We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
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 16 of the best breeds for first-time dog owners.
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5. Poodle
Poodles are incredibly intelligent dogs and have hypoallergenic coats - explaining their huge popularity around the world. They even come in three sizes - Standard, Miniature and Toy - so there's guaranteed to be one to suit your home and lifestyle. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Collie
The Collie is a larger dog that needs quite a lot of exercise, but as long as you live an active lifestyle they make great first dogs. They are a breeze to train and are a loyal, affectionate and devoted breed. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Boxer
Instinctively protective towards their owners, the Boxer just adores human affection, making for an instantly adorable pet. They are also great with children and need very little grooming. | Canva/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. | Canva/Getty Images