6 medium-sized dog breeds for first-time owners

If you're starting to look for your first dog, choosing a breed that suits your lifestyle is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A first-time owner can take on any breed, but if you have little experience of handling dogs, a medium-sized breed can be a good middle ground.

Do your research on different breeds and their typical temperaments before you decide. The breeds below are often suggested for first-time owners, but each has needs you should plan for.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador is one of the best-known family dogs. Most are loving, friendly and keen to be with their people. They are intelligent and usually respond well to training.

Labradors are active and enjoy the outdoors, so they suit owners who like long walks. Many take part in canine sports. They are also known for their big appetites and can be persistent beggars, so you'll need to train them not to beg and keep an eye on their weight.

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is usually cheerful, affectionate and loyal. They're eager to please, but they're working dogs with lots of energy and need plenty of exercise and training.

Springers are lively and intelligent, and many get on well with children and other dogs. They suit active owners who enjoy lots of walks and time outdoors.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is smaller than the Springer, with a slightly calmer temperament and a friendly nature. Many are quiet indoors, but as soon as they're let out to play, they run around with bundles of energy.

Their coats need regular grooming, including frequent brushing to prevent knots. It's worth looking into the cost of a professional groomer before you commit.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-height dog with a muscular, stocky build, and a familiar breed in the UK. Many are very loving towards their families.

Staffies need a moderate amount of exercise and consistent, reward-based training. Many enjoy playing with children and running around the park. If they're well socialised from a young age, they can be good with other dogs and people.

Whippet

The Whippet is light and finely boned, and looks like a smaller version of the Greyhound. They can make a good family pet for a first-time owner and are usually fairly low-maintenance.

Whippets are calm at home but need daily walks and safe off-lead runs. They have a strong chase instinct, so practise recall in secure areas. After exercise, most love nothing more than curling up for a sleep. They are often very affectionate with their families.

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is not a breed in its own right but a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. The aim of the cross was to combine the Labrador's friendly nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat.

Because it's a cross, coat type isn't guaranteed. Many Labradoodles shed like a Labrador, so don't rely on one being suitable for allergies. Most have a lovely temperament and are very loyal to their owners.

Health testing

Whatever the breed, ask breeders about health tests for both parents. Many breeds have recommended health tests or screening schemes, and a responsible breeder will be happy to show you the results.