Companion Dog

These are breeds that were bred primarily to be companions with no particular working requirements.
Some Companion Dog Breeds are among the oldest of all living dog breeds. It has been argued that the reason dogs were domesticated in the first place was for companionship and to enhance human status. As a bonus, most Companion Dog Breeds are very alert and will sound an alarm at the approach of visitors.
There is an interesting question as to when dogs where first selected primarily as companions rather than as workers. Even with the Australian Aborigines dogs are used to warm the sleeper at night (A "three dog night" being a cold night).
Generally Companion Dogs are medium sized to small (40 lbs or less). Some of the companion breeds seem to be miniatures of larger breeds developed for specific work. Traditionally, dog organizations have created a separate category for "Toy Dogs". Here, we have grouped Toy Dogs as a separate subgroup category within the Companion Dog Group. They may be dwarf proportioned with short legs relative to body length or normal proportioned, retaining the "square" (or leg length roughly equal to body length) proportions of the wild canids. It must also be noted that not all Companion Dogs are necessarily small breeds. Some South American Indians, for example, preferred large and hairless Companion Dogs.
Ideal Companion Dogs are outgoing and affectionate to humans and other animals, have only moderate levels of energy, are attentive to training and generally weigh less than 30 lbs. They may have long coats requiring regular grooming. Selective breeding has greatly supressed both the hunting instincts and the territorial instincts. Their behaviors tend to remain in the puppy stage for an extended period during their maturation ("behavioral neoteny") and this accentuates their bonding to humans and increases the likelihood that they may develop separation anxiety when left alone. It is important to remember that although almost all Companion Dog breeds are small dogs NOT ALL SMALL DOG BREEDS ARE COMPANION DOGS.
Appearance is very important to most Companion Breeds. Most were selected to look "cute," that is to retain a non-threatening, baby-like ("neotenous") appearance with big eyes, a large skull, and a shortened muzzle. These dogs appear to be the antithesis of the long headed, light eyed, prick eared "wolf." Some Companion Breeds, acquired and owned as status symbols, reflect the cultural notions of "elegance" in their native land. Yet others are held as curiosities because they are extremely small.
While it may be argued that the pet trade, especially of this century, has taken former hunting dogs and turned them into "companion dogs" (for example: the Yorkshire Terrier, a ratter now rarely seen with a mouse in its mouth), these dogs usually retain their tendency to hunt and show less accommodation to the companion dog lifestyle.