Vet says five common dog breeds are best for first-time owners

When families decide to bring a pet into their home, it’s a move often made with hearts full of excitement and anticipation.

Pets are adored by children, offer wonderful companionship and can enhance the dynamic of any household. However, a vet has shared some valuable advice for those considering a dog for the first time.

It would be wise to consider small dogs as a starter pet, according to Amir Anwary, and he emphasizes that “good breeding” is crucial. Renowned for his practical tips on TikTok, where he enjoys viral fame, his latest nuggets of wisdom are particularly useful for prospective pet owners eyeing up a canine companion.

He singles out five breeds that should be top of the list for families. They all have unique attributes that lead to making them favourable choices.

French bulldog

In fifth place, according to Amir, is the French bulldog. Hailed for their congenial and placid nature, they are an ideal option for first-time pet owners.

Yet, they come with specific considerations that need to be addressed before adopting one. Typically keen to please and reactive to training, French bulldogs also posses a somewhat determined streak.

Early and consistent training is vital with the dog, ensuring all family members are on board with the house rules. They can also experience anxiety if left alone too frequently.

Nonetheless, they relish playtime and aren’t demanding when it comes to physical activity levels.

Shih Tzus

Amir, a renowned dog expert, highly recommends Shih Tzus due to their manageable size and trainability. If trained from an early age, these small dogs adapt well to domestic life, forming strong bonds with both children and adults.

However, they can be slightly stubborn, so early training and socialisation are crucial.

Bichon Frises

Bichon Frises are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for children. These intelligent dogs quickly pick up commands and adapt well to various living situations, including apartments and houses.

Mini Poodles

Mini Poodles are also a top choice for first-time pet owners due to their intelligence, playfulness and loyalty. They require mental stimulation to thrive and enjoy learning new tricks and commands, making them perfect for family life.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another breed that Amir recommends. Known for being easy to train and great with kids, they love to play and can fit into a variety of living environments with little fuss.

While they are generally low maintenance, they do need regular grooming and a fair amount of exercise.

After sharing this information in a video, it has received over 11,000 likes, and numerous viewers have shared their opinions.

One Shih Tzu owner gushed: “Shih Tzu mum. The best!” Another said: “Mini Poodle all the way.”

A third also wrote: “My grandma had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He was the best dog, I’ll never forget him.”