Dr April Lynch, a veterinarian at Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital in Gallatin, Tennessee, has shared the five dog breeds she would personally recommend. The video, posted on the clinic's YouTube channel in March, highlights breeds that suit various lifestyles while noting potential challenges.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dr Lynch starts with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed she has owned in the past. She calls them "just as regal as the name suggests," describing them as "gorgeous dogs with a long silky coat" that are "extremely affectionate, lovable, loyal to the family." She categorizes them as 'velcro pets' because they rarely leave their owner's side, though she acknowledges that might not suit everyone. "Almost always extremely docile, even in the veterinary hospital where they might be stressed or nervous," she says.
"They are extremely friendly, they are kind of considered the perfect size," she adds. "They're not super-tiny dogs, they're not big dogs. If you live in an apartment you can still have this breed, and I just find them to be extremely charming, and quite laid back dogs in general." However, she notes they are on a "top tier" in terms of cost, and finding a reputable breeder can be difficult, with waiting lists common. Potential downsides include clinginess, separation anxiety, and susceptibility to allergies, dental disease, and heart problems.
2. Poodle
The Poodle comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. "In general, they are known to be highly intelligent, possibly one of the most intelligent breeds," Dr Lynch says. While they "do need haircuts," they have "very little shedding" and are less likely to cause allergic reactions. They are also "very friendly, loyal, docile." On the downside, their intelligence can lead to escaping kennels and opening doors. They get bored easily and require training and plenty of activity, especially larger varieties. Health issues include bloating (an emergency for larger types) and metabolic diseases.
3. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers
Dr Lynch groups Golden and Labrador Retrievers together, noting they are genetically distinct but temperamentally similar. They are known as great family dogs, loyal and intelligent, and friendly with other pets and children. They are more common and less expensive than Cavaliers. However, as working dogs, they need plenty to do and are not suited to a sedentary lifestyle. They shed a lot and can be destructive or overexcited, often swallowing objects they shouldn't. They are vulnerable to certain cancers, but overall worth the effort.
4. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small toy breed with a teddy bear appearance. Dr Lynch says they have the "perfect size" and can live happily in an apartment. They are loyal, clever, good with children, require grooming but shed little, and are not major allergy triggers. She recalls seeing one enjoying rides on a jet ski. Although she has never owned one, she says she would get one without hesitation.
5. Mixed breeds
Dr Lynch champions mixed breeds, often called 'mutts,' which are plentiful in shelters. She finds it sad to see dogs isolated in kennels, as they are pack animals. Mixed breeds are cheaper, and rescues often come vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and tested for parasites. Genetic variety can provide disease resistance. "I may see a lot fewer concerns [about] overall health issues, and certainly birth defects, congenital problems in a mutt" compared to expensive pure breeds, she says. The downside is an unknown full backstory, but a veterinarian can address that. She notes that a rescue dog may appreciate being welcomed into a home more than one raised from a pup.
