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I have a Cocker Spaniel mix named Tiny, and he doesn’t just stick close; he’s my shadow like 90% of our day. I can’t go outside alone or to the bathroom without him begging to be by my side.
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While some dogs were bred to herd, guard, or hunt, others were simply made to love (with other traits, of course). Companion dogs are the Velcro pups of the canine world: affectionate, intuitive, and happiest by your side.
From cuddly lapdogs to loyal furry friends who follow you from room to room, these are the breeds most famous for their people-loving ways, loyalty, and emotional connection to their owners.
What Makes A Good Companion Dog?
Good companion dogs are those that form strong bonds with humans and thrive on interaction. These dogs aren’t just affectionate; they want to be involved in your everyday life. They might follow you everywhere, nap by your feet (or on your feet, like my pup), or curl up beside you during downtime on the couch.
Traits of a good companion dog include:
- Strong desire for closeness
- Tolerant and affectionate nature
- Adaptability to your lifestyle
- Easygoing temperament (or loyal and watchful, depending on your preference)
Meet The 24 Best Companion Breeds
These breeds redefine “man’s best friend.” Many come in compact, couch-friendly sizes. Some are large, action-ready companions. But all of them have one thing in common: they live to love their people.
Of course, this list isn’t comprehensive. Many dogs, including mixed breeds, make excellent companion dogs. For the sake of this article, I had to narrow the list down!
1. American Staffordshire Terrier
Loyal, confident, and people-focused, American Staffordshire Terriers (AmStaffs) form deep bonds with their families and thrive on attention. They’re a misunderstood breed, often mistaken for a tough guy — a common misconception about many Pit Bull “breeds.”
They’re eager to please and surprisingly responsive to training, especially when it involves structure, praise, and a little play. With early socialization, they’re friendly, cuddly companions that love being part of the action.
- Personality: Loyal, loving, goofy with their people
- Size: Medium to large – solid muscle, soft heart
- Why You’ll Love Them: A sweet snuggler in a bodybuilder’s frame
2. Bichon Frise
Bichons are playful charmers who love everyone they meet and hate being left out. Their cheerful personality is matched by their smarts, making them easy to train with consistency and positive reinforcement.
They excel in homes where companionship is constant and affection flows freely. Bichons are great with kids and strangers, but their #1 obsession is you.
- Personality: Playful, upbeat, loyal
- Size: Small – fluff without the fuss
- Why You’ll Love Them: They bring sunshine and snuggles in equal doses
3. Border Collie
Border Collies are brainiacs with boundless energy. Highly sensitive and tuned into their humans, they excel at learning new commands and routines. But they need consisten mental and physical challenges to stay happy. Without them, they’ll invent their own (hello, herding the furniture).
- Personality: Focused, affectionate, brilliant
- Size: Medium – agile and athletic
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’ll challenge you, love you, and never leave your side
4. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are dapper little dogs with big hearts. They’re affectionate without being clingy, adaptable without being aloof, and always up for fun. Their goofy expressions and sweet snuggles make them an instant favorite for city life and lap time.
Bostons thrive on routine and love making their people laugh. Training is usually easy thanks to their eagerness and sociable nature, though their goofy streak can bring a little comedy to obedience sessions.
- Personality: Funny, devoted, always cheerful
- Size: Small – like a tiny gentleman in a tux
- Why You’ll Love Them: They bring joy with a side of snort
5. Boxer
Boxers are big-hearted goofballs wrapped in muscle. They’re loyal to the core and absolutely adore their families. While they’re known for their playful energy and signature “kid on two legs” vibe, Boxers are also gentle snugglers who love being close. Expect full-body wiggles, hilarious antics, and constant companionship.
- Personality: Goofy, loyal, full of heart
- Size: Medium to large – bouncy and brawny
- Why You’ll Love Them: Endless fun, deep loyalty, and the world’s best snuggles
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These silky-eared charmers were bred for one job only: keeping royalty company. And they still expect to be treated like royalty. Cavaliers are warm, gentle, and incredibly intuitive. They’re the type of dog that knows when you need cheering up and will curl into your lap like a living blanket with eyes.
