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Companion dog breeds

Maltese, pug, toy poodle, pomeranian, shih tzu, Papillon, Lhasa Apso

The first companion dog breed may have been the Maltese, which originated around 3,000 BC – statues of Maltese dogs have been found in Egyptian tombs, and their descendents may include both the pug and the toy poodle.

Most people living in cities and suburbs are looking for a dog that will just be a pet – something that these dogs were actually developed for. They were bred, for over 5,000 years, to hang out with and entertain people. Companion dogs can be perfect for older people who need a lap dog or just company. It’s their job, after all.

They may not be a good choice if your children are small, or if your children cannot be trusted to treat the dog gently. Also, some of these little guys are nippy and snappy right from the womb, and shouldn’t be trusted around children. Puppy mills churn out small dogs that have not been carefully bred for temperament or soundness, and companion dogs bred in puppy mills may be difficult to housetrain. These are excellent reasons for getting your dog after it’s grown up and its personality (and potty habits) can be tested.