I won’t be the first to say this, but adulting is hard, and having one of the best dog breeds for companionship can really help. The majority of us face the rat race of a nine-to-five, cook for ourselves most days, and try to keep our living spaces in good order. This is before we’ve thought about hobbies or seeing friends!
One thing you might feel as though you’re missing out on is a friendly face waiting for you after work (or someone you can check on with one of the best pet cameras). Or, perhaps you’re yearning for a home office pal if you work remotely (someone who might be kept busy playing with one of the best dog puzzle toys, for example). A dog is the perfect candidate to fill this role, and the right one will always be happy to see you, dish out the best cuddles, and fit perfectly into your lifestyle. If you need any more convincing, look no further than our list of 32 reasons dogs make the best companions.
If you’re looking to make the leap into companion pup ownership, but don’t have a clue where to start with your breed research (which should include breed health research), keep reading for some of our favorite companion breeds. Remember, though, that every dog is an individual and may not foster every breed trait.
32 best dog breeds for companionship
1. Labrador
Labrador retrievers are the OG family dog. They’re super outgoing, highly trainable, and very sociable dogs which are just a few reasons to love Labradors. They’re on the bigger side at just under 2ft tall in height and 79lbs in weight, but they won’t stop them from sharing the sofa for cuddles with their favorite human.
2. German shepherd
These big balls of floof are athletic, intelligent, and loyal. Weighing up to 90lbs and standing taller than 2ft, they were bred to guard and herd sheep, so make for both excellent service dogs and great home security hounds. German shepherds love to be kept busy with training and it’s important to socialize them from a young age. They’re not entry-level dogs, but if you want a dog who’s both obedient and loving, they could be the breed for you.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Weighing in at up to 13lbs, the pint-sized Jack Russell Terrier is perfect for anyone looking for a loving pal with a side of energy. One of the best dog breeds for life on the farm, they were originally used for hunting vermin, these pups are high-activity, so don’t be fooled by their small stature. They also love to disappear into the undergrowth, so make sure you keep tabs on them with one of the best pet trackers. As well as enjoying adventures with you, Jack Russells love to cozy up with their families and are loyal to their pack. They’re the ultimate cross between lap dog and athlete!
4. Kooikerhondje
This fluffy mid-sized pooch is a rare breed from the Netherlands famed for its swishy tail. The Kooikerhondje is a playful, friendly dog with a cheerful disposition and is super loving. Another fairly active breed, this pup requires more than average walking and mental stimulation. At the same time, these dogs are laid back and adaptable and can fit in well with an active owner.
5. Boston Terrier
These little dogs stand around a foot tall and are all about family. Bright and curious, these pups need about an hour of exercise a day, which is doable for most people. They love to play and socialize and are pretty trainable.
6. Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Named after the 17th-century British monarch for their long, wig-like ears, the Cavalier King Charles is a popular family dog due to their size (they weigh on average around 15 lbs) and outgoing personalities. They are eager to please, love the company of their humans, and enjoy spending time at play. They need around an hour of exercise a day and daily pampering to keep their fluffy coats matt-free.
7. Shih tzu
This feisty breed’s name is often translated from Mandarin as “little lion”. They adore company so are best suited to homebody humans, and require 30–60 minutes of exercise a day. The Shih Tzu’s small stature, standing on average at 25cm and weighing roughly 13lbs, makes them the ideal portable lapdog. As long as they’re with you, they’ll be happy as a clam!
8. Greyhound
If you like a large dog but can’t commit to the exercise requirements of a Labrador, the greyhound is the ultimate couch potato pup for you. Quiet, calm and ever-so snuggly, this long-snooted pooch will have a couple of short bursts of the zoomies per day before settling in for a long day of snoozing. It’s generally recommended that greyhounds do well with two 20-minute walks per day, but they can cope with longer walks, too.
