This FAQ is not a scientific or veterinary resource. Some responses have been edited for brevity. Okay - here goes . . . That is a pretty thought-provoking question. I've been pondering it for about 15 hours now, and frankly, my brain hurts.
Companion implies there is a sense of equality in the relationship - friend, compatriot, comrade.
Friends are accepted for who they are, and integrated into your life. You don't ignore your friends, chain them to a tree or abuse them. You cannot do that with wolfdogs either and expect that they will become your friends. These are unique, high-spirited animals who are intelligent, creative and demanding. These are not traits that most people, looking for a pet, are prepared to deal with - though, unfortunately, far too many think that they are.