With countless dog breeds out there, everyone is sure to find a furry companion that will suit their life circumstances. From small, lively dogs to gentle giants, there are numerous choices when researching the right companion breed.
While settling on a dog breed with this many possibilities is difficult, our article is here to help you narrow down your options to the best companion dogs.
9 Breeds That Make Ideal Companion Dogs
Below, you’ll discover nine dog breeds that make some of the best companion dogs. We’ll provide a brief overview of each dog breed and cover their highlights and average size.
Poodle
- Breed Highlights: Intelligent, Playful, Energetic
- Size:
- Toy: 4-6 pounds / Less than 10 inches
- Miniature: 10-15 pounds / 10-15 inches
- Standard: 40-70 lbs / Over 15 inches
Poodles make one of the best companion dogs with their playful and affectionate temperament. They are intelligent, adaptable, and get along well with everyone in the family, including other dogs. Poodles are also hypoallergenic and come in various sizes, making the breed a great choice for prospective owners with different size preferences.
Golden Retriever
- Breed Highlights: Friendly, Intelligent, Eager-to-Please
- Size: 55-75 pounds / 21 – 24 inches
Constantly ranking as one of the best family dogs, it is no wonder that the golden retriever made it to our list. Golden retrievers are loving and highly trainable dogs that do well in different life arrangements, making them suitable for a wide range of individuals and families.
Bichon Frise
- Breed Highlights: Playful, Curious, Lively
- Size: 12-18 pounds / 9-12 inches
The bichon frise is an excellent companion for those looking for a small, lively dog. They are happy little dogs that love participating in any household activity.
These dogs thrive and become little loving bugs with an attentive owner, spreading joy to their surroundings with cute facial expressions.
Dachshund
- Breed Highlights: Curious, Friendly, Bossy
- Size:
- Miniature: Less than 11 pounds / 5-6 inches
- Standard: 16-32 pounds / 8-9 inches
Commonly referred to as sausage dogs, dachshunds are excellent companions for individuals and families looking for a small dog without a preference for weight. Don’t let the little legs of the dachshund fool you, though. These hunting dogs have incredible stamina and enjoy outdoor activities – perfect for active dog owners.
Chihuahua
- Breed Highlights: Sassy, Affectionate, Graceful
- Size: Under 6 pounds / 5-8 inches
Chihuahuas are among the best companion dogs for individuals looking for a one-person dog. These sassy little dogs bond strongly with their owner, and a Chihuahua’s world revolves around that person. However, they tend to get jealous of children and don’t always act nicely towards young family members. This should be a consideration for families planning to adopt a Chihuahua.
Australian Shepherd
- Breed Highlights: Hardworking, Intelligent, Energetic
- Size: 40-65 pounds / 18-23 inches
The Australian shepherd is one of the best companion dogs for individuals and families living a very active life. They are the athletes of the dog world and can work tirelessly alongside their owners when given a job to do, whether it is herding or partnering on runs.
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Breed Highlights: Gentle, Loving, Powerful
- Size: 70-115 pounds / 23-28 inches
A true gentle giant, the Bernese mountain dog’s gentle and loving temperament not only makes the breed an amazing companion but also one of the best therapy dogs. Despite their bulky build and powerful appearance, Berners are the opposite of dominant. They are loving dogs that befriend anyone and everyone quickly.
Shih Tzu
- Breed Highlights: Affectionate, Playful, Social
- Size: 9-16 pounds / 9-11 inches
The shih tzu is another toy breed that makes a fantastic companion. This breed is like the Bernese mountain dog in many ways but in a smaller package. Shih tzus are social and enjoy making new friends during walks and social outings. However, there’s nothing a shih tzu takes more pleasure in than spending time with their favorite human.
Newfoundland
- Breed Highlights: Patient, Sweet, Friendly
- Size: 100-150 pounds / 26-28 inches
One of the friendliest large dog breeds, the Newfoundland is the second gentle giant on our list. They are patient and sweet-tempered dogs that make excellent companions for families looking for a large dog. With weights of up to 150 pounds, Newfies are also great cuddle buddies to snuggle all day.
Find the Ideal Companion Dog for You and Your Family
We’ve covered a variety of companion dogs, from the one-person dog Chihuahua to gentle giants such as Bernese mountain dog and Newfoundland to active dogs like the Australian shepherd.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all in companion dogs. Every prospective dog owner has preferences and different life circumstances. While the breeds covered in our article can be a good starting point in finding the best companion dog for you and your family, it all boils down to your individual preferences and lifestyle.
By considering what type of dog would suit your lifestyle and taking a closer look at the breeds we’ve mentioned, you will find the best companion dog for you and your family in no time.
