
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:
Dog Cookies With Chicken BrothDog Cookies With Chicken Broth 2 cups whole wheat flour 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup sunflower seeds — shelled 2 tablespoons corn oil 1/2 cup chicken broth 2 eggs 1/4 cup low-fat milk 1 egg — beaten Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large... [Read more]
Dixie’s DelightsDixie’s Delights 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup unsalted peanuts — chopped In a small bowl, mash banana and peanut butter together using a fork. Mix in wheat germ. Place in refrigerator for about an hour until,... [Read more]
Boo’s BiscuitsBoo’s Biscuits 3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 cup Quaker oats 1 cup milk 1/2 cup hot water 2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes 1/2 cup meat drippings Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat. In a separate bowl, mix flour... [Read more]
Bulldog Banana BitesBulldog Banana Bites 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup powdered milk — nonfat 1 egg 1/3 cup banana — ripe, mashed 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon cube 1/2 cup water — hot 1 tablespoon brown sugar Mix all ingredients until will... [Read more]
Beef TwistsBeef Twists 3 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose 1 cup cornmeal 1 package unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup corn oil 1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained 1 beef bouillon cube 3/4 cup boiling water — or beef stock Dissolve bouillon cube in... [Read more]
Beef and Rice MoochiesBeef and Rice Moochies 1 jar babyfood, dinner, vegetables and beef, strained 2 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup rice 1 package unflavored gelatin 1 whole egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cup powdered milk 1 package yeast 1/4... [Read more]
Basenji StewBasenji Stew 4 small parsnip — **see Note 2 whole yellow squash — cubed 2 whole Sweet potatoes — peeled and cubed 2 whole Zucchini — cubed 5 whole tomatoes — canned 1 can garbanzo beans, canned — *see Note 15 oz 1/2... [Read more]
Dog BiscuitsDog Biscuits 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup dry milk — powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon brown sugar 6 tablespoons beef fat1 egg — beaten 1/2 cup ice water 1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a cookie sheet.... [Read more]
Baby Food Doggie CookiesBaby Food Doggie Cookies 3 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained — *see Note 1/4 cup cream of wheat — *see Note 1/4 cup dry milk Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten... [Read more]
Classic Canine CookiesClassic Canine Cookies 4 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup cornmeal 1/4 cup cooked rice 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Juice from a small orange 1 2/3 cups water Mix all ingredients together well. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll... [Read more]