The 15 Most Popular Companion Dog Breeds

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

There’s no doubt dogs make wonderful companions, but some were literally born for it. While beloved breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers were developed for specific jobs, companion dog breeds generally have no working history. They’re bred simply to provide love, comfort, and support to their families.

But what do dogs bred for companionship look like today? It might surprise you that they’re not all toy breeds and lap dogs. Companion breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are even working breeds that have developed a reputation for family-friendliness.

For our purposes, a companion dog breed is one that is people-oriented. These dogs form close bonds with family, preferring to spend time with their human pack over all else. They’re friendly, eager to please, and adaptable to various lifestyles (as long as their emotional and physical needs are met).

Ready to find your new furry best friend? We’ve assembled a list of the 15 best companion breeds to help you get started on your journey.

1. Affenpinscher

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Originally developed as mousers, Affenpinschers have become popular as small companion dogs. They’re known for their wild, wiry coats and affectionate personalities. Weighing no more than 10 pounds at maturity, this small breed is well-suited to apartment life. Requiring moderate daily exercise, they’ll be satisfied with indoor play sessions and a walk or two outside.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short to medium, wiry
• Height: 9-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-10 pounds
• Colors: Black, black and tan, black and silver, red, beige
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

2. Bichon Frise

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An all-around friendly little dog, the Bichon Frise was developed for companionship among European nobility. Bichons get along well with children and other dogs. They also tend to respond well to positive reinforcement training and have been known to excel in dog sports such as obedience, agility, and even canine freestyle dance. While their personalities are relatively undemanding, their fluffy coats require regular grooming.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, curly, double-coated
• Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 12-18 pounds
• Colors: Usually white (sometimes with areas of apricot, buff, or cream color)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Individuals, families, people with allergies

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—affectionately known as Cavs, for short—are intelligent and eager to please. Though developed from larger sporting spaniels, they were always intended as a companion dog breed. They’re known for their gentle, loving temperaments and playful natures. While well-suited for family life, their silky coats require regular upkeep.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, wavy, and silky
• Height: 12-13 inches
• Weight: 13-18 pounds
• Colors: Blenheim, black and tan, black and white, ruby
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Families with children, urban dwellers, multi-pet households

4. Chihuahua

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The epitome of a large dog in a small body, Chihuahuas are known for their big, sassy personalities. Originally developed in Mexico, they’re one of the oldest dog breeds native to the Americas but have adapted well to modern life, especially city life. Chihuahuas require consistent socialization and training—responding well to positive methods—but they make loyal and loving companions for many homes.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short or medium-length and smooth
• Height: 5-8 inches
• Weight: Up to 6 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, urban dwellers, families with older children

5. Cocker Spaniel

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Bred for hunting and retrieving, Cocker Spaniels retain their athleticism, but their loving personalities make them good companion dogs. The Cocker Spaniel shines as a family pet, getting along equally well with children and other dogs. They’re affectionate, playful, and gentle by nature but do require regular grooming and plenty of exercise.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, silky, double-coated
• Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
• Colors: Black, golden, liver, red, parti-color
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, multi-pet households

6. French Bulldog

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Easily identifiable by their big, bat-like ears and short snouts, French Bulldogs are popular among city dwellers. With their playful temperaments and moderate exercise and mental stimulation needs, Frenchies are less demanding than some other small breeds. They’ll be happy with a daily walk, some active play, and plenty of quality time with the people they love.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: Up to 28 pounds
• Colors: Brindle, solid colors, parti-color
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

7. Golden Retriever

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While technically a working breed developed for hunting, the Golden Retriever consistently ranks among the most popular dog breeds in the US. Goldens are beloved for their sweet and affectionate personalities, as well as their intelligence and eagerness to please. These dogs make great family pets and adapt to a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a family companion or an adventure buddy, this breed is one to consider.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length and double-coated
• Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
• Colors: Dark to light golden
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, families with children

8. Havanese

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Natives of Cuba, Havanese dogs are smart, playful, and silly. Born extroverts and former circus dogs, they’re eager to make friends with anyone who crosses their path while remaining devoted to their human families. The Havanese is the quintessential companion dog breed, but they also excel in dog sports, such as obedience and trick training. Despite the length of their silky double coats, they don’t shed excessively and may be appropriate for allergy sufferers.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, silky, double-coated
• Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-13 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, people with allergies

9. Maltese

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Known for their long, silky coats, the Maltese dog was bred specifically for companionship. While sometimes stubborn, they’re smart and charming and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training. Maltese are incredibly affectionate with their human families and are happiest with caretakers who have plenty of time, affection, and attention to dedicate to them.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and silky
• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: Up to 7 pounds
• Colors: White (sometimes with lemon or tan markings)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

10. Papillon

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With their elegant appearance, you might not expect the Papillon to be as hardy and athletic as a dog twice their size. However, they make incredible agility dogs and consistently rank as top contenders in the sport. For those less ambitious, these pups can also learn all types of tricks.

Friendly and energetic, Papillons are affectionate with family and are one of the best dog breeds for first-time pet parents. Because they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, they’re best suited to active lifestyles or pet parents interested in training their pup for dog sports.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length and silky
• Height: 8-11 inches
• Weight: 5-10 pounds
• Colors: Various combinations of white, black, red, sable, and fawn
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, urban dwellers

11. Pomeranian

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Though descended from working breeds like the German Spitz, the Pomeranian is a companion dog through and through. This tiny toy breed has a long, fluffy coat and an affectionate personality, making them the ideal cuddle buddy. Pomeranians are bright and alert but not overly energetic. They’ll appreciate a daily walk or active training session followed by a quick nap curled up in your lap.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

12. Poodle

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With three sizes to choose from, the Poodle is a versatile breed. The largest of the three, the Standard Poodle, was bred for water retrieving. However, the smaller Toy Poodle and Miniature Poodle are primarily kept for companionship. Poodles are smart, sweet, and low-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies. If you’re up to the challenge of regular trims and consistent training, a Poodle could be your perfect pup.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and curly
• Height: Up to 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)
• Weight: 4-6 pounds (toy), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 40-70 pounds (standard)
• Colors: White, gray, brown, cream, red, silver, apricot
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, people with allergies

13. Pug

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Charming, affectionate, and mellow, the Pug is well-suited to urban life. These little dogs need daily exercise, but a neighborhood walk or two should do. Afterward, they’re perfectly happy to snuggle up on the couch for a snooze. Pugs are generally good with other dogs and get along well with children, making them an excellent fit for families and multi-pet households. Just prepare yourself for some loud snoring!

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 10-13 inches
• Weight: 14-18 pounds
• Colors: Black, fawn
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

14. Shih Tzu

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Another pint-sized pup known for having luxurious locks, the Shih Tzu is the ideal companion dog breed. They’re highly affectionate—particularly with children—and have only moderate requirements for exercise and mental stimulation. As long as you’re willing to maintain their coats, Shih Tzus are adaptable to a variety of lifestyles.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Silky and flowy double coat
• Height: 9-10.5 inches
• Weight: 9-16 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

15. Yorkshire Terrier

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Affectionately known as Yorkies, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin. However, their beautiful coats and affectionate personalities quickly earned them a lasting place among the best companion dog breeds. They’re small, smart, and sometimes bossy, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more loyal friend.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and silky
• Height: 7-8 inches
• Weight: Up to 7 pounds
• Colors: Blue and gold, blue and tan, black and tan, black and gold
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active singles or families, urban dwellers, people with allergies