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 consider before choosing a breed is that some dogs are far more demanding than others – with some having a range of attributes that make them ideal for inexperiences or first time dog owners.
Other pedigrees, however, have more demanding natures that mean that they should only be considered by owners who really know what they are doing.
It should be noted that every dog is an individual so there is no guarantee that any particular animal will have the traits common to its breed.
Having said that, here are the 20 breeds that are generally seen to be the best and worst for those looking to welcome their first dog into the family.
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9. 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
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10. Pug
Playful, charming and affectionate, Pugs thrive on human company and are pretty low maintenance. They don't need a huge amount of exercise and are happy living in the most modest of homes. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Shar-Pei
Now we are moving onto the breeds of dog best for those with a bit more canine experience. Those adorably wrinkled faces may look cute and friendly bit don't be fooled - the Shar-Pei is a stubborn breed that often takes every trick in the book to train. If you don't know dogs, the frustration could put you off them for life. | AFP via Getty Images
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12. Afghan Hound
The challenges of being the owner of an elegant Afghan Hound are two-fold. Firstly, that long flowing hair needs a serious amount of grooming. Secondly they are one of the least intelligent dogs so are a challenge to train. | AFP via Getty Images