Living

Experts Name the No. 1 Companion Dog: A 'Highly Intuitive, Sensitive Breed'

arena photography
arena

Experts have long since weighed in on the value of having a dog in the house. Our furry friends can help us stay happier, more active, and even help us humans stay healthy. Chalk those daily (or more) walks with your canine can lower blood pressure, and thank your pup for all the new friends you have met along the way. Adding a dog to the family can lead to an increase in mood and joy, but if you're looking for the ultimate companion dog, some breeds are more likely to become your best buddy.

Why Labrador Retrievers Make the Ultimate Companion Dog

@beauthechocolatelabrador

Happy to be anywhere my pawrents are #beauthechocolatelabrador#labradorsoftiktok#dogsofmiami#labradorretriever#miami

This Is The Life Demo Hannah Montana - out of context hannah montana

The experts at Country Living just shared their latest list of the best companion dogs. No surprise to anyone who has one in the house, Labrador Retrievers took the No. 1 spot, proving the breed is the ultimate companion. Here's why:

"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," says dog training expert Tarik Jayousi.

@ralphthechocylab

cannot deal with this boys sassyness #chocolatelabrador#chocolatelabs#fyp#labradorretriever

Monkeyshine-JP - Lt FitzGibbons Men

Known for being highly affectionate, outgoing, social, and energetic, this breed makes for a great best buddy, but Retrievers need a lot of exercise. Their easygoing personalities make them terrific candidates for families.

If your Lab doesn't keep you busy going on walks, looking for sticks, and sniffing out the neighborhood, Labs will keep you busy with their grooming needs. This breed sheds a lot, but considering you'll get a best friend and exercise companion in this sweet dog breed, the cleanup will be well worth the time.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 2:54 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER