If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
So 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 an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
One thing to take into consideration is whether you are an experienced or new dog owner, with certain breeds far more challenging than others for newcomers to the canine club.
Of course, depending on your lifestyle and circumstances there’s no one size fits all approach – but first time owners should consider breeds that tend to be easy to train, eager to please, and friendly.
Here are 10 of the best breeds for newbie puppy parents.
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5. Labrador Retriever
The most popular dog in the Britain is also a pretty good choice for a first time owner. The Labrador Retriever has the perfect combination of brains, beauty and friendliness. It should be noted though that they need regular exercise and don't like being left alone for long periods of time. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are gentle, patient, and affectionate. Their calm demeanor and high trainability make them ideal for novice owners, especially families or individuals seeking a loyal, loving companion. | Getty Images
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
If you are a first time owner keen to go 'extra large' then the Berenese Mountain Dog is probably your best option. Easy-going, eager-to-please and gentle, their intelligence makles them relatively easy to train. They are good with kids too, and surprisingly lazy. Their hair is the only part of thme that's fairly high maintenance - there's a lot of it and they need regular brushing (while your carpet will need regular hoovering). | AFP via Getty Images
8. Bichon Frise
Ideal for those living in a city flat who are looking for a first dog, the Bichon Frise is a cloud-like bundle of fun that is dedicated to its owner by default. They only need moderate exercise so a local park will do them fine most of the time. The only challenge is that, unless you're handy with a pair of clippers, they will need regular trips to the groomer to keep their coats immaculate. | Getty Images