Best Companion Dogs: Top 10 Breeds for Families and Single People

The dog-adoption process is never black and white. Everyone is looking for something different when they are trying to decide what kind of dog to adopt and bring into their home. Every breed has a different temperament and personality, as well as different kinds of care needs. If you’re a first-time pet parent, making the right decision and finding the right dog to fit your lifestyle can be even more important.

If you’re looking for a companion dog to stay at your side, you’ll want qualities like loyalty and affection. You might also want a dog who doesn’t need hours of exercise a day and who will sit by you on the sofa while you watch TV. However, if you have a ton of energy, you might want a dog who does need hours of stimulation a day — just like you. There are many important things to consider before you commit to a dog, and the best thing to do is to research as much as possible.

We will help you to make that important decision by breaking down all of the factors that really matter and diving into the top 10 most popular companion dogs.

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Key traits of a good companion dog

Temperament

When choosing a companion dog, many people look for an easygoing temperament. If you want your dog to always be at your side, particularly if you want to take them out to coffee shops or restaurants, you may want them to be affectionate and relaxed.

Size and space requirements

An important thing to consider when choosing a companion dog is their size and space requirements. If you live in an apartment or don’t have much space to share with a dog, you can’t really adopt a Great Dane. Consider your living situation and how a dog will fit into it.

Grooming needs

When you are choosing a companion dog, grooming is an important consideration. If a dog has complex grooming needs, it’s essential that you make sure you have the time and energy to dedicate to them. Otherwise, try to choose a dog with a low maintenance coat.

Exercise and activity levels

Everyone’s lifestyle is different, so what kind of companion dog you choose will depend on how much time you can dedicate to their exercise. If you work a ton and won’t be home, maybe don’t pick someone who needs two or three hours of exercise daily. If you love to get out and roam, a dog that does need more exercise could be a great option.

10 best companion dogs

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers make the absolute best companion dogs for lots of people. They are loyal, affectionate, sweet, and so even-tempered. They can be very cuddly and are amazing with kids, so if you’re bringing a dog into a family home, they could be a great choice. However, they do need one to two hours of exercise per day.

2. French Bulldog

Unlike some dogs on this list, the French Bulldog has never really been anything but a pet. That means that they are great at it. They only grow to be pretty small and don’t tend to bark a lot, making them perfect for apartments. They’re also very playful, affectionate, and clingy.

3. Border Collie

Some people claim that the Border Collie is the most intelligent breed of dog, which can mean that they need quite a lot of stimulation. They’re a medium-sized dog and need one to two hours of exercise a day, but if you have the time and space, they can be an ideal companion.

4. Pug

Pugs don’t need much exercise, only requiring shorter walks a few times a day. If you aren’t able to take a dog out for hours, a Pug could be ideal for your lifestyle. They have a very even temperament and are incredibly loving, making them the perfect friend.

5. Dachshund

Dachshunds are pretty small and don’t need to move too much, so they can fit easily into your life if you live in a smaller space. They are very faithful and affectionate, which makes them a great companion dog, particularly if you have children around.

6. Chihuahua

Despite their teeny-tiny size, Chihuahuas have a lot of energy and personality. They respond well to training and are very smart, but they do surprisingly need as much as an hour of exercise a day. This should be broken up, which makes it easier. If you bring one into your home, they are very sweet and alert.

7. Cocker Spaniel

Despite their small size, Cocker Spaniels need lots of stimulation and would benefit from up to two hours of exercise every day. If you have the time and energy, they make great pets. They are sweet, loving, and fit in easily with families.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very unique-looking dog with an adorably shaped head and big floppy ears. They are pretty small and get along well with everyone — pets, kids, people. Most importantly, they can be eager to please, which makes them a great companion.

9. Beagle

Beagles need at least an hour of exercise a day, if not two. They often work as sniffer dogs and will bring that energy into the house, so they need lots of stimulation and interesting things to sniff. They’re inquisitive and energetic, so can make great companion dogs if you have the time for them.

10. Labrador Retriever

Like their Golden Retriever cousins, Labradors need to move a lot. However, in return you get a playful, friendly and affectionate dog. They can fit in perfectly in any family home, and are intelligent enough to be trained easily. If you have the time and space, they could be a great fit.

Bottom line

Whether a dog is the right companion for you depends on your own personality, lifestyle, and preferences. The perfect dog for one person might not be the right companion for someone else. However, based on those factors, you can make an educated decision based on what we know about certain dog breeds’ needs and personalities.

FAQs

Which dog breed is the best cuddler?

Whether or not a dog is cuddly or not tends to be less about breed and more about their personality. If a dog has had a traumatic start in life, they might not want to be restricted. However, there are some dog breeds that are known to be particularly cuddly and affectionate, like Golden Retrievers. However, it’s better to meet a dog and make an assessment based on their personality.

What are the characteristics of a good companion dog?

Everyone is different, so what makes a dog the perfect companion for them is very personal. If someone wants to go out for several hours a day, they might want a larger dog than someone who spends more of their time sitting at home. Above all, though, a loyal and affectionate temperament is essential for most people.

How do I choose the right companion dog for my lifestyle?

When you’re trying to choose the right companion dog for your lifestyle, you need to bear several factors in mind. How much time do you have a day to exercise them? Do you work from home, or will you need to leave them behind? Do you want a dog you can travel with regularly? By considering these questions and making decisions based on them, you can find the right companion dog for you.