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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17. Akita
A large and muscular bred that delights in testing the boundaries, the Akita is another breed that responds to an iron will. Let your training slide and this breed can become unruly and difficult. | POOL/AFP via Getty Images
18. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler sometimes get unfairly labelled as an agressive breed when they can, in fact, often be a gentle and loyal pet. They are very strong though and need to be in no doubt as to who is in charge. In short they need confident owners who will not have their authority challenged. | Getty Images
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19. Siberian Husky
Like many of the dogs on this list the Siberian Husky can be tricky to train as a puppy. The demands of this breed continue into adulthood, with large amounts of exercise and stimulating mental tasks required every day to greatly reduce the risk of the dog becoming destructive. | Getty Images
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20. Australian Cattle Dog
The issue with the Australian Cattle Dog is the sheer amount of exercise they need to stay happy and healthy. Taking care of this dog can often feel like a full time job. | Getty Images