Dogs are considered by many to be the best pets in the world. They’re loyal, friendly, adorable, and offer endless amounts of unconditional love to their human family members.
Because of this, dogs are by far the most popular pet in the United States. In fact, of the 85 million American families that own at least one pet, over 63 million of them are dog owners.
Now, like humans, every dog is an individual. However, each breed of dog has a set of likely personality traits. But if you’re on the hunt for a new addition to your family, companion dogs are the best choice.
Some dogs are great hunters, other dogs are outdoor lovers, companion dogs are snugglers! These dogs love nothing more than to cuddle up with their owner under a blanket or go for a nice walk around the neighborhood.
To learn about some of the best companion dogs to help you decide which is best for your family, just keep reading!
- Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers have a reputation for being some of the best family dogs out there – and for good reason! Goldens are friendly and affectionate and take well to strangers, making them one of the least likely to show aggression.
They’re such pleasant dogs, in fact, that they’re a popular choice for those in need of a service or therapy pet.
Golden retrievers are a large breed, about 2 feet tall and typically between 55 and 75 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females.
- Chihuahua
If you’re in search of a small dog, it doesn’t get much better than a chihuahua. Because chihuahuas are so tiny, you can take them just about anywhere, and there’s nothing they love more!
Chihuahuas are miniature guard dogs and will alert you if they spot any strange animals or people near your home. And though this gives them a bad reputation of being yappy, your chihuahua will be perfectly friendly if you socialize them from an early age.
This toy breed weighs in under 10 pounds and is only about half a foot tall. They come in a variety of coats, from short to long, and many different colors.
- Irish Wolfhound
The Irish wolfhound is quite a large dog. They’re over 100 pounds, and almost 3 feet tall with wiry coats in a variety of colors. But don’t let their intimidating size fool you, Irish wolfhounds are one of the best companion dog breeds.
Calm and loyal, the Irish wolfhound will relax on the couch with you as often as you like, as long as you take them out to stretch their long legs every now and then. Like golden retrievers, this breed is kind to both family members and strangers.
- American Staffordshire Terrier
Though American Staffordshire terriers are part of the pitbull family, there’s no need to worry. The idea that bully breeds are violent is a complete myth. On the contrary, the American Staffordshire terrier is sweet, goofy, loving, and wears a perpetual smile, making them superb companion dogs.
They’re medium to large dogs, but don’t tell them that – American Staffordshire terriers are known for snuggling in laps as if they’re a toy breed. They’re between 40 and 70 pounds and about a foot and a half tall. These dogs were born for adventure, making them a great choice for outdoorsmen and women.
- French Bulldog
The French bulldog, affectionately nicknamed “Frenchies” by dog lovers, is a compact breed and the perfect choice for someone who loves the look of a bulldog but lives in a small house or apartment. Like any dog, they’ll thrive with a few good walks a day. A little exercise will also keep them relaxed and ready to cuddle.
French bulldogs are a foot tall and between 19 and 28 pounds. They all have smooth coats, but you can find Frenchies in many different colors, even brindle.
- Pug
Who doesn’t love a pug? Their joyful, wrinkly, somewhat squashed appearance has earned them a great deal of attention across the internet and in pop culture.
Pugs are a toy breed, weighing 18 pounds at their largest. They’re a foot tall with a square body and short legs. Unlike some of the other breeds on this list, all pugs are the same colors: black and fawn.
- Dachshund
If you want a dog who will go anywhere with you and will enjoy playing outside as much as they love curling up under a blanket, look no further than a dachshund. Dachshunds make an extremely loyal companion and will be your shadow in no time.
Though they were bred to hunt, dachshunds are quite a relaxed breed. Now, they will alert you to animals and people they don’t recognize, but their guard dog abilities don’t extend further than that.
Dachshunds come in standard and miniature sizes. The standard dachshund is about 9 inches tall and between 16 and 32 pounds. The miniature version is only 6 inches tall and up to 11 pounds in weight.
Fondly known as “sausage dogs”, dachshunds are much shorter than they are long with wiry, smooth, or long coats and a variety of colors and markings.
Find Your New Best Friend in One of These Companion Dogs
Any dog can make a fantastic addition to your home, but certain dogs enjoy their alone time more than others, and might not be the best fit for you.
Cuddly, ultra-affectionate companion dogs are some of the best for families and those looking for their true best friend. From the giant Irish wolfhound to the pocket-sized chihuahua, you can’t go wrong!
For more tips on finding the perfect furry friend for you, take a look at our blog!