When you’re ready to get your own “man’s best friend,” there’s so much to think about to make the right choice for you, your family, and the dog that comes home with you. People bring dogs into their lives for many reasons—some for protection, some for therapy, and some for companionship. What you’ll be looking for in each breed will differ. 

If you want to bring a dog into your home to provide companionship, first, ask yourself a few questions and consider what’s most important. Then, browse the best breeds for companionship and find the right fit for you.

What to Consider Selecting a Dog for Companionship

Before checking out breeds online or at your local shelter, first, go over these top considerations.

Are You Looking for Emotional Support?

An emotional support animal provides a different kind of companionship, often helping people with depression, anxiety, socialization issues, or loneliness. Companion dogs and emotional support dogs are different, however. An emotional support dog with ESA registration carries certain protections for housing and travel, while a companion dog does not.

Do You Need a Pet That’s Good With Kids?

A good companion for adults may not be the right fit for kids. Even gentle giants, like Great Danes, can be a safety hazard for small children, as the dog could easily and accidentally knock them over. Consider how old your kids are, whether you plan to have more kids, and the kind of temperament you’re looking for for the whole family.

Puppies = More Responsibilities

While puppies add cuteness to any home, they come with a lot more responsibility than adopting an older dog. There’s the potty training, basic leash skills, and socialization skills that you must teach them to have a well-behaved dog. You can train your puppy on your own or pay a trainer to do it, but it takes a significant time commitment either way.

Individual Personality Matters

While breed information is a great starting point to find the right dog for you and your family, individual personality matters more. You don’t want to take home an aggressive Golden Retriever, and you also don’t want to write off a gentle and loving Pit Bull just because of some negative perceptions and misunderstandings.

Best Breeds for Companionship

While all kinds of dogs are great and bring their own strengths, certain breeds lend themselves exceptionally well to companionship, including:

• Golden Retriever
• Border Collie
• Australian Shepherd
• Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
• Labrador Retriever
• Pug
• Chihuahua
• French Bulldog
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Miniature Schnauzer

Bringing the Best Dog Home

The best dog for your friend or extended family member may not be the best dog for your household. It would be best to consider things like activity level, whether or not emotional support is needed, the size and age of children in the home, and the dog’s age to find the right fit. Then, browse the best breeds for companionship and start attending meet and greets so you can bring home a best friend for the family.