13 Ideal Companion Dog Breeds for Various Lifestyles
Companion dogs elevate the concept of "man's best friend" to a new level. They are usually happiest when they are with their human pack.
While some breeds are born to work jobs such as herding livestock or guarding property, companion dogs typically love to sit by you and be engaged in whatever activity you're doing. They tend to be eager to please, friendly, and exceptionally loving.
Here are some of the best companion dogs.
While certain breeds are known for being friendly and eager to please, all dogs still need ample training and socialization to make them suitable companions. Plus, it's important to remember that individual personalities within a breed can widely differ.
Breed Characteristics
Many of the best companion dog breeds are part of the American Kennel Club toy group. But breeds from the sporting, hound, and terrier groups are represented as well.
The best companion dogs also include some of the largest and smallest dog breeds, as well as dogs of varying energy levels, to allow you to find the right companion for your lifestyle.
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Papillon
With a lively expression and alert ears, the papillon is always on the lookout for fun. These small companion dogs were a favorite of European royalty and are also beloved by children for their playful nature.
Considered a toy spaniel, the papillon is petite in size. But they are still quite energetic and intelligent, requiring a fair amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, happy, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Straight and long; white with markings and a mask of color, usually red, sable, black, or lemon
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Chihuahua
Chihuahuas tend to develop a strong bond with their humans and enjoy spending time with them, especially curled up in their laps. They have relatively low energy and adapt to life in a house or an apartment equally well. But, ever alert, they will sound the alarm if they see unfamiliar people or animals on their turf.
Be sure to socialize this breed from an early age to help develop a friendly demeanor as the dog can be wary of strangers.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Up to 6 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, alert, lively
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short or long; smooth; black, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn, fawn and white, red
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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French Bulldog
Easygoing and friendly, the French bulldog makes an ideal companion. Popular with apartment dwellers, the Frenchie doesn’t require a big yard or room to roam. Of course, they will benefit from one or two solid walks each day, but the breed is otherwise known to be calm and relaxed.
Anyone looking for an affectionate dog will enjoy this petite bulldog’s even-tempered personality. It’s no surprise they’re considered one of the best companion dogs.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 19 to 28 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Golden Retriever
Sweet-tempered and affectionate, the golden retriever has never known a stranger. This companion dog is suited for those who want an extremely friendly, easygoing, and eager-to-please canine.
In addition to being one of the best companion dogs, the golden retriever’s pleasant disposition and attentiveness to human needs also make this an ideal choice for a service dog or therapy work.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting
Height: 23 to 24 inches (males); 21.5 to 22.5 inches (females)
Weight: 65 to 75 pounds (males); 55 to 65 pounds (females)1
Personality/Temperament: Trustworthy, intelligent, playful
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat; light to dark gold
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Shih Tzu
Believed to have originated in Tibet, these toy dogs became a favorite companion of Chinese emperors. They would sound the alarm when potential intruders approached. Other than that, the shih tzu’s chief occupation seems to have been a lap warmer.
Today, the shih tzu thrives when they can spend time with human companions. The breed tends to have a calm disposition, making it adaptable to life in an apartment or a house.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, loyal, lively
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long double coat; nearly any color, but most commonly black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
Life Span: 10 to 16 years
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Irish Wolfhound
If you’re looking for a big dog that makes a great companion, the Irish wolfhound is a calm and loyal canine. This supersized dog breed has a heart to match. The breed is known for being an excellent family dog that is attentive and loyal.
Just be sure to give these dogs a long walk each day and room to stretch their legs. Otherwise, they’re generally happy to lounge with their humans and are friendly to familiar faces and strangers alike.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
Height: 30 to 32 inches
Weight: 120+ pounds (males); 100+ pounds (females)2
Personality/Temperament: Courageous, calm, even-tempered
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium-length, wiry; black, blue, brindle, creme, gray, red, silver, white, wheaten
Life Span: 6 to 8 years
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American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire terriers look like they’re perpetually smiling, which matches their happy, goofy personalities. Despite their medium size, they’ll often be found trying to sit in someone's lap.