9. West Highland Terrier
Hailing from the Scottish mountains, the Westie is a 20lb ball of floof suited to owners with quiet lifestyles. They also do well in apartments. They’re cheerful, friendly, and have an independent nature which means they are happy to be left for periods without getting worried – provided they have the best dog toys to play with.
10. Japanese Chin
This diminutive doggo weighs just 5–6lbs and only requires gentle walking, so is a great city pooch. With a lively and chipper personality, the Japanese Chin is full of life. They are affectionate and gentle, making them excellent pals.
11. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
This medium-sized dog has one heck of a name, but boy do they have patience, kindness, and tolerance in spades. As such, they make super family pets and loyal friends. They’re upbeat and active and will want to join you on plenty of walks. They have webbed paws, too, making them one of the dog breeds that were made for swimming.
12. Affenpinscher
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll love these Ewok-looking little guys. The ‘Affe’ part of their name is German for monkey – their expressive faces and penchant for mischief make it easy to see why! They have wiry coats, weigh up to 10lbs, are playful and friendly and always funny to watch. With affectionate souls, Affenpinschers are delightful household companions. Their exercise requirements can be met by a couple of short, brisk walks and some playtime and they love to chase, so make sure that recall’s tight!
13. Pug
With their big eyes, solemn expression, and cute curly tails, I’m willing to bet a pug could melt your heart. They have been bred over centuries as companion dogs and have adorned the lap of many a high society lady in eras gone by. While they may be small in size (some are as small as under a foot tall, pugs aren’t short on personality. They have quite a voice, and can be stubborn, but are overall loyal, lovable, and can be found lounging around the house - they don’t need much exercise compared with other breeds.
14. Havanese
Chilled-out and cute, the havanese is usually around 10 lb in weight and fits nicely on a lap. Hailing from Cuba, these good-natured dogs dish out love and affection like it’s going out of style and their even-temperedness makes them great for families. They’re quiet relative to other toy breeds, so they’re great for travel or apartment living.
15. Cocker Spaniel
Bright, brainy, and with boundless energy, cocker spaniels are so darn cute with their long ears and waggy tails. It’s hard to imagine a more cheerful pooch, and they love to please – even if their minds tend to wander in training. They’ll need more than an hour of walks and play per day, but once the work is done they are more than content to sit at your feet or by you on the couch - especially while chewing on one of the toughest dog chews.
16. Yorkshire Terrier
This teeny-tiny dog can weigh as little as 2lbs! Friendly and affectionate, yorkies make great family companions but despite their size and lower exercise requirement, you can still expect the sass and moxie of a true terrier type. They’re extremely soft, playful, and adaptable – but will always keep you in the loop should someone come to the door!
17. French Bulldog
Not to be confused with the Boston terrier or pug, French bulldogs are small dogs with big personalities. Despite a penchant for being curious and wandering off, Frenchies love human company and are great for remote workers.
They’re playful and will love to play games with you, but be aware they have a relatively low exercise tolerance. If you love hiking, a Frenchie might not be best for you - unless you feel up to carrying around your 26lb companion!
18. Schipperke
This bold, curious and super-smart breed is a natural-born leader, originally bred to catch rodents and keep watch. As such, they tend to be vocal! Schipperkes are small but mighty and like to apply themselves to hard work and exercise. That being said, Schipperkes makes happy, loving family members who love to be involved in all activities
19. Pomeranian
Alert and inquisitive, the pomeranian is a natural-born companion known for a loving and loyal nature. They weigh anything from 3-7lbs, so can’t cope with rough handling, and have a low to moderate exercise requirement. They love to play and are naturally bright, so are relatively easy to train.
20. Chihuahua
These tiny toy dogs stand at around just a foot tall. If you ever wondered "How long do dogs live?" You'll be happy to know that this breed can live up to 20 years. Don’t be fooled by their small size, though – chihuahuas have big personalities and have intelligence to boot.
