Companion dogs: popular breeds and features of choice

The concept of a companion dog came into use relatively recently, but it is this that fully reflects the purpose of this group of animals. They are ideal to brighten up the loneliness of an elderly person or to accompany a child for a walk. The absence of a clearly defined working assignment does not negate the popularity of the four-legged companions. That's just not every breed of dog can be a good companion of man. Who can fearlessly entrust the accompaniment of children and the elderly?

The list of the best medium, large and small breeds will help to make the right choice. Wherein should take into account the features of the content For example, giant dogs or animals with abundant coat are not very suitable for an apartment. A small decorative dog, on the contrary, will require the creation of the most comfortable conditions for its maintenance. And what else is worth considering when choosing a four-pawed companion?

Who is she - a dog that bears the proud title of companion? First of all, it is a faithful friend, capable of devotional and selfless service to man. Among the distinguishing features of such a dog, regardless of breed, several characteristics can be noted.

1. Stable psyche. Companions should not demonstrate aggression, hysteria, disobedience. Most often these dogs are sanguine or phlegmatic, fairly calm, not seeking leadership.
2. Good temper. Companion dogs should be good to the owner, his family members, other animals. Regardless of the size of the dog, this factor is very important.
3. High intelligence. The animal should easily and quickly adapt to the conditions of detention, to navigate the situation independently. A vivid example is the guides who decide for themselves how to act, while taking into account the safety of the person.
4. The minimum difficulty in the care. Dogs that are abundantly molded or require regular complex grooming may not be suitable for a child, elderly person, or busy owner.
5. Good learnability. A companion dog should easily assimilate the team, follow the generally accepted rules of behavior.
6. Focus on the person. This factor is one of the most important. A companion dog will prefer the opportunity to be with the owner to the tribal society, the pursuit of cats, other external stimuli.

Among the modern breeds of dogs you can find a lot of those who fit the definition of a companion. How to make a final decision and make the right choice? Which dogs are the best among small, medium and large varieties? A detailed review will help to understand.

Not every small breed can become a good companion. However, there are decorative and simply compact dogs that easily find contact with a person. Among the leaders in the list of the most sociable kids dog world can be found such.

• Pugs These charming homebody is great for keeping in a city apartment, they are loved by both children and pensioners. A pet does not need complicated care, he is very attached to the owner, he shows the wonders of good nature. With reasonable nutritional restrictions, pugs are quite capable of living for more than 15 years.

• Dachshunds. Initially this is a hunting breed, but it has every chance of becoming a good companion. Short-haired, wire-haired, long-haired subspecies are distinguished. Dogs are distinguished by their rather obstinate temperament, but they are devoted to the owner, capable of performing guard functions, warning about danger.

• Japanese Chinas. A rather rare today is a decorative breed with a rich coat of wool. Its representatives are distinguished by meek temper, sociability, but do not tolerate rough treatment. The content of Japanese quins is surprisingly unpretentious, easily becoming lovers of the whole family.

• Yorkshire terriers. The breed has a high intellect, good character, but requires a rather high physical activity from the host. If the dog is not exposed, it is worthwhile to take care of ridding it of excess coat.

• Chihuahua Compact decorative dogs are different fervent temper, able to become loyal friends for children. There are long-haired and short-haired options. You can choose the best option in size, color.

Among companion dogs there are a lot of those who are of medium size. Such animals may be kept in an apartment and a private house. Most breeds are short-haired, do not cause hassle during molting.

• Dalmatian. Contact dogs with a cheerful disposition and presentable appearance are great for a family or a lonely person. They are content with moderately long walking, undemanding in food.

• German boxer. Companion dog with a bright appearance, cheerful and active - the best friend of children and a brave defender. A boxer can safely start as a child's companion on walks.

• Collie or Scottish Sheepdog. Medium sized dogs with good character and luxurious appearance. They should be chosen by a person who loves long walks and active rest.

• Shar Pei. Exotic breed of medium size managed to become quite popular. Companion dogs in this case will demonstrate unobtrusive behavior, will cost short walks.

Calm and balanced dogs of large sizes are perfect for men aged, not wanting to give up walking and active life. Of course, the child of such a pet cannot be trusted, but it looks solid and may well protect a woman or an adult during outdoor activities, sports. Among the breeds of large dogs that are suitable as a human companion, it is worth highlighting such.

• St. Bernard. A calm good-natured person can be used as a family dog, but it is better to walk with him and conduct other active activities to adults. Breed requires space, because it has a very large size. The dog requires moderate walks, health monitoring.

• Golden Retriever or Labrador. These are the best family dogs or companions of active people.They need walks, attention of the owner, moderate training. High intelligence makes them participants in all sorts of dog shows, but even as a pet, retrievers are absolute favorites.

• German Shepherd. More recently, the mind, physical strength, and character of these dogs were in demand primarily in the field of service dog breeding. Today, it is also valued as a wonderful companion - on walks, on trips, trips and swims, the faithful friend will be close by.

• German dog. Leisurely giants have a phlegmatic character, not averse to lying on the sofa, sharing the evening with the host by the fireplace. As a companion, they demonstrate loyalty and dedication, ready to protect the owner in a critical situation. With proper upbringing, neither at home nor on a walk will the dog be troublesome.