- Personality: Sweet, sensitive, loves everyone
- Size: Small – just right for armrest snuggles
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re cuddle therapists in floofy form
7. Chihuahua
Small but intensely loyal, Chihuahuas are one-person dogs in the most ride-or-die sense. These pint-sized pups often bond deeply with one human and want nothing more than to be near them 24/7. Bonus points: they fit in a tote bag and radiate confidence like they own the planet.
- Personality: Bold, feisty, deeply devoted
- Size: Tiny – fits in your hoodie pocket
- Why You’ll Love Them: You’ll never be alone again — seriously
8. Cocker Spaniel
With their velvety ears and soulful eyes, Cocker Spaniels are the definition of emotional support. They’re affectionate, eager to please, and love snuggling just as much as they love a good walk. These dogs thrive on routine and respond to affection with even more love.
- Personality: Gentle, trusting, very affectionate
- Size: Medium – graceful and loving
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’ll follow you like a happy, hairy heartbeat
9. Dachshund
Don’t let the tiny legs fool you — Dachshunds are bold, loyal, and brimming with personality. Originally bred to hunt badgers, they’ve traded tunnels for laps and now specialize in snuggles and sass.
They’re trainable but often have their own agenda, so short, fun sessions work best. These little hot dogs bond deeply with their humans and are famously devoted.
- Personality: Feisty, loyal, a little dramatic
- Size: Small – long, low, and full of confidence
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re small dogs with big love and even bigger opinions
10. Doberman Pinscher
With their sleek build and alert expression, Dobermans might look intimidating at first glance, but ask anyone who’s lived with one, and they’ll tell you the truth: these dogs are big softies (with the right training).
Dobies form powerful, loyal bonds with their families and often follow their people like graceful shadows. They’re emotionally intelligent, highly trainable, and thrive when they’re part of the daily action.
- Personality: Devoted, intelligent, protective
- Size: Large – muscular and elegant
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re loyal, affectionate guardians who love hard and stay close
11. French Bulldog
Compact, charismatic, and comically expressive, the French Bulldog is a little dog with a huge presence. Frenchies are content with short walks and long naps. Training can be a bit of a negotiation, but their goofy charm makes every session entertaining.
They don’t bark much, but they’ll follow you from room to room with their trademark “I’m watching you” side-eye. They live for your company and your couch.
- Personality: Quirky, loving, slightly lazy
- Size: Small – couch companion perfection
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re your funny little snort buddy
12. Golden Retriever
If dogs had love languages, the Golden Retriever would speak them all. These joyful goofballs are the ultimate extroverts. They adore people, thrive on praise, and will do just about anything for a belly rub.
They’re eager learners who respond well to positive reinforcement, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. Goldens are happiest with daily mental stimulation and constant companionship. Whether you’re feeling great or having the worst day ever, they’ll be there with a wag and a nuzzle.
- Personality: Friendly, patient, affectionate
- Size: Large – big hugs incoming
- Why You’ll Love Them: The emotional support you didn’t know you needed
13. Havanese
Havanese dogs are social butterflies with a seriously cuddly side. Originally bred as lapdogs for Cuban nobility, they love being part of the action. Expect a dog that follows you around the house like it’s their job and rewards you with happy tail wags and warm snuggles, as long as they’re not left alone too often.
- Personality: Perky, playful, very attached
- Size: Small – silky, fluffy, and portable
- Why You’ll Love Them: They live to make you laugh and keep you company
14. Irish Wolfhound
Don’t let the size intimidate you; the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant through and through. Calm, dignified, and deeply affectionate, these towering hounds often act like oversized lapdogs. They bond strongly with their people and thrive in peaceful homes where they can stretch out and stay close.
- Personality: Calm, kind, quietly affectionate
- Size: Giant – one of the tallest breeds on earth
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re walking pillows with soulful eyes
15. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the Golden Retriever’s slightly rowdier cousin — loyal, goofy, and completely devoted to their people. These dogs are social butterflies and will happily follow you from morning routine to bedtime story. They’re smart enough to train, always down for an adventure, and loving enough to melt your heart.
