PicoPets

Companion Breeds

Loyal, Affectionate, and Always by Your Side

Companion Breeds are dogs specifically bred to form close bonds with humans, offering affection, loyalty, and emotional support. While some dog breeds are known for their working abilities or sporting skills, companion breeds excel in being loving, gentle, and devoted family members. These dogs thrive on human interaction and are happiest when they are by your side, making them ideal pets for households looking for a close, affectionate relationship with their dog. Companion breeds come in various sizes and temperaments, from small lapdogs to larger, cuddly friends, but they all share a common love for their human companions.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

Companion breeds may not have the high-energy needs of working or sporting breeds, but they still benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs enjoy interactive play with their owners, short walks, and indoor games. Many companion breeds also enjoy training sessions, which can be a great way to bond with your dog while keeping them mentally sharp. Whether it's a game of fetch, light agility training, or a puzzle toy, companion dogs thrive when their minds and bodies are engaged, even if only for short bursts.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Interactive toys to stimulate their minds and bond with their owners
  • Soft chew toys for entertainment and light exercise
  • Short walks or gentle strolls to keep them active without overexertion
  • Puzzle toys to engage their intelligence
  • Fetch or low-impact games for moderate exercise and fun

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

Companion breeds are known for their affectionate nature and thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention from their family. They are typically good with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for multi-pet households or families with kids. These breeds often form deep attachments to their owners and may follow them from room to room, wanting to be close at all times.


Early socialization ensures they are well-adjusted and comfortable with strangers, reducing any shyness or anxiety in new situations.

Affectionate + Loyal

Great with Children

Adapts Well To Owner

Breed-Type General Temperament

Companion breeds are gentle, friendly, and ideal for families, singles, or the elderly. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long, showing stress through barking, whining, or destructive behavior. Establishing a routine, giving attention, and using positive reinforcement helps prevent this. Companion breeds are easy to train as they love pleasing their owners.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Barking or whining when left alone
  • Clinginess or following owners around
  • Destructive behaviors when bored
  • Restlessness or pacing when stressed

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

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Common Breed Health Goals

Companion breeds, while generally healthy, can be prone to specific health issues depending on their size. Smaller companion breeds may face dental issues and joint problems like luxating patellas, while larger companion breeds may have hip dysplasia or weight management concerns. Regular dental care, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential to ensuring their long-term health. Companion dogs also benefit from regular check-ups to monitor for age-related issues such as heart conditions and arthritis.

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Suggested Preventive Care

Companion breeds require consistent preventive care to ensure they live long and healthy lives. Regular dental cleanings and brushing help prevent oral issues, especially in smaller breeds. Weight management is crucial to avoid obesity-related problems in less active dogs. Joint supplements can help prevent or reduce the risk of arthritis or joint problems as they age. Additionally, regular veterinary check-ups ensure that any potential health issues are caught early, allowing for proactive care.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

3: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

Average hydration needs, but regular access to fresh water is important.

Average hydration needs, but regular access to fresh water is important.

3: Innate Immune Function

Average immune function, but regular immune support can help prevent infections.

Average immune function, but regular immune support can help prevent infections.

3: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

Smaller breeds may experience joint issues, while larger breeds can be prone to hip dysplasia.

Smaller breeds may experience joint issues, while larger breeds can be prone to hip dysplasia.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Generally good digestive health, but high-quality, nutrient-dense food is essential to support their lifestyle.

Generally good digestive health, but high-quality, nutrient-dense food is essential to support their lifestyle.

3: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

Moderate energy needs, requiring regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.

Moderate energy needs, requiring regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.

4: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

Highly intelligent and responsive, benefiting from mental stimulation through training and interactive games.

Highly intelligent and responsive, benefiting from mental stimulation through training and interactive games.

3: Respiratory + Lung Health

Generally healthy, but some companion breeds may be prone to respiratory issues, particularly in brachycephalic breeds.

Generally healthy, but some companion breeds may be prone to respiratory issues, particularly in brachycephalic breeds.

3: Skin Health + Wound Healing

Average skin health, but some breeds with sensitive skin may require extra care.

Average skin health, but some breeds with sensitive skin may require extra care.

3: Heart Health + Circulation

Regular check-ups are important to monitor for heart issues, especially in older dogs.

Regular check-ups are important to monitor for heart issues, especially in older dogs.

3: Infection + Resistance

Average infection resistance, but immune support helps maintain overall health.

Average infection resistance, but immune support helps maintain overall health.

4: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Companion breeds often live long lives, but require proper joint and dental care to ensure they age gracefully.

Companion breeds often live long lives, but require proper joint and dental care to ensure they age gracefully.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

To support their long-term health and overall well-being, Companion breeds can benefit from targeted supplements that promote joint health, dental care, and overall vitality:

  • PicoMyte: Supports joint health and mobility, especially important for companion breeds prone to joint issues or arthritis as they age.
  • ReMag®: Promotes muscle function and relaxation, helping to keep companion dogs comfortable and reducing stiffness from inactivity.
  • Pico Silver®: Boosts immune function and provides anti-inflammatory benefits, helping protect against infections and maintaining overall health.
  • Pico Selenite®: Provides antioxidant support for long-term cellular health, promoting vitality and supporting a long, healthy life for companion dogs.