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.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
One thing to take into consideration is whether you are an experienced or new dog owner, with certain breeds far more challenging than others for newcomers to the canine club.
Of course, depending on your lifestyle and circumstances there’s no one size fits all approach – but first time owners should consider breeds that tend to be easy to train, eager to please, and friendly.
Here are 17 of the best breeds for newbie puppy parents.
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9. Bichon Frise
Ideal for those living in a city flat who are looking for a first dog, the Bichon Frise is a cloud-like bundle of fun that is dedicated to its owner by default. They only need moderate exercise so a local park will do them fine most of the time. The only challenge is that, unless you're handy with a pair of clippers, they will need regular trips to the groomer to keep their coats immaculate. | Canva/Getty Images
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. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Yorkshire Terrier
For those looking for a classic lapdog that will spend the majority of their time curled up as close to you/on top of you as possible then may we introduce you to the Yorkshire Terrier. Make sure to be on top of your training though - unless you want your dog to be vocal. They'll also need regular visits to the groomer, so make sure you include that in your doggy budget. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Whippet
Whippets are a slightly strange mix - a dog that loves to run but who also adore napping much of the day away. They have a natural attachment to people and are very friendly, particularly with children and visitors to their home. | Canva/Getty Images