Finding the perfect pooch is no easy feat.
Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and no one will say that being a pup owner is without its challenges – from house training to making sure they can get along with other pets.
Now ‘dog whisperer’ Yasmin El-Saie has given her recommendations on finding the best breed to suit you and your family’s needs.
Here the pet influencer – who runs a dog advice website – speaks exclusively to Express.co.uk about the most popular breeds – and how to narrow it down to find the best canine match.
She said: “In 2023, Goldendoodles have gained popularity, becoming one of the most searched-for dog breeds and overtaking the favourites of the past few years: Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs.
“Cocker Spaniels and Dachshund’s popularity is also rising. Although it’s a good idea to research breed characteristics to see if they would be a good match with your lifestyle, as well as any health issues associated with a specific breed (for example, Cocker Spaniel’s health issues can include Intervertebral Disc Disease), the most important thing is the connection you have with a dog.”
So how do you make sure that the pooch you’re hankering after is right for you?
She said: “You and your four legged friend need to match each other’s lifestyle and needs. How much time do you have? This is a very important consideration as different breeds have different needs.
“Some dogs like Border Collies, Golden Retrievers or Huskies need a lot more exercise than others. They can’t be in a small flat all day with only brief toilet breaks.
“Different types of fur require either more or less grooming. A Poodle for example gets knotted fur, if it is not brushed daily and then needs to be shaved to relieve the dog of its matted condition.
“Imagine coming home from a muddy walk in the park. Any long coat breed will need some serious bathing or part bathing, brushing and drying. Whereas a short coat breed like a smooth coat Chihuahua can easily be wiped with a damp cloth.”
Another key consideration is your location and toy breeds are great for city living as they can be easily transported around.
“I grew up with two German Shepherd dogs in the countryside. The dogs had so much space and nature to be in it was bliss for them.
“Now I live in London with my two tiny Chihuahuas and as they’re so small I can pop them in a doggie bag and take them everywhere with me. Lots of shops allow them in as long as I’m carrying them.”
Toy dog breeds are great for the city, she said, such as Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Mini Pinschers, Miniature Greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Russian Toy Terriers.
“The great thing is that these dogs also love to run and be outdoors so you kind of get the best of both worlds.”
And money matters says Yasmin…as the bigger the dog the more costly they will be to look after. “I hate to say this, but finances matter,” she added.
“We all know you are what you eat. It’s no different for your dog.
“If you want to provide your dog with fresh meat and high quality food the cost will be a lot more for a large dog (example Great Dane around 60kg) in comparison to a Pomerian (5kg), especially now as living costs have risen so much.
“Vet bills can also be costly and there are several necessary treatments that pet insurance does not cover. For example vaccinations, flea treatment and dental procedures are mostly excluded from policies.”
You and your pooch’s suitability also depends on your personality as much as theirs, says Yasmin.
“If you are a person full of energy and are very active, you may find it difficult to have a dog which is lazy, quiet and sluggish.
“If you like training a dog and want to invest time in that, a dog which is a keen learner will suit you better than one which is not interested.
“If you have small children then perhaps a tiny fragile puppy is not the best idea. Imagine a Chihuahua puppy the size of your hand in comparison to a labrador pup of 5kg.”
Yasmin says that adopting a pooch is a great option – but at the top of the checklist is trusting your instincts.
The dog expert, who has two Chihuahuas called Chilli and Sukhi, added: “You will know when you meet the dog that is meant for you. Trust me, you just know!”
