There are many reasons why dogs end up in an animal shelter and often it’s about the owner’s personal circumstances, rather than the dog’s fault. Moving house, changing jobs, divorce or a new baby can all make dog-ownership challenging, and many owners take their dog to a rescue centre with a heavy heart.
This means that there’s more choice than you might expect, including family-friendly breeds, as well as puppies and adult dogs. ‘Research some common breeds in advance so that even if you decide on a cross-breed, you’re familiar with the characteristics your dog could potentially have, and choose traits that suit your lifestyle,’ suggests Nick. ‘Do a few breed quizzes online or check out Petplan’s breed profiles. And never choose a dog on looks alone.’