Many dog lovers will argue that any dog is a good companion. Indeed dogs by their friendly nature are good companion dogs. In the strict sense though and for differentiation, dogs that do not work and do not particularly excel at any task other than companionship is a companion dog. When the decision for adopting a dog is to have a companion, the choices will be limited generally to smaller dog breeds that are expected to serve no particular task other than as a pet and as a comforter.

This tradition of having small dogs for decoration dates back thousands of years to Chinese nobility where the Pug and the Pekingese where favorites. In Europe, lap dogs are also popular with royalties and the wealthy throughout history and are still used as gifts today. In fact because of their generally small breed, companion dogs loves to sit on their owner’s lap that earned them the term of lap dogs aside from their comforting warmth.

Several companion dogs for example the Maltese, terriers and spaniels were breed with the intention of serving good company for refined ladies and gentlemen during the 19th century. Children and dogs though have this natural affinity to each other that popularity of companion dog breeds increased. In the 20th century, middle and lower classes began having companion dogs to chum up with their children. In fact, the parameter by which a good dog breed is measured on is in the dogs being a good family pet. By that it means that the dog is friendly to both man and other smaller animals and gentle.

Companion dogs have a life expectancy of up to 16 years. They weigh, depending on the breed, from 4 to 16 pounds and are prone to ailments that are related to their size. Before adopting a dog for a companionship, it would be well to do a little research regarding health, ailments, and other breed specific issues on health.

Companion dogs being generally small dogs are energetic and rambunctious. While they are not ideal around children because they move very fast, they are good company to older people who could use extra cheer around the house. One of the downside to having a companion dog is that because of their size, they are vulnerable to larger animals. When you are located in areas where winters could be very cold, you would want to consider companion dog breeds that are fluffy or are longhaired.

The benefits far outweighs the risk though as these dogs are content to follow wherever their owners go, are very easy going, and are content to sit with their owners for long periods of time. They are excellent pets for people living in small apartments, they also cost less to maintain and are excellent for people that are less active since the running around the house is exercise enough for them.

Some of the most popular companion breed dogs are the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Dachshunds, and Shih-Tzus.

Check out some great recipes:

Canine Cookies #2

Canine Cookies #2 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 egg — well beaten 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion salt 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar 1/2 cup water 6 tablespoons gravy 2 jars baby food,... [Read more]

Apple Crunch Pupcakes

Apple Crunch Pupcakes 2 3/4 cups water 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 2 tablespoons honey 1 medium egg 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup apple, dried 1 tablespoon baking powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix... [Read more]

Bread Machine Dog Biscuits

Bread Machine Dog Biscuits 3/4 cup Beef stock — *see Note 1 egg 3 tablespoons oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/3 cup Bulgur — *see Note 1/3 cup Bran 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast Place... [Read more]

Barking Barley Brownies

Barking Barley Brownies 1 1/4 pounds beef liver — or chicken liver 2 cups wheat germ 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour 1 cup cooked barley 2 whole eggs 3 tablespoons peanut butter 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon salt — optional Pre... [Read more]

Champion Cheese & Veggies Chews

Champion Cheese & Veggies Chews 1/2 cup grated cheese — room temp. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 teaspoons applesauce 1/2 cup vegetables — what ever you like 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 cup whole wheat flour nonfat milk Mix cheese,... [Read more]

Bone Bonanza

Bone Bonanza 1/2 pound ground beef — uncooked 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup black beans, cooked — mashed 1/3 cup cottage cheese 1 teaspoon soy sauce Combine ground meat and chicken broth in a bowl. Add the black beans and cottage cheese. Add... [Read more]

Dog Biscuits #3

Dog Biscuits #3 3 1/2 cups flour 4 teaspoons salt 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup dry milk 1 cup rye flour 1 egg 1 cup cornmeal 1 package dry yeast (1 T.) 2 cups cracked wheat 1 pint chicken stock (Ingredients not generally available at grocery stores... [Read more]

Doggie Biscuits

Doggie Biscuits 3/4 c Hot water or meat juice 1/3 c Margarine 1/2 c Powdered milk 1/2 ts Salt 1 Egg, beaten 3 c Whole wheat flour Mix well – roll in to small logs in your hands and bake at 325 degrees for about 50 mins.  Read More →

Corgi Crumpets

Corgi Crumpets 2 1/2 cups cornmeal 1 1/2 cups cake flour 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 egg 2/3 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 small apple 1 1/3 cups water 1/2 cup rolled oats Preheat oven to 350. In a... [Read more]

Cheese And Garlic Dog Cookies

Cheese And Garlic Dog Cookies 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese — grated 1/4 pound margarine — corn oil 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 Pinch salt Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt, and flour.... [Read more]