What dog breed is right for me?

Each dog is an individual and being small doesn’t necessarily mean a dog is low energy. Here are some common traits of popular breeds. Check out our dog advice page for more information.  

Small breeds  

Dogs under 12kg are generally considered small breeds. They might be little, but they have big personalities and require every bit as much love, training and exercise as bigger dogs.  

Terriers  

There are many different terrier breeds from Border Terriers to the tiny Yorkshire Terrier, and they all have their own needs.  

On the whole, terriers are known for being hardy, plucky, and pretty energetic. They enjoy training and vary in their exercise needs. 

Terriers make good pets for people who are willing to commit to regular grooming, daily walks, and training activities.  

See our terrier breed trait blog for more.  

Spaniels 

Spaniels were originally bred as gundogs, and they’re considered to be loyal, smart, and very loving. They often have high energy levels and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. As a result, they’re often used by the police as sniffer dogs.  

They require regular grooming, and they can be prone to ear infections.  

A spaniel might be the right breed for you if you’re an active person who’s got time for training and games.  

Pugs  

Pugs are known for being social, playful, and very stubborn!  

They can require more grooming than other breeds as it’s important to regularly clean their eyes, ears and face wrinkles to avoid infection. They can also suffer from breathing difficulties due to their short snouts.  

When rehoming a dog, our vet will give you a detailed breakdown of their medical history and information about any potential long-term problems.  

Like all dogs, pugs require daily exercise, but they prefer short strolls and don’t cope well on hot days.  

Pugs or a pug cross might be for you if you don’t like long walks and you’re not fazed by their potential medical needs.  

Medium size breeds  

Anything from 10kg to 25kg could be considered a medium sized breed. Depending on the breed, they may have high exercise requirements or could be suited to a more relaxed pace of life.  

Collie  

Border collies are generally smart, playful, and energetic dogs. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. They may display unwanted behaviours such as chasing cars if their needs aren’t met.  

Collies have two different hair types, medium length or smooth. They will need regular brushing and are also likely to need professional grooming from time to time.  

A collie could be the dog for you if you’re an active person who’s interested in training and willing to provide plenty of daily games and enrichment for your dog.  

Lurcher  

Lurchers are mixed breeds, so their personality traits can vary drastically. Generally, they’re known for being loving, sleepy, and stubborn with a high prey drive.  

The amount of grooming they need will depend on their coat. They tend to prefer short bursts of exercise over lengthy walks. Like all dogs, they need training and regular enrichment activities for a high quality of life. 

A lurcher might make a good pet for you if you don’t have any small pets in your home, enjoy regular outdoor walks, and you’re looking for a potentially oversized lapdog!   

Read our article on lurcher breed traits for more information.  

Staffie  

Staffies are best known for their adorable smile, big heads, and silky fur. They can be very affectionate and sociable, but as a result, they sometimes struggle with independence and find it hard to be left alone.  

Because of their terrier ancestry, staffies enjoy mental enrichment activities like puzzles and training sessions.  

They usually have minimal grooming needs and only require moderate daily exercise.  

A staffie might be for you if you’re looking for a cuddly, friendly pet and you’re able to keep them company for most of the day.  

Read more about terrier breed traits here.  

Large dog breeds  

Dogs that weigh between 25-45kg are classed as large dog breeds. They will require more food than smaller dog breeds which can affect the cost of owning a dog and, while smaller dogs don’t necessarily need less exercise, they are easier to handle than big dogs who might benefit from more intense training as a result.  

Labrador 

Labradors are a classic family favourite breed. They’re known for being affectionate, sociable, energetic, and eager to please.  

They are generally high energy pets who need a lot of exercise and training to keep them healthy and happy.  

Labradors need regular brushing, are known to be water babies who love running about and getting muddy and can shed a lot of hair.  

A labrador could be for you if you’re looking for a friendly family pet, enjoy outdoor walks and are not too worried about keeping your furniture pristine!  

German Shepherd 

German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal and highly trainable dogs who need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.  

They’re big dogs who shed seasonally and require regular brushing. They can be playful, loving, and patient but can develop separation anxiety or destructive tendencies if they’re left alone too long or become bored. They’re also known to be quite vocal!  

A German shepherd might make a good pet for you if you have previous experience of big dog breeds, you’re an active person and you’re interested in dog training.  

Belgian Malinois  

Malis are large, high-energy dogs who thrive on plenty of training and are known to develop very strong bonds with their owners.  

They’re smart and active dogs who tend to have a high prey drive and require lots of mental stimulation and exercise to stay happy and healthy.  

They would make a good pet for someone who’s interested in dog sports, loves to get outdoors, and has previous experience with big dogs or working dogs.  

Ready to welcome a new dog to your family? 

One of the key advantages of rehoming a rescue dog is that their carers can tell you everything about their personalities, preferences, and health requirements.  

Although breed traits are a general indication of what a dog might be like in your home, every dog has their own likes, dislikes and quirks.  

If you’re thinking of rehoming a dog from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, make the most of our team’s expertise and ask them anything!