Dog Breeds Guide: Best Breeds For You

Every dog breed is different, so it’s important to choose the right dog for you and your lifestyle carefully.

Welcoming a new dog into the family is exciting, but there’s a lot to consider when choosing a breed that’s right for your lifestyle.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with expert dog behaviourist Nick Jones and vet Brian Faulkner to bring you essential information about each breed’s temperament and their exercise and grooming requirements – plus any common health conditions they’re prone to.

Discover some of the most popular dog breeds

From big dog breeds to perfect city dogs, browse our breed profiles for expert advice on temperament, health conditions, exercise requirements and more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

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With the right care and attention, dogs are loving and loyal companions. Explore our puppy advice section for tips and tricks on giving your puppy the best start in life.

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Whether you have an idea of which breed of dog you'd like or you're open to options, our dog breed selector is here to help you choose your ideal canine companion.

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Things to consider before getting a dog

Making the move from dog lover to a dog owner is exciting, but it can be a big change. Here are some top tips to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

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What breed suits your lifestyle?

Each and every breed comes with its own unique needs. Some dogs need a lot of exercise and training, while others might require daily grooming. Many dog breeds also have specific charateristics and traits which affect how well they thrive in different environements. To help you understand the best breeds to fit into your routine, we’ve compiled a few examples of lifestyles and a few of the breeds that might be a good match.

Active owners

If you enjoy outdoor pursuits and are looking for a companion, the Border Collie – with its stamina, intelligence and agility – is a good choice. But this herding breed will also require a lot of mental stimulation and time commitment from its owner. The confident Golden Retriever and the personable Cockapoo are also great choices for people who will enjoy getting out and about with their dog.

City dwellers

Certain breeds, such as the Shih Tzu and Dachshund are more suited for city living due to their compact size. They also don’t have the high exercise requirements of more active breeds. If you’re looking for a larger breed, the laid-back Greyhound could also suit an urban lifestyle, as they are happy to relax at home once their walk is over.

Full time workers

It’s possible to have a dog if you work full-time, but you’ll have to be well organised. Many dogs can be trained to stay at home but some breeds, such as the self-assured Border Terrier or the independent Shiba Inu, fare better than others. However, no matter the breed, no dog shouldn’t be routinely left alone for longer than four hours at a time so think carefully about the commitment that getting a dog involves.

Families

When choosing a family pet, it’s important to find a breed that will easily fit in, especially if you have children or other pets. Labradors are playful, obedient and get on well with children and other animals, but they do need plenty of exercise so are best suited to active families. Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also make friendly, playful companions who love people.

Allergy sufferers

Whilst their big, fluffy coats might suggest otherwise, the low-shedding Bichon Frise and Poodle are good choices for those with allergies or sensitivities to animal dander. The Miniature Schnauzer’s low-shedding wiry double-layer coat also makes it a good choice for allergy-prone owners and these dogs require less grooming than their softer-haired counterparts.

First timers

For first-time owners it’s ideal to start with an easy to train, low maintenance breed. Low-energy Greyhounds are known to be one of the easiest dogs to take care of, whilst Golden Retrievers and Labradors are gentle, fun-loving and amenable to training. For those looking for a smaller breed, Border Terriers are alert and playful and the Bichon Frise is a good-natured breed, ideal for owners who enjoy brushing a dog.

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Protect your pet with dog insurance

When you bring a dog into your life you’re accepting responsibility for their long term health and wellbeing. Dog insurance can help cover the cost of veterinary care but it is important to compare cover carefully as not all dog insurance is the same.

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What does pet insurance cover?

And what are the common exclusions when taking out pet insurance

Covering pre-existing conditions the right way

Not all pre-existing condition cover is the same

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Find out what factors affect the price of your pet insurance

Why you should get dog insurance?

Covering expensive vet bills and other benefits of dog insurance

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Dog breeds

Every dog breed is different, so it’s important to choose the right dog for you and your lifestyle carefully.

Discover some of the most popular dog breeds

Puppy training and care

Dog breed selector quiz

Dog advice

Rehome a pet

Things to consider before getting a dog

What breed suits your lifestyle?

Active owners

City dwellers

Full time workers

Families

Allergy sufferers

First timers

Dog advice

Related articles

Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?

DIY gifts for dogs

Behaviour changes in dogs: what to look out for as they age

Adjusting your dog’s routine for winter

Can dogs suffer from seasonal affective disorder?

Autumn dog walks: Things dogs shouldn’t eat

Dog stomach gurgling: causes and what to do

Do dogs have periods?

How much should I feed my dog?

A guide to dog massage

Blood in dog stool: what to do next?

Dog sleeping positions

Why is my dog not eating?

Can dogs get sunburn?

Summer snacks for dog

Protect your pet with dog insurance

What does pet insurance cover?

Covering pre-existing conditions the right way

How much does pet insurance cost?

Why you should get dog insurance?

Every pet deserves Petplan