Dog companion: breeds, features and selection criteria

The term "companion dog" entered our life relatively recently, or rather, when a person stopped seeing in his four-footed friend only an assistant: a guard, a watchman, a hunter. However, the need for communication with this devotional and intelligent being has not disappeared in man.

Especially strongly it is felt by urban residents, practically devoid of communication with nature. Modern "city dwellers are no longer so important (and sometimes completely unimportant)" custom "characteristics of dogs: violently bark up strangers, join the fight with an attacker, pursue and raise game. Today, a person first of all is looking for a friend in the dog who will always make him a company - a long winter evening at home, on a summer beach, for a walk in the park.

What breeds are suitable for the role of companions?

The International Federation of Cynologists (FCI) distinguishes to date ten groups of breeds of dogs that differ in the nature of their application. The ninth group includes companion dogs. Breeds (best) can be large and small, white and multi-colored, long and short-haired. It depends only on the choice of the owner.

Dogs-companions do not guard the yards, they are not shepherds. Their main task is always to be near their master, and not cause him any inconvenience. What can be a companion dog? Breeds can be different. Someone is delighted with clever and cheerful spaniels, someone likes labradors, and someone thinks that a more loyal and loyal friend than a rottweiler can not be found.

Requirements for a companion dog

It is generally believed that companion dogs are given to disabled people, single and elderly people who need a loyal friend and assistant, families with children, to bring up a sense of responsibility and kindness in the child. All this is true. But, in our opinion, a true friend who will love you just for what you are, is needed by every person.

Experienced cynologists believe that when choosing a companion dog (especially when the owner needs his help), it is necessary to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Simplicity in maintenance and care;
• Unpretentiousness in food;
• obedience;
• Physical endurance.

These indicators are relevant if you are attracted by a large and medium breed of companion dogs. Decorative kids do not differ in physical endurance, besides care for them is not always easy. Dogs-companions of small breeds are first and foremost pets, which will brighten up your evening, sitting comfortably on your knees, will make you company for an evening walk.

But do not forget that for anyone (even the smallest) it is necessary to train and educate from an early age. If you neglect this main rule of dog handlers, your cute pet will turn into a cunning and uncontrollable animal.

So, let's figure out which breeds of dogs are companions? Perhaps, from the descriptions below, you can choose your four-legged friend.

Companion dog: breeds for an apartment

These are representatives of small breeds, which are created only to be pets, and to please their kind (and behavior) of the owner. Today there are quite a few such animals. Here are some of them.

Pygmy Pomeranian Spitz

This charming bear cub, whose photo you see below, is one of the most popular decorative dogs. Even in the Middle Ages, animals were described that looked very much like Pomeranian Spitz. In the XVIII century (if you believe the descriptions), these animals differed from modern individuals in larger sizes. Their weight reached 13 kg.

In the course of further breeding work only small animals were allowed to breed. So, gradually, the breed became more and more tiny. In 1896 the Pomeranian Spitz was formed as a separate breed, in which two weight categories were singled out - up to 3.5 kg and more than 3.5 kg.

Pomeranian Spitz is a dog that is firmly built, compact, with a square format. The body of the spitz is short, with deep chest and rounded ribs. It is covered with magnificent thick hair, a little harsh to the touch. Spitz has a calm character, very affectionate to the owner, not aggressive, so this dog can easily cope with the role of companion.

Bichon Frize

Despite its tiny size, the companion dog of the Bichon Frize breed is a fairly strong animal. If your family has very young children, then they should try to explain how carefully to handle these charming dogs.

For older children, bishops are great companions. They are very playful and funny, they can play with the kids for hours and hours.

Pug

And it's hard to find such cheerful companions for children. Pugs are stronger than many other small breeds of dogs. They are very brave and smart. They can even become guards for young children. And for adults, it's infinitely kind affectionate and sensitive creatures.

Medium-sized animals

A fairly large group, numbering more than two hundred representatives - are medium-sized dogs. We can say that this is a conditional category. It includes representatives of different classes that have similar parameters. Weight of these animals should not exceed 25 kg, and height - 57 cm.

Mittelschnauzer

Every dog will love this dog. The average schnauzer is characterized by excellent abilities, easily and quickly trained, gets along with all members of the family. This animal is also attractive because it lacks molting. You will not find wool on clothes and upholstered furniture. Complexity in care is only in a regular (twice a year) trimming.

Mittelschnauzer never give out inadequate reactions, they have a healthy nervous system. Schnauzers clearly distinguish members of their families, to outsiders are wary.

Labrador retriever

And you can talk about this universal dog for hours. In recent years, a companion dog breed Labrador Retriever is particularly popular. She is smart, her working qualities are applicable, accompanied by the visually impaired. It is used at customs, to search for drugs.

This animal absorbed all the best that is inherent in dogs. This is a stable psyche, complaisant temper, the absence of unjustified aggression, good nature. Everyone can keep such a dog at home. Care for her will be minimal, in nutrition she is unpretentious.

An energetic labrador retriever needs active walks. The training of these animals will not cause difficulties even for beginning dog breeders, they are able to assimilate up to three hundred phrases spoken by a person.

Large breeds

The owners of large breeds of dogs with confidence declare that the content of a large animal has many advantages. Large dogs have a very impressive appearance, which discourages lovers of "joking", to get to know you better. Despite the fact that large dogs are very wary of strangers, with people close to them they are the embodiment of tenderness and love. Large dogs are great companions for hikes, walks, joint jogs.

German Shepherd

It is unlikely that someone is unknown to a German Shepherd dog companion . This is a universal, physically strong and intelligent animal. Its capabilities can not be overemphasized. German Shepherd will be an excellent choice for families with children. In addition, it is suitable for couples, both young and active, and the elderly, who love evening walks in the park.

These dogs feel comfortable in small urban apartments and in rural farms. The only thing that owners need to remember is that this dog was not created for life on a chain or in an enclosure. She desperately needs love and attention. And if she gets them in the right amount - you can not find a devotee of an animal.

Irish Setter

And these red handsome men are not only big cheerful people, endowed with tremendous energy, but also clever. If you happen to spend several hours with this dog, then you will understand that the Irish setter is the ideal companion.

Initially, this breed was hunted, so today the enthusiasm and energy of the hunting dog is preserved in this animal. He is very curious - the best thing for this handsome man is to learn everything new that surrounds him. It so happened that the Irish setter became a favorite of presidents, world stars and ordinary people. Such a companion dog will be your reliable companion for many years.