Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last few years – according to the Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared to record levels.
Around one-in-three UK households now contains at least one four-legged friend of the canine persuasion.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One thing to consider is that some dogs need far more exercise than others – with the likes of the Border Collie requiring several walks a day and plenty of outdoor space at home.
Meanwhile, other types prefer to spend most of their time on the couch or in front of the fire and won’t thank you for much more than a quick trot around the park.
But if you are looking for the best of both worlds, you should consider a medium energy dog – that will keep up with you on outdoor adventures but will also be happy to have lazy days accompanying you as you binge on the latest television boxset.
Here are 10 breeds of the breeds that fit the bill.
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1. Shiba Inu
A walk a day and a couple of more vigorous exercise sessions each week will keep an adorable Shiba Inu in tip top shape mentally and physically. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
2. Dachshund
The independently minded (or, in other words, naughty) Dachshund needs a fair amount of exercise to stay healthy but, due to their tiny legs, what feels like a gently amble to you will feel like a marathon to them. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. Saint Bernard
From its huge size and reputation for long mountain treks many would presume that the Saint Bernard would have the highest of energy levels. In fact, they are closer to the low energy category than most of the dogs on this list - perfect for those looking for a large dog that won't need hours of walking. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. Corgi
Like the Dachshund, both types (Pembroke and Cardigan) of Welsh Corgi have such short legs that they can be easily exercised in even small spaces - while just a moderately-paced trip to the park is likely to wear them out for the evening. Photo: Canva/Getty Images