If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Around one-in-three UK homes now has at least one four-legged friend of the canine kind.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One thing to consider before choosing a breed is that some dogs are far more demanding than others – with a some breeds perfect for first time owners.
Other pedigrees, however, have more demanding natures that mean that they should only be considered by experienced owners who have experience of training and keeping dogs.
So here are the breeds that first-timers should put at the top of their lists – and those they should avoid.
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9. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler sometimes gets unfairly labelled as an agressive breed when they can, in fact, often be a gentle and loyal pet. They are very strong though and need to be in no doubt as to who is in charge. In short they need confident owners who will not have their authority challenged. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Afghan Hound
The challenges of being the owner of an elegant Afghan Hound are two-fold. Firstly, that long flowing hair needs a serious amount of grooming. Secondly they are one of the least intelligent dogs so are a challenge to train. Photo: Canva/Getty Images