Page 261 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

C OMP ANION DOG S 261

COMPANION DOGS

Almost any dog can provide companionship. Many dogs
once used for outside duties, such as herding, have moved
indoors with the family. Usually, these breeds have been
developed for specific tasks, so they are traditionally grouped
according to their primary function. With a few exceptions,
the companion dogs included here are bred solely as pets. The Pug’s flat face and round
eyes are designed to appeal

Most companion dogs are small breeds dogs everywhere were almost the Pug. Some have extravagantly long
created primarily to sit on laps, look exclusively the pampered pets of the coats, curly tails, or—in the case of the
decorative, and entertain their owners wealthy. As such, they often featured in Chinese Crested Dog—no hair at all,
without taking up much room. Some of portraits, depicted sitting prettily in the apart from a few strategically placed
them are toy versions of larger working drawing room or with children as a tufts on the head or legs.
breeds. The Poodle, for example, once nursery plaything. Some, such as the In modern times, companion dogs
used for herding or for retrieving King Charles Spaniel, owe their are no longer a symbol of class. They
waterfowl, was bred down in size to enduring popularity to the find a place with owners of all ages and
a toy dog that could no longer perform former patronage of royalty. circumstances, in small apartments, as
any practical function. Other, larger Appearance has always mattered well as large country homes. Although
dogs sometimes grouped with in the breeding of still chosen for their looks, these dogs
companion breeds include the companion dogs. Over are also sought after as friends that
Dalmatian, whose career included the centuries, selective give and demand affection
a short-lived spell as a carriage escort, breeding has produced and adapt happily to
as much for prestige as guard duty. characteristics, some family activities.
Now that this job no longer exists, bizarre, that serve
Dalmatians are rarely used for any no useful function
working purpose. but are designed
Companion dogs have a long history. to appeal—for
A number of them originated thousands example, the
of years ago in China, where small dogs humanlike flat
were kept in the imperial courts as faces and large,
ornaments and a source of comfort. round eyes of the
Until the late 19th century, companion Pekingese and

LIVELY COMPANION
Although Dalmatians
have great energy and
stamina, they are
nearly always kept as
pets rather than for
practical uses.

SMALLEST DOG
Few companion breeds come smaller
than the diminutive and delightful
Russian Toy.

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