A veterinarian has shared the five dog breeds she would personally recommend to prospective owners, including one she describes as a “velcro pet” that sticks close to its family.
Dr April Lynch, a vet at Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital in Gallatin, Tennessee, offers advice to dog owners on her YouTube channel. In a video posted in March, she outlined her top choices, weighing each breed's temperament, care needs, and potential health issues.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A Regal Companion
Dr Lynch began with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed she has owned in the past. She called the toy-sized dogs “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 placed them in the category of “velcro pets,” noting they stay close to their owners, though she acknowledged this trait may not suit everyone. In her experience, the breed is “almost always extremely docile, even in the veterinary hospital where they might be stressed or nervous.”
“They are extremely friendly, they are kind of considered the perfect size,” Dr Lynch added. “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 warned that they are on a “top tier” in terms of cost, and finding a reputable breeder can be difficult, with waiting lists likely due to their popularity and relative rarity. Potential owners may also find them too clingy, as they can exhibit separation anxiety. Like many breeds, they are prone to health conditions including allergies, dental disease, and heart problems.
Poodle: Intelligent and Low-Shedding
Next, Dr Lynch recommended the Poodle, which comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. She explained that “in general, they are known to be highly intelligent, possibly one of the most intelligent breeds.” While they “do need haircuts,” the breed does “very little shedding,” making them less likely to cause allergic reactions among pets and family members.
Their intelligence, however, means they can figure out how to escape from kennels and open doors. They can also get bored easily, so they need training, entertainment, and plenty of activity, especially the larger varieties. Health issues include bloating among larger types, which is an emergency, and vulnerability to various metabolic diseases.
Golden and Labrador Retrievers: Family Favourites
Dr Lynch could not choose between Golden and Labrador Retrievers, so she grouped the genetically distinct but temperamentally similar breeds together for her third choice. She said they are known as great family dogs, with loyal and intelligent natures and a predisposition to friendliness that helps them mix well with other pets and children.
They are more common than breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, making them less costly to buy. As working dogs, they thrive when they have plenty to do, but they are not suited to sitting around at home. They shed a lot, and their energy and enthusiasm can lead to destructive behaviour and overexcitement, sometimes ending up on the vet's table after swallowing something they shouldn't have. They can also be vulnerable to certain cancers, but overall they are worth the effort, she added.
Bichon Frise: A Teddy Bear-Like Toy Breed
Fourth on the list is the Bichon Frise, a Franco-Belgian small toy dog breed known for its teddy bear-like appearance. The vet said they are the “perfect size” and can live happily in a flat without a large garden. They are loyal, clever, and good with youngsters, and while they need grooming, they are not big shedders or major allergy triggers.
Dr Lynch spoke glowingly of their joie de vivre, recalling one she saw enjoying rides on a jet ski at the feet of its riders. Although she has never owned one herself, she said she would do so without hesitation.
Mixed Breeds: A Champion's Choice
For her final choice, Dr Lynch championed mixed breeds, which some pet seekers avoid due to the unpredictable results of less understood combinations of characteristics. These dogs, sometimes called “mutts,” are plentiful in shelters, with many waiting for a good home.
She said the isolation dogs experience in kennels is sad, as dogs are pack animals that long for company. Mixed breeds are likely to be much cheaper, and rescue dogs may already have had vaccinations, been tested for parasites, and be spayed or neutered. She suggested genetic variety can produce positive results, such as resistance to disease.
“I may see a lot fewer concerns [about] overall health issues, and certainly birth defects, congenital problems in a mutt” than in “a lot of the very expensive boutique, or high-end breeds,” Dr Lynch said. The downside is that owners may not know their full backstory, such as age or vaccination history, but a medical professional can establish that. She added that a rescue dog will likely appreciate being welcomed into a home more than one raised from a pup that knows no different.
