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.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
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 17 of the best breeds for newbie puppy parents.
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5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small, affectionate, and adaptable, Cavaliers are easygoing lap dogs. They’re great with kids, enjoy cuddling, and don’t require intense exercise, making them perfect for first-time owners or flat dwellers. | Canva/Getty Images
6. 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). | Canva/Getty Images
7. 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. | Canva/Getty Images
8. 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