What dogs are considered companions, their characteristics and the best breeds

The so-called companion dogs entered our lives relatively recently, when a city dweller needed to communicate with a dog. He began to need her precisely as a friend with whom he could spend long winter evenings or be a companion for walks in the park. This breed should be obedient and comfortable to keep.

What kind of dogs can be considered companions?

Which breed of companion dog to choose depends on personal preference. Someone likes Labradors, many love spaniels, and someone does not like the soul in standard schnauzers.

All these breeds have one thing in common – the qualities that allow these animals to exist without any problems at home.

Thus, a companion dog must be:

• small or medium size;
• her coat should not require special care;
• perfectly managing without great physical exertion;
• calm towards people and other animals;
• which can be looked after by all members of the family;
• without health problems.

These qualities should be considered in more detail.

companion dogs

Small to medium sized companion dogs

Many keep large dogs in their small city apartments and are unlikely to be comfortable in such conditions. To make her life easier she needs to be walked at least half a day. By purchasing a small companion dog, you can be sure that in a small apartment it will feel very good and should not be walked for very long.

Companion dogs with a coat that does not require special care

Many breeds have a coat that does not require special care. It is enough to comb it once a week. Therefore, it is worth refusing to purchase such long-haired breeds as:

• Afghan Hound;
• Pekingese;
• Yorkshire Terrier;
• Shih Tzu;
• Shelty and others.

If the hair of animals of these breeds is not cared for, then it quickly becomes dirty, begins to tangle and stray into tangles. It will take a lot of effort and time to put the wool in order.

In breeds such as Airedales, Schnauzers, Kerry Bull Terriers, the coat needs to be trimmed. Although this procedure is done infrequently, but systematically. That’s why companion dogs must have coatthat does not require special care.

Companion dogs that don’t need much exercise

Many pet owners work late hours and their pets are forced to spend the whole day in the apartment. Therefore, it is easier to acquire a breed that will not need long walks.

A dog that needs to be walked often becomes a burden for many. If she does not splash out her energy, then very soon starts playing pranks in the apartmentwhen the owner is not at home, and during walks he will not follow commands or obey the owner.

Eternally busy people should not start such energetic and gambling breeds as the Doberman, Belgian Shepherd or Greyhound. Companion dogs should be of moderate temperament.

Companion dogs, calm towards people and other animals

These animals should treat people and animals kindly, and not create problems for the owner with their aggressive behavior.

Breeds such as the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, which characterized by increased aggression and malice towards all surrounding people and animals, require a serious approach to their upbringing. This behavior is unacceptable for a companion dog.

Companion dogs that all family members can care for

If the family has small children or elderly people, it is necessary to choose a breed with which it is not scary to leave both a small child and an elderly mother. This will make life a little easier for the owner of the dog, who will not have to run away from work every time, because even a schoolboy can walk with such a breed.

In addition, such dogs do not establish leadership in the family, such as, for example, a Rottweiler prone to dominance.

Healthy Companion Dogs

To keep the dog does not cause any special problems, you should choose breeds that have good health. They just have to take the worms out get vaccinated annually and treated for fleas and ticks.

Such a dog should always be close to the owner both on hikes in the mountains and on walks in the forest, and be in excellent shape. If she constantly has to be brought to her senses, bandaged her paws, treated her ears, injected heart and pain medications, then any walk will turn into torment.

The following dog breeds have health problems:

• English Bulldog (cannot stand heat and exercise, weak heart);
• Shar-Pei and mastino Neapolitano (skin folds hanging over the eyes cause eye diseases, in some cases leading to blindness);
• German Shepherd (due to the sloping croup in 99% of cases, hip dysplasia occurs);
• Dachshund and basset hound (the load is unevenly placed on the spine, because of this, paralysis of the hind legs may occur);
• Great Dane, St. Bernard, Mastiff (due to their large size, the musculoskeletal system suffers, joints become inflamed).

Best Companion Dog Breeds

This category includes the following breeds:

• Poodle.

Recognized as the smartest breed in the world. Poodles are very kind, extremely intelligent, undemanding in food, and can live up to 18 years. But their wool requires special carethat needs to be combed and cut.

• Continental Toy Spaniels.

They are in second place after the poodle in terms of mental abilities. Ideal for people who, for certain reasons, cannot walk them every day. This breed can be litter box trained. Only the coat also needs to be looked after.

• Cocker spaniel.

He loves children very much. It is fun to spend time with him, the Cocker Spaniel loves outdoor games. The most friendly breed.

• Golden retriever.

Good with children and the elderly. This breed is considered a natural healer. Golden retrievers are used in capistherapy, they improve the condition of sick people. These dogs bark a little and do not seek dominance in the family. But because of their large size, it is difficult to keep them in a small apartment.

• Pug.

Very playful and obedient, do not leave the owner a single step. Caring for them is easy, and their small size makes them comfortable to live in small apartments. Their health is quite fragile, so they need to be fed properly.

• English bulldog.

They look very stern, but in fact they are a benevolent breed. Their character is calm and a little phlegmatic, they love children. In care, they are completely unpretentious.

• Beagle.

The perfect dog for kids. They are very active and constantly demand to play with them, but at the same time they are an obedient breed. Even a schoolboy can train him.

• French Bulldog.

It can be walked for a short time. He has a good disposition and loves children. It quickly becomes a family favorite.

No matter how kind and obedient companion dogs are, they still need to be trained, otherwise they can get spoiled and create problems in the family.