It's well documented that owning a dog can be good for an owner's mental health and wellbeing. They are playful, active, loyal and comforting – all attributes that help lower stress levels.
Tarik Jayousi – founder of A&T Trained Dogs, working with Marmalade Trust to highlight loneliness awareness week – says: “Dogs can offer unique companionship and provide an emotional connection strong enough to combat feelings of loneliness, which many people face.
“The relationship between humans and dogs is a powerful antidote to isolation — they are more than just pets, they become emotional anchors and a part of the family."
All dogs have this affect but there are certain dog breeds that can be particularly sociable and loyal and provide the highest level of companionship.
“The below breeds, plus so many more, are affectionate and loyal in nature and can lift spirits and provide comfort,” Tarik explains.
The 10 best dog breeds for companionship
Of course, most dog breeds will provide their owners with excellent companionship, but these are the dog breeds that Tarik explains are arguably most affectionate and loyal in nature – so don’t be offended if your favourite breed isn’t on the list!
1.Labrador Retriever
This will likely come as no surprise. The totally lovable cross-breed, the Labrador Retriever, tops the list thanks to their keen intuition and sensitivity.
“This breed is known for being friendly, outgoing and gentle,” Tarik says. “They are also highly intuitive and sensitive to human emotions, which can help them feel when their owners might need their emotional support and attention.”
2. Golden Retriever
A close second is another retriever breed. While they may be large, fluffy and bumbling, their sensitivity towards their humans is undeniable. “This breed has a calming nature, which can be great for soothing those with anxiety, and they are also gentle, friendly and tolerant,” Tarik points out.
3. Poodles
“Poodles are extremely intelligent and intuitive, enabling them to form deep bonds with their owners and provide comfort during distress,” Tarik says.
In fact, poodles are known to be incredibly companionable, and will be fiercely loyal to their family unit or ‘pack’.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These beautiful, calm dogs are known to be incredibly close to whomever they deem to be their family, and love spending as much time as possible with them, so they can be an excellent companion if you experience loneliness.
Tarik says: “This cuddly breed loves affection and has a calm demeanour. They are extremely gentle and friendly.”
5. Shih Tzu
These small dogs might be a little stubborn but they are known to be fantastic companion dogs. They usually want to be involved in everything that may be going on in their own/family’s lives, making them quite inquisitive.
“Shih Tzu’s are known for providing emotional support through affection. As the breed is also outgoing and friendly, they also love being around people,” Tarik details.
6. Havanese
The national dog of Cuba is both cheeky and cheerful, and full of energy. But most importantly, Havanese dogs love being with their owners – more so than being with other dogs, actually.
Tarik says: “This breed is very friendly and affectionate, making them extremely social dogs who thrive on human interaction, which can support their owner's loneliness by encouraging more socialising.”
7. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise have become incredibly popular dogs in the UK in recent years, and there’s a reason for that. “This breed loves receiving attention and therefore makes a great companion dog. They have a happy and affectionate nature and are very friendly,” Tarik says.
They are also known to be excellent family dogs, thriving in human company and doing well with children and other pets, too.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
You’d struggle to find a more loyal dog breed than a Yorkshire Terrier. These tiny, adorable dogs are known to be fiercely loyal to their family, and are usually happiest when they are right by your side.
“This breed is affectionate, protective and loyal,” Tarik says. “Often referred to as lap dogs, they constantly seek their owner's attention. They are great for companionship, as their small size means you can take them to various settings!” Tarik explains.
9. Corgi
Corgis make for excellent companions, whether you live alone or with others.
“Corgis are known to form strong bonds with their owners, making them amazing companions,” Tarik says. “They are also extremely loyal, affectionate, friendly and sociable dogs, which could help their owners battle loneliness.”
10. Pomeranian
Finally, the ultra-fluffy Pomeranian would make for an excellent companion, enjoying going anywhere with their owner. In fact, they are generally happy as long as they don’t get left behind.
Tarik says: "This breed enjoys being close to their owner, both physically and emotionally, and develops a close attachment to them making them great emotional support dogs. They thrive off human interaction.”
