.
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis come in two distinct breeds: the larger Cardigan Welsh Corgi with its long tail and the shorter Pembroke Welsh Corgi with its bobtail. Pembroke Welsh Corgis thrive on human companionship and are happy and devoted members of the family. They are smart dogs who are excellent with kids and love cats too!
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Brittany Spaniel
If you have the room for this bird dog to run, it will be the perfect pet for you. The Brittany is one of the easiest pets to train and with a healthy background and minimal grooming, it's one of the easiest to take care of. Overall a great family pet, the Brittany can be the perfect companion pet for you and your whole family.
If you're looking for a companion for your family, let us help you find the perfect pet. We work with trusted breeders and can bring your puppy right to you!
