Companion dog breeds

Companion dogs were bred first of all to stay close to people. Most are small and adapt easily to family life, such as the Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Pug, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and French Bulldog.

How the breeds were chosen

The list includes breeds from FCI Group 9 (companion and toy dogs) and a few companion breeds not recognised by the FCI (such as the Bolonka or the Biewer Terrier). The Pomeranian appears here as a companion breed, although the FCI classes it under the German Spitz.

See all dog breeds.