“Here’s three breeds that I absolutely would have as a small animal veterinary surgeon. I’ve seen a few videos of vets saying what they wouldn’t have, so here’s three breeds that I’d recommend.”
Welcoming a new dog into your home is a big decision, especially if you’ve never owned one before, and there is a lot to think about. Not least among these is what breed to pick for your new furry friend. There are hundreds of breeds, all with their own characteristics, including size, temperament, and how much exercise they need.
Now one vet has revealed three breeds he would recommend to any first-time dog owner. Tom, who posts on social media as Things Can Only Get Vetter, revealed the three breeds on TikTok.
Opening the clip, the Dorset vet said: “Here’s three breeds that I absolutely would have as a small animal veterinary surgeon. I’ve seen a few videos of vets saying what they wouldn’t have, so here’s three breeds that I’d recommend.”
Greyhound
Tom says greyhounds aren’t as much of a handful as you might think (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/Flickr Open)
“The first, I’d recommend to any first-time dog owner,” Tom said. “The first is a greyhound, or really any sighthound.”
A sighthound is a type of dog bred to hunt using keen eyesight and fast speed. They generally have long, thin legs, and an aerodynamic shape. As well as greyhounds, other examples include whippets, borzoi, lurchers, and Afghan hounds.
Tom continued greyhounds are ideal for people “who really want a big dog, but don’t quite have the lifestyle that fits a big dog.” “There’s a million greyhounds out there who need new homes,” he said.
“In general they’re much lazier than you might expect. They can fit with most exercise regimes: they’re very happy for a quick sprint or a long walk, and they’ll spend a lot of their time sleeping.”
He added the breed is “incredibly affectionate”, but said they can be prone to teeth problems, so owners should make sure to pay particularly attention to their dental care.
The Royal Kennel Club says: “Long legged hounds of greyhound type were depicted on the walls of Ancient Egyptian tombs and it is thought that these were the prototype of the sighthounds. These dogs with athletic streamlined bodies and acute sight were soon popular throughout Europe for their hunting prowess.
“The greyhound was developed in Britain and in the Middle Ages a law was passed stating the only royalty and nobility could hunt with greyhounds, such was their prestige.” The organisation adds greyhounds need about one hour of exercise per day, and have a lifespan of more than 10 years.
Labrador
Labradors are an extremely popular breed, and it’s not hard to see why (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Tom’s second recommendation is the most popular breed in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. “Labradors do have some health issues you’ve got to look out for, and I’d definitely recommend knowing what they hips and elbows of their parentage was doing,” he said. “However, you know what you’re getting.
“They’re incredibly bouncy, affectionate dogs, and they will fit most active lifestyles and a house with a bit of space. They’re really lovely and, I think, quite predictable as a first dog.”
Also known as labrador retrievers, they were originally bred to help fishermen retrieve nets, and to pull carts loaded with fish. The Royal Kennel Club says labrador retrievers need more than two hours of exercise per day, and have a lifespan of more than 10 years.
Border terrier
Tom says border terriers are ideal first dogs (stock image)(Image: Mirrorpix)
Last but definitely not least, it’s the border terrier. Known for their rough, brown coats and black snouts, they’re popular as family dogs.
Tom said: “I absolutely love a border terrier. They are cheeky, they are daft, they will fit so many lifestyles. They don’t need a massive amount of exercise. Health issues they get are limited compared to other breeds.
“They are an absolute delight when we see them in practice, and I think they’d be an excellent choice for a first-time dog owner. Couldn’t recommend them enough.”
The Royal Kennel Club says the breed was originally created as a working dog, but has since adapted to family life in towns and cities. “The borders of Northumberland and Scotland gave the breed its name around 1880 after he was used as the earth dog with the Border Foxhounds,” the organisation says. Border terriers need up to an hour of exercise per day, and have a lifespan of more than 12 years.
