What dog should I buy?

"Remember folks, a dog is for life. Woof!" Photo by lowjumpingfrog

Find out about a dog’s back story before you buy one; both what it’s been bred for, over the centuries, and its recent past, in terms of whether it’s a pedigree pup or an adult rescue animal.

Cost-wise, a pedigree animal can cost anything from £200 to £1,000 and beyond. Visit the Kennel Club website for breed-specific information (0844 463 3980), and take its Find A Breed test to find out which type of dog might suit you and your family best.

Just because you buy a dog from an RSPCA centre, or a rescue home, don’t think it’s going to be free. You could pay anything from £60 to£200. Visit the RSPCA website to find out what animals are on the market in your area.

In the meantime, here’s a selection of ten top dog breeds, each with their own unique appeal.

Best with children: Airedale terrier

This is known as the king of terriers, but is not at all grand and is perpetually ready to join in whatever games are going. It comes with a handy double coat for extra waterproofness when splashing is involved. It has supernatural powers of scent, too, used by the Red Cross to sniff out earthquake survivors.

Most adorable: West Highland terrier

Dogs don’t come cuter than a little white Westie. It’s not just blessed with good looks; this is a cheerful, energetic and outgoing little playmate. Its personality is perfect for small children, but its rugged coat requires a lot of brushing and combing.

Least grooming: Short-haired dachshund

Dachshunds are intelligent, faithful, and come in two sizes: standard (up to 12kg) and miniature (up to 5kg). Its sleek, smooth coat (they’re not called sausage dogs for nothing) means grooming can be kept to a minimum.

Tiniest: Smooth-coat Chihuahua

This is the smallest breed in the world. It was discovered in Mexico during the 19^th century, and quickly adopted by European ladies who liked the idea of being able to carry a dog around in a handbag. A bit highly-strung, though; more suited to older children (less sudden noises).

Most attention-grabbing: Bedlington Terrier

This looks like a cross between a giant lamb and a small alien, with a somewhat other-worldly facial expression. It’s bound to attract comment in the park or on the common, or wherever you take it for walkies. Despite its docile appearance, it can look after itself in a scrap.

Most dependable: Newfoundland

These enormous, shaggy, cuddly beasts used to travel on Atlantic fishing boats and dive into the ocean to rescue mariners who had fallen overboard. It’s clearly still in their blood, because they love to “save” swimmers they deem to be in trouble (i.e. anyone making splashing noises). You need a big house for one of these, mind.

Most loyal: Golden retriever

Amiable, equable temperament, completely useless as a guard dog (they’re as nice to burglars as they are to everyone else). Versatile, too; they can work as guide dogs, sniffer dogs and, of course, retrievers of fallen game birds. But they need at least two hours of exercise per day.

Least hair shedding: Soft-coated wheaten terrier

A happy-go-lucky, extrovert and exuberant dog, with soft, silky hair the colour of ripening wheat (hence the name) that looks like it’s out of a L’Oreal TV ad yet doesn’t attach itself to carpets and sofas. (People who are allergic to other dogs’ hair may be OK with this one.) Incurable goer-down of rabbit holes.

Most obedient: Border collie

The Border collie is highly intelligent, equipped with a built-in instinct to work hard and please their master/mistress. They are hardy, graceful and ready to respond to any given signal (witness One Man and His Dog). They won’t like lying around at home all day, though; at least two hours of exercise is mandatory, preferably up a hill.

Strongest: Boxer

Pound for pound, you can’t find a more powerful pooch than this. It’s muscly but pleasant, fearless yet gentle with the family. The boxer has well-developed guarding instincts, so will be both affectionate and a security asset.