- Personality: Energetic, devoted, never moody
- Size: Medium to large – strong, silly, and snuggly
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’ll be your shadow, your playmate, and your best friend
16. Maltese
With their flowing white coats and button eyes, Maltese dogs are made for pampering and giving it back tenfold. While training can take patience due to their independent streak, they respond well to praise and gentle consistency.
They’re affectionate and love one-on-one attention, making them loyal companions. They’ll sit in your lap all day if you let them and offer sweet affection in return.
- Personality: Quiet, loving, elegant
- Size: Small – delicate and soft
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re your living, breathing relaxation aid
17. Miniature Schnauzer
With their trademark beards and “what’s next?” attitude, Miniature Schnauzers are equal parts alert terrier and loyal bestie. Their alert nature makes them great watchdogs, and their loyalty makes them stick close to their people.
They’re smart, love routines, and will absolutely let you know when it’s walk time. Behind the tough little exterior? A total softie who wants to be wherever you are.
- Personality: Spirited, loyal, low-key needy
- Size: Small to Medium – Bearded and ready
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re goofy guardians who never leave your side
18. Papillon
Named for their butterfly-like ears, Papillons are alert, eager, built for bonding, and surprisingly tough for their size.They’re energetic enough to keep up with kids and smart enough to learn just about anything. But best of all? They’ll happily curl up with you when the day is done.
- Personality: Perky, social, attached to their people
- Size: Small – Featherlight and fast
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re tiny motivators and constant companions
19. Pekingese
This little lion dog has a big heart hidden under all that fluff. The Pekingese is dignified, a little aloof with strangers, and intensely loyal once they choose their person.
They’re independent thinkers, which can make training a slow burn, but with calm, consistent handling, they become wonderfully devoted house companions.
- Personality: Devoted, calm, occasionally opinionated
- Size: Small – Low to the ground, high in fluff
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re chill snuggle specialists with deep loyalty
20. Poodle
Don’t let the Poodle poof fool you — Poodles are one of the smartest, most emotionally intuitive companion dogs out there. These pups love learning tricks, routines, and anything that earns your approval.
They pick up on your routines fast and your feelings faster. These dogs love attention, love to learn, and most of all, love to be near you. Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles all make great companion dogs (as do many Poodle mixes).
- Personality: Clever, loyal, snuggle-savvy
- Size: Toy – Petite but powerful in affection
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re brainy cuddle bugs with a serious soft side
21. Pug
With a face only everyone could love, Pugs are cartoonishly cute and wise but can be a little stubborn at times. They don’t just want to be near you — they want to be touching you at all times.
They’re affectionate, silly, and known to throw in a little drama to get attention. Pugs are also excellent nap partners and love being included in everything, even if it’s just watching you fold laundry.
- Personality: Goofy, loving, emotionally clingy
- Size: Small – Compact, round, and irresistible
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’ll snore in your lap and steal your heart
22. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are famously gentle, drooly, and loving. These big-hearted giants adore people, especially kids, and love to be included in family life. They’re mellow indoors, loyal to a fault, and will lean on you (sometimes literally) just to be close. Just have towels ready.
- Personality: Gentle, patient, slobbery lovebugs
- Size: Giant – Massive frame, bigger heart
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re soft, slobbery, slow-motion cuddle machines
23. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are lapdog legends with centuries of royal experience. These dogs were bred to sit next to Chinese emperors — and they haven’t forgotten it. They’re low-key, cuddly, and happiest when lounging beside their favorite human. Bonus: they’ve mastered the “I’m cute and I know it” head tilt.
- Personality: Gentle, loving, built for cuddles
- Size: Small – Pillow-sized, royalty-approved
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re perfectly content to love and be loved
24. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies may be tiny, but their love is mighty. These dogs adore their people, and once they bond, they stick like glue. They’re confident, cuddly, and have no clue they’re small.
They’re intelligent and pick up commands quickly, though their spirited nature means they like doing things their way. A Yorkie is the ultimate pint-sized companion with the heart of a lion and the manners of royalty (when they feel like it).
- Personality: Bold, affectionate, delightfully dramatic
- Size: Small – Glamorous and portable
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’ll steal your socks and your heart
Which Companion Dog Is Right for You?
