If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
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.
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.
One thing to consider is that some dogs need far more exercise than others – with the likes of the Border Collie requiring several walks a day and plenty of outdoor space at home.
Meanwhile, other types prefer to spend most of their time on the couch or in front of the fire and won’t thank you for much more than a quick trot around the park.
But if you are looking for the best of both worlds, you should consider a medium energy dog – that will keep up with you on outdoor adventures but will also be happy to have lazy days accompanying you as you binge on the latest television boxset.
Here are 13 of the breeds that best fit the bill.
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9. Pomeranian
Technically the Pomeranian is quite a high energy dog, but they'll happily expend most of it careering around their home without any need for their owner to get involved. Otherwise 30 minutes or so of play and a good walk will do them just fine. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Whippet
Whippets are a slightly strage mix of high and low energy. They need a really good run every day - a large enclosed space is a must - and can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Once they are exercised though, they turn into complete couch potatos for the rest of the day. | Canva/Getty Images
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11. Tibetan Terrier
Give a Tibetan Terrier a daily walk and watch your dog spend the rest of its time loving relaxing inside with their beloved owners and getting involved in family activities. | AFP via Getty Images
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12. Saint Bernard
From its huge size and reputation for long mountain treks many would presume that the Saint Bernard would have the highest of energy levels. In fact, they are closer to the low energy category than most of the dogs on this list - perfect for those looking for a large dog that won't need hours of walking. | AFP via Getty Images