🐾 The Top 5 Pet Dog Breeds I Recommend (and 5 I’d Think Twice About). Choosing the right dog breed can make or break your experience as an owner. Surrey & Sussex Dog Trainer Antonia

Why Breed Choice Matters

Before bringing home a puppy, it’s worth thinking carefully about the breed. Every dog is an individual — but their genetics play a huge role in how much energy, focus, and drive they bring into your home.

As a professional dog trainer working with hundreds of dogs through our residential training and day trainingprogrammes, I’ve seen which breeds adapt beautifully to pet life… and which ones can be a real handful without a job to do!

Here are the top 5 pet dog breeds I recommend — and 5 I’d approach with caution if you’re looking for a relaxed family companion.

🏆 Top 5 Pet Dog Breeds I Recommend

1. Labrador Retriever

You just can’t go wrong with a well-bred Labrador. Food-motivated, eager to please and generally very trainable, they’re the ultimate all-rounder. Labs love people, adapt easily to family life and, with consistent structure and positive reinforcement, make loyal, steady companions.

They’re great for families, first-time dog owners, and anyone who wants a social, versatile dog that’s as happy on a muddy walk as it is curled up on the sofa.

👉 If you’re bringing home a Labrador puppy, check out our Ultimate Puppy Course to give them the perfect start.

2. Whippet

An underrated gem! Whippets are calm, clean in the home and incredibly easy to live with. They don’t need hours of exercise, and their gentle, cat-like nature makes them ideal for quieter households.

They’re elegant, affectionate and perfectly content with a warm bed and a quick sprint once or twice a day.

3. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever’s sweet temperament and soft expression win hearts everywhere. They’re kind, loyal and patient — but do need a little more coat maintenance than their Labrador cousins.

Start training early, set clear boundaries, and they’ll repay you with unwavering affection and easy companionship.

4. Show-Line Cocker Spaniel

Not to be confused with their working-line cousins, show Cockers tend to be calmer, gentler and far more adaptable to family life. They love human company but don’t need constant stimulation or activity.

Plus, they’re absolutely adorable — those long ears and soulful eyes make them one of the cutest pups you’ll ever meet.

5. Pomeranian

Hear me out! These little fluffballs often have a bad reputation for being yappy or reactive — but that’s usually a training issue, not a breed flaw.

With the right structure and boundaries, Poms are clever, confident, and full of personality. Think big dog attitude in a tiny body. They’re fun, alert, and absolutely bursting with character.

🚫 5 Dog Breeds I Don’t Recommend (for Most Pet Homes)

I adore these breeds — truly — but in the wrong homes they can become overwhelmed, frustrated, or unhappy. They’re bred for serious work and need outlets for that drive.

1. Working Cocker Spaniel

Watching a working cocker tear through thick bracken is breathtaking — they’re phenomenal gundogs. But as pets, they can be a lot.

These dogs are bred for relentless drive and stamina. Without a job or daily structure, they can become over-aroused, frantic, and hard to settle. They’re not for the faint-hearted!

2. Belgian Malinois

A dog that can do anything… except relax. Mals are incredible working dogs — loyal, athletic, and razor-sharp — but their intensity can be overwhelming in a pet home.

Without constant engagement and a confident handler, they can become anxious or reactive. This is a breed best suited to experienced working homes, not family life.

3. Border Collie

Collies are geniuses — and that’s both their strength and downfall. Without a proper outlet for their brains and energy, they’ll invent their own jobs: herding kids, chasing traffic, or developing obsessive habits.

They thrive when given consistent mental and physical work — but most people with 9–5 lifestyles simply can’t meet those needs.

4. Doberman

Elegant, loyal, and protective — but definitely not for beginners. Dobermans need strong, confident leadership and a meaningful outlet for their instincts.

In my experience, they’re more challenging to train than German Shepherds or Malinois, and without proper socialisation and structure, they can easily become anxious or defensive.

5. Weimaraner

A stunning breed that often looks the part but can be challenging to live with. Weimaraners are highly intelligent, sensitive and demanding. They need calm, consistent handling and plenty of direction.

In the right hands, they’re magnificent — but as a family pet, they can easily become unruly or nervous. Good breeding stock can also be difficult to find, which adds another layer of challenge.

🐶 Final Thoughts

Every dog is an individual, and there are always exceptions — I’ve met calm working cockers and wild Labradors! But as a general rule, genetics matter.

When choosing your next dog, think less about looks and more about what they were bred to do. Matching energy levels, temperament and drive to your lifestyle is the key to long-term success.

If you’re unsure which breed would best suit your family, we’re always happy to offer guidance. You can book a 1-2-1 consultation or get in touch via our website contact form.

Choosing the right dog from the start sets you both up for a lifetime of success — and a truly happy partnership.

Author:Antonia Mitchell, Head Trainer & Founder at Surrey & Sussex Dog Trainer📍 Licensed family-home training in Bramley, Surrey🐾 Specialising in residential “board & train”, day training, and 1-2-1 lessons