Best dogs for families with small children
Dr Sean McCormack is a Veterinarian and dog expert from tails.com. He recommends the following breeds for families with young kids:
Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are ideal for families with small children. They’re a playful, energetic, and gentle breed. They’re also fairly low capacitance and won't take up too much space in a family home.
Boxers
Boxers are full of personality and will be a welcome addition to any family. They’re highly sociable and especially playful around young children. A boxer is a high-energy so it will need a bit more exercise other family dog breeds.
Labrador Retriever
A very intelligent breed, Labrador retrievers are also friendly, loving, and very trainable. With the right training, they’ll quickly adapt to a new environment. Like boxers, Labradors are very sociable so they'll need a lot of attention and stimulation.
Bichon Frise
A chilled out little dog who doesn't need to much exercise, the Bichon Frise will suit a busy family with small children or families living in smaller houses. They can be pretty stubborn, so you'll need to establish some ground rules early on - and make sure you stick to them!
Poodles
Poodles come in all different shapes and sizes so get one that fits with your lifestyle and the amount of space you have. From toy to miniature to standard, poodles are always friendly and gentle companions. Beware, some can shed quite heavily and require regular grooming sessions.
Best dogs for people who work all day
While all dogs need love and attention, some are more independent than others. Here's a list of dogs suitable for people with a 9-5 routine:
Greyhounds
This might seem like a strange choice, but unless they’re running around at top speed, greyhounds spend most of their time sleeping. Ex-racing greyhounds are very independent and are comfortable spending time on their own. Just make sure you take them for one good walk, and you'll have a very happy pooch on your hands.
Maltese
This laid-back breed is happy to stay at home while you are away because they spend most of the day snoozing. Because of its placid nature, they're unlikely to do any damage around the house. Their little legs don't need much walking, but their curly coat soon becomes matted if it isn't trimmed on a regular basis.
Chihuahua
If you’re looking for a tiny dog but you are at work all day then the chihuahua is a great choice. Weighing less than 7 pounds, Chihuahuas have no need for long regular walks. And because they’re so small, looking after two of them is just as easy as caring for one. Plus it makes it easier to leave them alone during working hours.
Basset hound
The basset hound is a really low maintenance breed perfect for busy people. They'll have a little nose around the house during the day but they're more likely to spend most of the day napping. But they are prone to certain medical conditions, especially obesity - so keep an eye on their diet.
Shar Pei
A low energy type with a very cute face, Shar-peis are great for people living the 9-5 life. They're also one of the more unusual breeds and have a very distinct wrinkly appearance. But Shar-peis aren't cheap. Most of them are imported and they're likely to set you back anywhere between £755-950.
Best dogs for first-time owners
If you've never owned a dog before, it's important to pick one that matches your lifestyle. You don't want anything that’s going to be too much of a challenge, so you're looking for a dog with a calm temperament that is easy to train. The following breeds fit the bill:
English springer spaniel
The English springer spaniel is a happy and energetic dog that responds really well to new environments. They playful and enthusiastic, meaning they fairly easy to train - even for beginners.
Cocker spaniel
Slightly smaller than the springer spaniel, cocker spaniels are a little bit more laid back. They still need plenty of exercises, but after that, they'll spend most of their time relaxing around the house. They're also very friendly towards children and other dogs.
Staffordshire bull terrier
One of the UK's most popular dogs, “staffies” are calm, quiet, and extremely loyal little companions. They require a moderate amount of exercise but training them is unlikely to be too much of problem for the first time dog owner.
Whippet
Best described as a mini greyhound, whippets make an excellent first-time dog. They're low maintenance, calm and gentle around the house. Just make sure to give them a good run at least once a day.
As you can see, there's a type of dog for every kind of lifestyle. Just make sure you pick a breed that suits you. Some dogs can live up to 15 years so picking the right one is crucial. Think carefully, and try not to let your emotions make any decisions. No matter how cute the dog might be, it might not be the practical choice. Pick a dog that fits into your lifestyle instead. This way you'll be able to give your new dog exactly what it needs without disrupting your routine or environment.