These dogs love to cuddle, but they also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They’re an ideal companion dog for those who want a jogging, hiking, or biking partner.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
Height: 17 to 19 inches
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Courageous, affectionate, protective
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, stiff; various colors, including black, brown, blue, fawn, red, and liver; brindle and/or white markings possible
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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Pug
The unmistakable mug of a pug is sure to bring a smile to your face. These small dogs were originally bred to be friendly companions, and they continue in that role today. They love to be by their human's side and preferably in that person's lap.
Pugs are generally easygoing dogs that don't need much space. But they do need some solid physical and mental exercise each day to prevent boredom and keep them healthy.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sweet-tempered, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; fawn or black with a black face mask
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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German Shorthaired Pointer
While German shorthaired pointers (GSP) are not your typical little lap dog, they do make great companion dogs for those who want a running, hiking, or hunting partner. They also excel in just about any canine sporting event, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking to get into agility, fly ball, dock diving, and more.
GSPs are known for being friendly, energetic, and affectionate and were bred not only for their hunting abilities but their willingness to cooperate with people.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting
Height: 23 to 25 inches (males); 21 to 23 inches (females)
Weight: 55 to 70 pounds (males); 45 to 60 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Active, bold, attentive
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short and thin; solid liver, liver and white, liver roan, or liver and ticked
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Maltese
From the Mediterranean comes the dainty Maltese, a popular companion dog breed for centuries. It’s believed that women of Roman nobility would often tuck one of these dogs into their dresses.
Today, the Maltese still loves to be cuddled and carried, making them one of the best companion dogs. These dogs are alert and will bark at intruders. But, otherwise, they are generally very sweet and even-tempered little dogs.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, fearless
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long and silky; white
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Dachshund
Sometimes called "Velcro dogs," dachshunds often become very attached to their humans. Originally bred to hunt small game, today’s dachshunds are better known for burrowing deep under a blanket than into a rabbit hole.
Available in both standard and miniature sizes, the dachshund has an animated personality and loves to keep watch for intruders on their turf. They also will often follow their favorite person from room to room and can’t wait for them to sit down and snuggle.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
Height: 8 to 9 inches (standard); 5 to 6 inches (miniature)
Weight: 16 to 32 pounds (standard); up to 11 pounds (miniature)
Personality/Temperament: Lively, independent, courageous
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Shorthaired, longhaired, or wirehaired; colors include black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red with various markings such as dapple, piebald, brindle, and sable
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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Poodle
Intelligent, friendly, and versatile, the poodle is one of the most recognizable dog breeds, and one of the best companion dogs. All three sizes of poodle—standard, miniature, and toy—make excellent companions. They all are fairly energetic, with the standard poodle needing more exercise than its smaller counterparts.
The larger poodles typically make better companions for people who lead active lifestyles while the smaller poodles tend to be a great fit for those who enjoy taking strolls around the neighborhood.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
Height: 15 inches (standard); 10 to 15 inches (miniature); 10 inches and under (toy)
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds (standard); 15 to 18 pounds (miniature); 5 to 9 pounds (toy)
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, active
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Long and curly; apricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, or white
Life Span: 10 to 18 years
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Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is a friendly and adaptable companion dog. These little dogs are well suited to city life in apartments or condos, as they don't need much space to get their energy out and tend to be easygoing even when there's commotion around them.
With a couple of walks and some playtime each day, your Boston terrier will be ready to cuddle up on the couch with you.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight 12 to 25 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
Breeds to Avoid
Some dog breeds are independent and aloof by nature, so they aren’t the right choices if you’re looking for the best companion dog to call your own. While they still make great pets, they might not give you the cuddly companionship you're looking for. Examples of such breeds include the Shiba Inu, Akita, and chow chow.