Though playful, they don’t need too much exercise and they crave human companionship, making it difficult to leave them for any length of time. Thankfully they’re extremely portable, and can come with you almost everywhere you go!
21. Daschund
This low-bellied pup is often affectionately known as a ‘Velcro dog’ because they stick to their owners like, well, Velcro! However, this 11lb pooch goes by many names – sausage dog, wiener dog, or doxie to name a few. With a devoted and loving personality, dachshunds form strong bonds with their owners and do well with regular short walks and frequent playtimes.
22. Great dane
From little to large! As the name suggests, the great dane is an extra large breed of epic proportions, standing at 3 feet at shoulder height and weighing up to 175 lbs. Great danes have a gentle and affectionate personality and bond intensely with their family members. Their friendly demeanor and relatively low exercise requirement make them great for lounging around the house with.
23. Cockapoo
This curly-coated mixed breed is a super-popular pet and a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle. As such, they vary in size and weight but are generally a medium-sized dog. Known for their inquisitive, intelligent, and outgoing nature, cockapoos get along well with the whole family and want to spend all their time with the group. They get along well with children and other pets and are eager to please in training.
24. Golden retriever
These beautiful dogs have wonderful temperaments and as such are at the top of the list for a family pet. Weighing up to approximately 79lbs, golden retrievers will keep the whole family active with their high walking requirements and feeling the love with their affectionate nature. You might want to invest in one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, though – these babies can shed!
25. Whippet
Whippets are very similar to the laid-back greyhound in terms of look and temperament – they’re just a scooch more compact. In terms of play and exercise, most whippets need around an hour per day. After that, they’ll happily snooze by your side or your feet. Quiet and gentle, these dogs make wonderful companions but will not enjoy rough play from kids, so younger family members will need to be educated.
26. Deerhound
In terms of looks, this Scottish breed could not be further from the Westie. Standing tall and often weighing over 100lb, the deerhound can be recognized by its shaggy coat and slender frame. However, they are just as suitable as companions for their gentle, outgoing, caring natures and its tolerance for all the family. They benefit from at least two hours of play and exercise per day and are well suited to hiking.
27. Miniature schauzer
This beloved breed is the whole package - smart, loving, and athletic all in one! A true terrier type, mini schnauzers have a busy brain, a decent exercise requirement, and are loyal to their humans, keeping watch and giving out kisses left, right, and center. They are in that sweet spot between a small and medium dog, meaning they can easily come out and about with you.
28. Tibetan Spaniel
The easygoing Tibetan Spaniel is an adaptable pooch who is up for anything as long as it’s with their favourite human. Weighing around 13lbs, these dogs have active minds and love to learn, but can be stubborn at times. They’re great city and apartment dogs, too.
29. Poodle
Poodles can be three recognized sizes, the smallest being the mini at around just around a foot tall to the shoulder, and the largest being the standard at up to two feet. They are super trainable and athletic and love to be given tasks to do – be it a dog sport or playing with one of the best snuffle mats for dogs. Eager to please and affectionate, a poodle of any size is the kind of dog eager to bond with you.
30. English Bulldog
With wrinkly skin and a cheeky grin, the English Bulldog is stocky and docile. Their gentle natures make them loving companions, though they may need a little perseverance with the training as they have a will of their own for sure! With an exercise requirement of 30 daily minutes, bulldogs are always up for chilling on the sofa with their best human buddy.
31. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
With their cute smiley faces, staffies are as adorable as they are bright and happy. Affectionate and playful, these medium-sized pups crave companionship and are fiercely loyal. They need early socialization to ensure they’re comfortable making friends and once you’ve won their love, you’ve got it for life.
32. Maltese
This toy dog breed weighs in at just 4 lbs - some would argue they are the ultimate lap dogs and can often be found with a cute little bow holding their long hair out of their eyes. The maltese is bold and bright and does well with a couple of short high-energy exercise sessions in a day. They are fearless, capable of learning loads of tricks and are especially trusting and loyal.
