Welcoming a dog into your home is a rewarding yet significant responsibility, especially for those new to dog ownership. An important early decision involves choosing a breed that aligns well with your lifestyle and expectations. With hundreds of breeds available, each varies widely in size, temperament, and exercise needs.
Tom, a veterinary surgeon from Dorset who shares advice on social media as Things Can Only Get Vetter, recently revealed his three top dog breeds for first-time owners on TikTok. He explained: “I’ve seen vets sharing breeds they wouldn’t have, so here are three I’d recommend.”
His first recommendation is the greyhound, or more broadly, any sighthound breed. Sighthounds—such as greyhounds, whippets, borzoi, lurchers, and Afghan hounds—are renowned for their speed and exceptional eyesight, featuring sleek, slender builds. Tom notes, “Greyhounds are ideal for those wanting a big dog without the high exercise demands typical for larger breeds.” Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds are often quite lazy and content with moderate activity, enjoying quick sprints followed by long naps. They’re affectionate dogs but require attentive dental care due to common dental issues.
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According to the Royal Kennel Club, greyhounds have a historical pedigree dating back to Ancient Egypt and were once reserved for nobility. These dogs need about one hour of exercise daily and typically live beyond 10 years.
Tom’s second choice is the labrador retriever, the UK’s most popular breed. He acknowledges potential health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, so prospective owners should verify their puppy’s lineage. Labradors are known for their energetic and affectionate nature, easily fitting into active households with ample space. Originally bred to assist fishermen, they require over two hours of daily exercise and have a lifespan exceeding 10 years.
Rounding out Tom’s recommendations is the border terrier, easily recognizable by its rough brown coat and black snout. Border terriers are cheerful, playful, and adaptable to diverse lifestyles, needing less exercise compared to larger breeds. Tom praises their limited health issues and friendly disposition, calling them “an absolute delight” and perfect for first-time owners. Originating as working dogs along the borders of Northumberland and Scotland, border terriers require about an hour of exercise daily and tend to live more than 12 years.
Choosing one of these breeds offers first-time dog owners a blend of manageable exercise needs, friendly temperaments, and adaptability, making them excellent companions for new dog parents.