They’re all loyal. They’re all loving. But not every companion dog fits every lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a couch buddy, jogging partner, or oversized cuddle machine, this guide helps you pick your perfect match.
Best For Families With Kids
These dogs are affectionate, patient, and excellent with children. Some are playful babysitters, others are gentle giants, but they’re all family-approved.
- Bichon Frise – Small, cheerful, and surprisingly sturdy
- Boxer – Playful and affectionate, a clown with a big heart
- Golden Retriever – Gentle, affectionate, and born to babysit (kind of)
- Labrador Retriever – Playful, tolerant, and basically indestructible
- Saint Bernard – Massive, mellow, and famously good with kids
Best For Apartment Living
Limited space? No yard? These breeds can handle city life with grace, provided they get daily attention and love.
- Chihuahua – Tiny, portable, and fine with a cozy setup
- Dachshund – Low to the ground and big on loyalty
- French Bulldog – Low-energy and apartment royalty
- Maltese – Petite and perfectly content indoors
- Papillon – Small and peppy, with great house manners
- Pekingese – Chill, compact, and doesn’t need much space
- Shih Tzu – Adaptable and calm with modest exercise needs
- Yorkshire Terrier – Small and spirited, thrives in tight spaces
Most Cuddly Lap Dogs
These pups are happiest snoozing in your lap, leaning on your leg, or snuggling under your blanket. Prepare for a lot of (very close) love.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The ultimate lap snuggler
- Cocker Spaniel – Velvety-eared and devoted to you
- Havanese – Clingy in a cute way
- Irish Wolfhound – A literal giant lapdog with a calm soul
- Pekingese – Lap loyalty, wrapped in floof
- Pug – Always touching you. Preferably on your chest.
- Saint Bernard – Oversized and leaning hard into cuddle time
- Shih Tzu – Happy to curl up with you and call it a day
Best For Active Lifestyles
If your ideal day includes long walks, hikes, or play sessions that leave you tired, these companion dogs are up for the challenge. They’re affectionate, but they also need exercise and mental stimulation to be at their best.
- American Staffordshire Terrier – Strong, loyal, and loves being active with you
- Border Collie – Brainy and energetic, always ready for a task
- Boxer – Playful, athletic, and thrives on daily activity
- Dachshund – Small but mighty, loves exploring and sniffing trails
- Doberman Pinscher – Loyal jogging buddy with stamina and smarts
- Golden Retriever – Energetic, social, and always game for an adventure
- Labrador Retriever – Water-loving, fetch-obsessed, and full of energy
Best For Seniors
These companion dogs are low-maintenance, calm, and happy to share a quiet life filled with routines and affection.
- Bichon Frise – Cheerful and hypoallergenic
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Sweet, gentle, and ultra loyal
- Maltese – Calm, loving, and portable
- Pekingese – Independent but deeply bonded
- Pug – Low exercise needs and big nappers
- Yorkshire Terrier – Low-shed lapdog with lots of personality
Easiest To Train
If you want a dog that picks up commands fast and loves to please, these clever companions make training a breeze (or close to it).
- Border Collie – Off-the-charts smart and insanely responsive
- Doberman Pinscher – Sharp, loyal, and loves learning
- Labrador Retriever – Will do anything for your approval (and a treat)
- Miniature Schnauzer – Clever and consistent
- Papillon – Small, bright, and responsive
- Poodle – Brilliant, sensitive, and eager to please
Need Some Training Tips?
Once your new pup is home, training goes beyond just sit and stay. You’ll want to work on things like proper leash behavior, socialization, curbing excessive barking, and stopping unwanted behaviors early.
Need some professional guidance or can’t make it to in-person classes? There are excellent online training programs that offer surprisingly affordable training courses from the comfort of your home.
Want To Explore Even More Breeds?
Check out our ultimate guide on 61 Velcro dog breeds for some additional furry shadows. We also have our article on teddy bear dog breeds for some adorable puffballs.
In your experience, which breed have you found as the best furry companion? Share what you love about them the most. Let us know in our comments!
