The term “companion dog” entered our life relatively recently, or rather, when a person stopped seeing only his assistant in his four-legged friend: a guard, a watchman, and a hunter. However, the need for communication with this devoted and intelligent being has not disappeared.
Especially strongly it is felt by urban residents, practically deprived of communication with nature. The “user-defined” characteristics of dogs are no longer so important (and sometimes not at all important) to the modern city dweller: violently bark at strangers, engage in the fight against an attacker, pursue and raise game. Today, a person is first of all looking for a friend in a dog who will always keep him company - a long winter evening in the house, on the summer beach, for a walk in the park.
Which breeds are suitable as companions?
Today, the International Federation of Cynologists (FCI) distinguishes between ten groups of dog breeds that differ in the nature of their application. The ninth group includes companion dogs. Breeds (best) can be large and small, white and multi-colored, long and short-haired. It only depends on the choice of the owner.
Companion dogs do not guard yards, are not shepherds. Their main task is to always be near their master, and not cause him any inconvenience. What can be a companion dog? The breeds can be different. Someone is delighted with smart and funny spaniels, someone likes Labradors, and someone believes that a more devoted and faithful friend than a Rottweiler cannot be found.
Companion Dog Requirements
It is generally accepted that companion dogs are brought up by people with disabilities, single and elderly people who need a faithful friend and helper, families with children in order to instill a sense of responsibility and kindness in the child. All this is so. But, in our opinion, a loyal friend who will love you simply for what you are is needed by every person.
Experienced dog handlers believe that when choosing a companion dog (especially when the owner needs his help), you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- simplicity in maintenance and care;
- unpretentiousness in food;
- obedience;
- physical stamina.
These indicators are relevant if you are attracted to the large and medium breed of companion dogs. Decorative kids do not differ in physical endurance, moreover, caring for them is not always easy. Companion dogs of small breeds are first of all pets that will brighten up your evening, sitting comfortably on your lap, will keep you company on an evening walk.
But do not forget that for any (even the smallest) training and education are required from a very young age. If you neglect this main rule of dog handlers, your cute pet will turn into a cunning and uncontrollable animal.
So, let's figure out which dog breeds are companions? Perhaps from the descriptions below you can choose your four-legged friend.
Companion dog: breeds for an apartment
These are representatives of small breeds that are created only to be pets, and to please the owner with their appearance (and behavior). Today there are a lot of such animals. Here is some of them.
Dwarf Pomeranian
This adorable teddy bear, the photo of which you see below, is one of the most popular decorative dogs. Even in the Middle Ages animals were described that looked very much like Pomeranian Spitz. In the XVIII century (according to descriptions), these animals differed from modern individuals in larger sizes. Their weight reached 13 kg.
In the course of further breeding work, only small animals were allowed for breeding. So, gradually, the breed acquired more and more miniature sizes. In 1896, the Pomeranian was formed as a separate breed, in which two weight categories were allocated - up to 3.5 kg and more than 3.5 kg.
Pomeranian Spitz - a dog firmly built, compact, with a square format. The body of the Spitz is short, with a deep chest and rounded ribs. It is covered with lush, thick hair, a little harsh to the touch. Spitz has a calm character, is very attached to the owner, not aggressive, so this doggie can easily cope with the role of a companion.
Bichon frize
Despite its miniature size, the Bichon Frize companion dog is a pretty tough animal. If your family has very young children, then they should try to explain how to carefully handle these charming dogs.
For older children, Bichons are great companions. They are very playful and funny, they can play with kids for hours on end.
Pug
And it’s hard to find such fun companions for children. Pugs are stronger than many other small dog breeds. They are very brave and quick-witted. They can even become guards for young children. And for adults, these are infinitely kind affectionate and sensitive creatures.
Medium sized animals
A fairly large group of more than two hundred representatives are medium-sized dogs. We can say that this is a conditional category. It includes representatives of different classes that have similar parameters. The weight of these animals should not exceed 25 kg, and height - 57 cm.
Schnauzer
Every dog will love this dog. The average schnauzer is characterized by excellent abilities, is easily and quickly trained, gets along with all family members. This animal is also attractive because it has virtually no molt. You will not find wool on clothes and upholstered furniture. The difficulty in leaving is only in regular (twice a year) trimming.
Schnauzers never give out inadequate reactions, they have a healthy nervous system. Schnauzers clearly distinguish members of their family, treat strangers wary.
Labrador retriever
And you can talk about this universal dog for hours. In recent years, a Labrador Retriever companion dog has been particularly popular. She is smart, her working qualities are applicable when accompanied by visually impaired people. It is used at customs to search for drugs.
This animal has incorporated all the best that is inherent in dogs. This is a stable psyche, flexible disposition, the absence of unjustified aggression, good nature. Everyone can keep such a dog at home. Care for it will be minimal, it is unpretentious in nutrition.
The energetic Labrador Retriever needs active walks. Training these animals will not cause difficulties even for novice dog breeders, they are able to learn up to three hundred phrases spoken by man.
Large breeds
Owners of large dog breeds declare with confidence that keeping a large animal has many advantages. Large dogs have a very impressive appearance, which discourages lovers of "joking", to get to know you better. Despite the fact that large dogs are quite wary of strangers, with people close to them they are the embodiment of tenderness and love. Big dogs are great companions for hiking, walking, and jogging.
German Shepherd
Hardly anyone knows the German Shepherd companion dog. This is a universal, physically strong and intelligent animal. Its capabilities cannot be overestimated. The German Shepherd is a great choice for families with children. In addition, it is suitable for couples, both young and active, and the elderly, who love evening walks in the park.
These dogs feel comfortable in small city apartments and on rural farms. The only thing the owners need to remember is that this dog is not designed to live on a chain or in an aviary. She desperately needs love and attention. And if she receives them in the right amount - you cannot find the most devoted animal.
Irish setter
And these red-haired beauties are not only great fun people endowed with tremendous energy, but also smart women. If you happen to spend several hours with this dog, then you will realize that the Irish Setter is an ideal companion.
Initially, this breed was bred as a hunting one, therefore, even today the enthusiasm and energy of a hunting dog has been preserved in this animal. He is very inquisitive - the best thing for this handsome man is to learn everything new that surrounds him. It just so happened that the Irish setter became the favorite of presidents, world stars and ordinary people. Such a companion dog will become your reliable companion for many years.