A Vet Reveals the Five Best Dog Breeds to Keep as Pets: “I Would Gladly Have These Dogs Myself”

Choosing the right dog to bring into your home is one of the most life-changing decisions a pet lover can make. With so many breeds out there, each carrying its own personality quirks, health tendencies, and energy levels, the process can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The good news is that a professional with years of hands-on experience has done a lot of the heavy lifting for you. Dr. Ben Simpson-Vernon, a British veterinarian widely known as Ben the Vet on TikTok, has shared his expert picks for the five breeds he believes make genuinely outstanding companions.

Kicking things off with poodle mixes, Dr. Ben was quick to push back against the criticism these dogs often receive online. Breeds like the Cockapoo and Cavapoo get a lot of flak, but he made it clear there is nothing wrong with crossing two breeds. The real issue, he explained, lies with irresponsible breeders who prioritize profits over the health and temperament of their dogs. When raised by ethical breeders, these cheerful and intelligent dogs thrive with enough physical activity and mental engagement.

Golden Retrievers earned a warm spot on the list as well, with Dr. Ben describing them affectionately as big fluffy teddy bears. He shared a genuine soft spot for the breed and noted that while no dog should ever be left completely unsupervised with children, Golden Retrievers tend to be wonderful around kids. They do carry a higher risk of cancer and can sometimes be heavy droolers, but most owners find those quirks easy to overlook given how loving and gentle these dogs are.

@ben.the.vet 5 dog breeds I would consider getting as a vet – PART TWO #learnontiktok #dogs #benthevet #veterinary #puppydog ♬ Waiting For Heartache – BLVKSHP

The Miniature Schnauzer came in as a strong option for anyone looking for a smaller dog with real character. Dr. Ben highlighted their distinctive appearance and, importantly, the fact that they are built proportionally and do not suffer from the breathing or spinal issues that plague flat-faced breeds like Pugs or French Bulldogs. They are smart, lively, and generally even-tempered, though he did flag that owners need to keep a close eye on their diet since the breed is prone to pancreatitis.

Cocker Spaniels made the list too, though Dr. Ben was upfront that they are a high-energy commitment. He personally has a soft spot for the breed but emphasized that they need at least one to two hours of exercise daily to stay happy and balanced. Ear infections are a known vulnerability for these dogs, so getting into a routine of ear care early on is essential. For active families willing to put in the effort, Cocker Spaniels can be wonderfully affectionate and loyal.

Rounding out the list is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a breed Dr. Ben spoke about from personal experience. Growing up with a Staffie named Bessie, he described her as a fantastic family dog and pushed back on the negative stereotypes that often follow the breed. Staffies are generally healthy, deeply loyal, and incredibly affectionate with their families. The one thing to keep in mind is that they can sometimes be tricky around other dogs, so early socialization is worth prioritizing from the start.

If you have one of these breeds at home or are thinking about getting one, share your experience in the comments.