If you’re thinking of adding to your family with a pet pooch, you’d do well to remember the old adage – a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.
Many dogs live well into their teens and each one has a unique personality, although many traits are associated with their breed.
That’s why it’s important to do your research before you welcome a pup into your life.
There’s no point bringing home a dog looking for two hours of exercise before breakfast if you love your lazy days.
Equally, if you are looking for a furry best friend with which to spend the day tramping around the Mournes, you definitely don’t want a dog who prefers to relax in front of the fire.
We have spoken to Gemma Chambers from Causeway Dog Training, who runs us through her top five favourite family dog breeds.
She says: “Dogs are very much a part of the family so it’s really important that your new family member fits in well, since you’re going to spend the next 10 to 20 years together.
“Like us, every dog is an individual, but genetics definitely play a big part in the traits we see in certain dog breeds.
“It’s worth checking that these traits are going to fit in well with your lifestyle before you choose your new furry best friend.”
So, here are Gemma’s favourite breeds as family pets:
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
The sweetest little dogs on the planet! Cavs have a perfect combination of being really relaxed and friendly, able to chill out happily on the sofa, but they’re also really smart, trainable and active, meaning they are able to turn their paw to the likes of agility and scent work if you want to have a bit of fun. They can be quite sensitive little dogs so ensure you keep on top of their confidence levels.
GREYHOUND
If you like a slower pace of life, contrary to popular belief, a greyhound is for you! Greyhounds enjoy a good 30 second sprint and that’s them done for the day, ready for another lie down. Their low exercise needs and easy-going nature make them a lovely potential breed for families. They are tremendously goofy, gentle and there are loads in rescue looking for a retirement home after racing. They are the ultimate couch potato. If you want something a bit smaller, have a look at whippets or lurchers.
BEAGLE
A beagle is for you if you don’t take life too seriously. A beagle will keep you on your toes and keep you laughing and despairing at their antics. Beagles think with their stomachs which means they’re very motivated to learn and do tricks in exchange for snacks (just like me)! However, they can be noisy and aren’t naturally inclined to have a good recall. They are really good fun and really enjoy being with their people.
LABRADOR
An option for an active household! Labradors take lots of exercise and enjoy long daily walks and mental stimulation. Labs come naturally very sociable, so lots of training through life is essential to keep that sociability socially appropriate. Labradors are absolute optimists and will definitely brighten up every single day for you.
SPRINGER SPANIEL
The second spaniel on the list, and for good reason! Spaniels are incredibly loving and sweet. A springer is a much higher energy breed than the gentle cavalier, so well suited to an adventuring household. Springers are up for excitement at a moment’s notice and are devoted to their humans. Their energy is absolutely boundless, but they can be kept satisfied with a good mix of physical and mental exercise. They thrive on scent and search games and their mental enrichment could be something as simple as searching for their ball in long grass.
Gemma continues: “This is only five out of thousands of breeds and breed combinations so there are definitely options out there.
“Do your research on potential breeds, chat to owners of those breeds and spend some time with them if you can before you commit to your choice, just to be sure you know what you’re signing up for.”
READ GEMMA’S FULL INTERVIEW, AS SHE TALKS ABOUT WHAT TO DO IF A DOG ATTACKS AND HER HOPES TO TAKE DEAF FLASH TO CRUFTS, IN AUGUST’S MAGAZINE – AVAILABLE TO BUY IN SHOPS NOW OR DOWNLOAD USING THE LINK BELOW