Vets reveal which dog breeds are 'best for first-time owners' – one will surprise you

For those pondering the leap into dog ownership for the first time, the question of which breed to choose can be a daunting one.

A team of vets has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that certain breeds may be more suitable for novice pet owners.

In a TikTok video shared by the Santa Monica Veterinary Group, they advised: "If you're looking to adopt or get a new furry addition to your family, here are some dog breeds our team at the clinic recommends." The footage shows a vet consulting with colleagues about their top picks for first-time dog owners.

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One vet expressed a preference for mixed breed dogs, saying: "I usually say mixed breed dogs because hopefully, you get the best of two, or four, or six, or eight different worlds." Another recommended a Toy Poodle, and a third advocated for Pit Bulls, adding: "People judge them but they're very loving and good family dogs."

Another colleague suggested: "I'd say a Shih Tzu because my mum had a Shih Tzu and it kept her company and slept with her every night. They got through their health issues together." The final vet's choice was a Chihuahua because they "live forever".

Social media users chimed in with their own experiences under the video. One remarked: "Definitely not Dachshund."

Another shared: "I adopted a Pitty Mix and he's stuck to me like glue. Literally cheek to cheek right now as he sleeps." And a third contributed: "Japanese Chin."

This comes after it emerged that a beautiful dog named Dobby, who suffered years of abuse, is now living her best life.

Dobby, a Havanese breed, spent the first three years of her life confined in a cage as a breeder at a puppy mill. Her new owners recently shared heart-wrenching photos from the day they adopted her, showing her 'hollow' and 'haunted' eyes that have moved many online.