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Pete Wedderburn Telegraph vet 11 March 2016 7:00am GMT I would prefer a well-socialised, crossbred rescue dog to a pedigree pup, but if choosing a breed, these are my recommendations. Choose

your source carefully, ideally meeting both parents of a pup: most dogs turn out like their forebears. A YOUNG COUPLE IN A CITY HOUSE WITH A SMALL GARDEN: BORDER TERRIER The round head, the

bright eyes, the wiry coat and the huge personality in a small body make this breed my number-one choice. A FAMILY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WITH OLDER CHILDREN: GOLDEN RETRIEVER  These

intelligent, good-looking dogs make loyal, loving companions. Their only “fault” is copious amounts of hair-shedding on carpets and furniture. A HOUSE IN SUBURBIA FULL OF NOISY CHILDREN:

LABRADOR RETRIEVER  The nation’s favourite breed for good reasons: as well as making excellent family pets, they are valued for their intelligence and good health, and are popular as working

dogs in many areas of life. A FASHION-CONSCIOUS COUPLE WITH NO CHILDREN AND AN AVERSION TO DOG HAIR: BICHON FRISE  One of the “non-shed” group of dogs, these clean, small, intelligent

animals require regular professional grooming to keep their constantly growing hair neat and tidy. A COUPLE OR SINGLE PERSON WITH A SPARE COUCH: GREYHOUND  Despite their reputation as

prey-chasing athletes, greyhounds are gentle, sensitive characters who make wonderful pets. Rescued ex-racing greyhounds often need new homes, so they are easier to locate than many other

types of dog. A FAMILY WITH CHILDREN WHO ARE NERVOUS AROUND DOGS: CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL Perhaps the most gentle breed of all. They are prone to some health problems, so choose a pup

from a breeder who has completed all health tests. A FAMILY WITH A LARGE HOUSE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE: IRISH WOLFHOUND Sadly prone to a short lifespan compared with smaller dogs, the tallest

breed of all is a gentle, easy-going giant with a king-size personality to match. AN OLDER PERSON LIVING ALONE: WHIPPET Like petite greyhounds, whippets are doe-eyed, gentle, sensitive and

intensely loyal. A SINGLE PERSON LIVING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WHO ENJOYS THE OUTDOOR LIFE: ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL Born to run through undergrowth and swim in rivers, springer spaniels are

exuberant, friendly, sociable dogs that need plenty of exercise. A FAMILY IN A SMALL SUBURBAN HOUSE WITH LIMITED SPACE: MINIATURE SCHNAUZER This low-shed dog combines a distinguished

appearance with an easy-going, playful personality.