Shortened coat minimizes the time spent on caring for companion dogs. Among the popular breeds in this category, you can find miniature animals, and fairly large dogs that can protect the owner. The most compact owners of shortened coat are dwarf pinschers. They are brave, playful, get on well with children and other animals, have high intelligence.

The French and English Bulldogs are another leading candidate among companion dogs. They are small, good-natured, unhurried, sincerely love their owner. Similar characteristics have Boston terriers, even superficially resembling bulldogs. These playful babies have an excellent character, but need careful monitoring of their health.

More serious, but very popular companion dogs - bull terriers and american staffordshire terriers, strongly attached to the host. In the family it is gentle and affectionate dogs. But if the calm of the owners is threatened by strangers, the dog will turn into a serious threat to their health.

Companion dogs with long hair are quite diverse in size and appearance. Among the leaders on this list are:

• sheltie - tiny, active, gets along well with children;
• Pekingese - a little tyrant with a golden heart, needs attention, jealous, a good companion for an elderly person;
• poodle - champion of obedience, easily tolerates haircuts and bathing, a great friend for a child;
• Border Collie - fluffy restless, with a balanced character, require physical activity from the owner;
• bobtail - differs in rather large sizes, almost does not fade, will always be near the owner;
• spitz - there are several types and sizes - from miniature to large, their wool requires complex care;
• american cocker spaniel - decorative breed that can be a great companion for an adult single person;
• shih tzu - owner of a luxurious fur coat, friendly and naive dog, a good companion for family content.

When choosing a dog, it is important to consider the conditions of its maintenance, the level of experience and physical activity of the future owner. In the city, in a regular or small apartment, the skills of a hunter or watchman will greatly hinder the animal. In a private house, it is quite possible to have a dog of medium or large breed, able to raise the alarm or scare away strangers. Also, residents of the suburbs can afford the maintenance of fluffy pets, whereas in the city an abundance of coat can become a serious problem.

For a pensioner with an active lifestyle, and a pet you need the appropriate:

• compact, so that you can take with you to the country or walk in the carrying;
• good-tempered, perky, but not too obsessive;
• not in need of complex care.

For older people with minimal physical activity, a calm pet who does not need long walks is suitable. Small and medium-sized dogs with good obedience will help them to overcome physical inactivity and will brighten up the hours of loneliness.

For children, companion dogs are selected based on the age of the young owner. If the child is a schoolboy, you can choose quite large animals. - Labradors, German Shepherds, Boxers, Bobtails. They are distinguished by obedience, high intelligence. For babies, spitz, sheltie, border collie will be excellent companions. Playful and carefree dogs will not let the children get bored, diversify their leisure time, they will be a good alternative to computer games.

If you want to captivate the child with useful activities, increase his responsibility, you can choose a breed that can participate in competitions. Agility, frisbee, competition in obedience will help the child feel much more confident. And animals with good pedigree can be shown at exhibitions, and here children of school age also willingly participate in this procedure, learning the basics of handling, preparing the pet for the show.

When choosing a companion dog, you must take into account the sex of the pet. A dog will not bring puppies, but can cause serious problems during puberty or run away for a walk. Dog-boys are generally more independent, tend to show leadership skills. Bitches are more emotional, affectionate, but have their own characteristics of the content. If there are no breeding plans, The safest solution is to sterilize the dog.

Companion dog blood purity often has a secondary meaning. For a child or an elderly person, saving a pet from loneliness will be a good experience. To do this, just go to the shelter and find your pet there. Many of these organizations have the opportunity to get acquainted. In a few visits you can get an idea of ​​the character, physical strength, obedience of the animal.

The half breeds of purebred dogs and completely mongrel pets are often owners of high intelligence and good character. So the choice here depends on the personal preferences of the future owner.

Street living is not recommended to all dogs, but many large animals willingly spend most of their time outside. This can be a big plus for the owner of a private house with a plot. Wherever the owner is, he will receive a pleasant companion and a brave guard. True, the status of the partner itself does not provide for chain content - a friend of the person will have to create special conditions.

The optimal solution would be a spacious open-air cage, attached to the house. It is good if the pet has a special door through which he can penetrate the street and return. In an open-air cage, a dog should also have an equipped shelter, which makes it possible to shelter from rain or heat, drinkers, and feeders. Many dogs with a plentiful coat of wool in winter prefer a warm house to a human dwelling. German shepherds, collie, husky, St. Bernard are well adapted to this content.

The apartment maintenance of large dogs gives serious problems not only to the owner, but also to the neighbors. Abundant molt, loud barking, a peculiar smell - all this is not compensated by even the most good character. A city dog ​​must complete a dog training course, have a special chip or token, a collar and other necessary ammunition. Companion dogs are strongly tied to the owners, so leaving them for a long time alone is not recommended.

Room maintenance is suitable for small smooth-haired or wire-haired dogs - miniature terriers, poodles, representatives of decorative breeds. Do not be afraid of grooming. Most problems are easily solved. hygienic haircut or short hair "under the puppy."

Top 7 breeds of companion dogs for an apartment, see the following video.