Companion dogs: popular breeds and features of choice

The concept of a companion dog has come into use relatively recently, but it is it that fully reflects the purpose of this group of animals. They are ideal for brightening the loneliness of an elderly person or accompanying a child on a walk. The lack of a clearly defined working purpose does not at all cancel the popularity of the four-legged companions. But not every breed of dog can become a good companion of a person. Who can be fearlessly entrusted with accompanying children and the elderly?

A list of the best medium, large and small breeds will help you make the right choice. Wherein it is worth considering the features of the content. For example, giant dogs or animals with plentiful hair 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 keeping. And what else is worth considering when choosing a four-legged companion?

Who is she, a dog wearing the proud title of companion? First of all, this is a true 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. Sustainable psyche. Companions should not show aggression, hysteria, disobedience. Most often, these dogs are sanguine or phlegmatic, calm enough, not seeking leadership.
2. Good disposition. Companion dogs should be good to the owner, members of his family, and 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, navigate the situation independently. A vivid example is the guide, who themselves decide how to act, taking into account human security.
4. The minimum difficulties in leaving. Dogs that shed heavily or require regular complex grooming may not be suitable for a child, an elderly person, or a busy owner.
5. Good learning ability. A companion dog should easily learn commands and comply with generally accepted rules of behavior.
6. Focus on the person. This factor is one of the most important. The companion dog will prefer the opportunity to stay with the owner to the company of fellow tribesmen, the pursuit of cats, and other external irritants.

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

Not every small breed can become a good companion. However, there are decorative and simply compact dogs that easily find contact with humans. Among the leaders in the list of the most sociable babies of the canine world, one can meet such.

• Pugs These charming couch potatoes are perfect for living in a city apartment, they are loved by both children and senior citizens. The pet does not need complicated care, it is very attached to the owner, shows miracles of good nature. With reasonable dietary 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. Allocate short-haired, wire-haired, long-haired subspecies. Dogs are distinguished by a rather obstinate character, but they are devoted to the owner, are able to fulfill the functions of protection, to warn of danger.

• Japanese hins. A rather rare decorative breed with a rich coat. Its representatives are distinguished by meek disposition, sociability, but do not tolerate rough treatment. In content, Japanese hins are surprisingly unpretentious, easily becoming lovers of the whole family.

• Yorkshire Terriers. The breed has a high intelligence, good character, but requires a fairly high physical activity from the owner. If the dog does not exhibit, it is worth taking care to relieve it of excess hair.

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

Among the companion dogs, there are many who have medium sizes. Such animals may be kept in an apartment and in a private house. Most breeds are short-haired, do not cause trouble during molting.

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

• German boxer. A companion dog with a bright appearance, cheerful and active - the best friend of children and a brave defender. Boxers can be safely wound up as a companion of a child on walks.

• Collie or scottish shepherd. Medium sized dogs with a good character and luxurious appearance. They should be chosen by a person who loves long walks and outdoor activities.

• Sharpei. Exotic medium-sized breed managed to become quite popular. Companion dogs in this case will exhibit unobtrusive behavior and cost short walks.

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

• Saint bernard. Calm good-natured man can be used as a family dog, but walking with him and conducting other activities is better for adults. The breed requires space, because it has very large dimensions. The dog needs moderate walks, health monitoring.

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

• German Shepherd. Until recently, the mind, physical strength and character of these dogs were in demand mainly in the field of official dog breeding. Today she is valued and as a wonderful companion - on walks, hikes, trips and swims a faithful friend will be there.

• German dog. Leisurely giants have a phlegmatic character, do not mind lying on the couch, share the evening with the owner by the fireplace. As a companion, they demonstrate loyalty and devotion, are ready to protect the owner in a critical situation. With proper education, neither at home nor on a walk the dog will cause trouble.

A shorter coat minimizes the time required to care for companion dogs. Among the popular breeds in this category, you can find miniature animals, and quite large dogs that can protect the owner. The most compact owners of a shortened coat are dwarf pinchers. They are courageous, playful, get along well with children and other animals, have high intelligence.

French and English bulldogs are yet another candidate for leadership among companion dogs. They are small, good-natured, leisurely, sincerely love their owner. Boston Terriers have similar characteristics, even outwardly resembling bulldogs. These playful babies are wonderful in 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 owner. In a family these are gentle and affectionate dogs. But if the peace of the owners is threatened by strangers, the dog will turn into a serious threat to their health.

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

• sheltie - miniature, active, gets along well with children;
• Pekingese - a small tyrant with a golden heart, requires attention, jealous, a good companion for an elderly person;
• poodle - obedience champion, easily tolerates haircuts and bathing, a great friend for a child;
• Border Collie - fluffy fidgets 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 - a decorative breed that can become 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 maintenance.

When choosing a dog, it is important to consider the conditions of its keeping, the level of experience and physical activity of the future owner. In a city, in an ordinary or small-sized apartment, the developed skills of a hunter or watchman will greatly interfere with the animal. In a private house, it is quite possible to get a dog of medium or large breed that can raise an alarm or scare away strangers. Also, residents of the suburbs can afford the maintenance of fluffy pets, while in the city the abundance of wool can be 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 a walk in the carrying;
• with a good disposition, perky, but not too intrusive;
• not needing complicated care.

For the elderly with minimal motor activity, a calm pet is suitable that does not need long walks. Small and medium dogs with good obedience will help them defeat inactivity and brighten up 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 large enough animals - Labradors, German shepherds, boxers, bobtails. They are distinguished by obedience, high intelligence. For kids, Spitz, Sheltie, Border Collie will be great companions. Playful and carefree dogs will not let children get bored, diversify their leisure time and become a good alternative to computer games.

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

When choosing a companion dog, be sure to consider the gender of the pet. The dog will not bring puppies, but can cause serious problems during puberty or run away for a walk. Dogs are generally more independent and tend to show leadership. Bitches are more emotional, affectionate, but have their own characteristics of content. If there are no breeding plans, The safest solution is to sterilize the dog.

Blood purity for a companion dog is often of secondary importance. 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 favorite one there. Many of these organizations provide the opportunity for preliminary acquaintance. For several visits, you can get an idea of ​​the nature, physical strength, obedience of the animal.

Mestizos of thoroughbred dogs and very outbred pets often turn out to be 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 for all dogs, but many large animals willingly spend most of their time on the street. 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 a companion itself does not provide for chain content - a person’s friend will have to create special conditions.

The optimal solution is a spacious walking aviary, attached to the house. It is good if the pet has a special door through which he can penetrate the street and return. In the aviary, the dog should also have a well-equipped shelter, allowing shelter from rain or heat, drinking bowls, feeders. A warm house, many dogs with copious winter coat prefer a human dwelling. German Shepherds, Collies, Husky, St. Bernards are well adapted to this content.

The maintenance of large dogs in the apartment causes serious problems not only to the owner, but also to neighbors. Abundant molting, loud barking, a specific smell - all this is not compensated by even the best character. The city dog ​​must undergo a training course, have a special chip or token, a collar and other necessary ammunition. Companion dogs are strongly attached to owners, so leaving them alone for a long time is not recommended.

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

See the next video for the top 7 breeds of companion dogs for the apartment.