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’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) 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.
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 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 21 of the best dogs for first-time puppy parents.
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9. 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
10. 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
11. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, intelligent and eager to learn. They can make wonderful family companions for first-time owners who enjoy an active lifestyle, though their coats require regular grooming and care. | Getty Images
12. Yorkshire Terrier
For those looking for a classic lapdog that will spend the majority of their time curled up as close to you/on top of you as possible then may we introduce you to the Yorkshire Terrier. Make sure to be on top of your training though - unless you want your dog to be vocal. They'll also need regular visits to the groomer, so make sure you include that in your doggy budget. | Getty Images