Professional dog trainer reveals how to pick the right breed for you – and the one he’d avoid entirely

A dog trainer who has worked with 3,500 canines has revealed how to choose the perfect breed for your home, sharing the popular pets he recommends – and the one that could spell trouble for the wrong owner. 

Graeme Sims, 89, spent four decades training hundreds of dogs and their owners before he was forced to retire in 2020 after an overexcited Border Collie became a physical risk to him. 

The grandfather-of-eight, who lives in Ystradgynlais, South Wales, had his nose removed in 2018 after being diagnosed with cancer, and now depends on a set of magnetically attached prosthetic noses that have cost him £4,000. 

But when a boisterous Collie knocked off his prosthesis and forced him to spend hours searching undergrowth for it, he decided training was no longer worth the risk.

In his book The Answer Is Under Your Nose, Mr Sims details his battle and successful recovery from cancer, as well as life with a facial prosthesis. He also shares top dog training tips he’s picked up over the years in another book, The Dog Whisperer. 

And, despite stepping away from training, he still has plenty of advice for prospective dog owners – particularly those tempted by a breed’s looks or popularity without considering what it takes to care for one.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he stressed the importance of finding a dog whose temperament and needs match its owner’s lifestyle, rather than simply following the latest trends.

Dog training specialist Sue Ketland at Woodgreen Pets Charity agrees. 

She told the Daily Mail: ‘Welcoming a dog into your life marks the beginning of a wonderful new relationship, and like any relationship, there are ups and downs.

‘Before falling in love with a particular breed, think about the life you can offer them – including how much time you have for exercise, training and care – both now and in the years ahead.’

Mr Sims, who began his career training Border Collies after he lost his advertising job in the Eighties, recommends starting with a breed you might already be drawn to. 

But the most important part is thoroughly researching their personality traits and instincts to assess whether it would be complementary to your home, routine and past experience as a pet owner. 

While breed characteristics can give us useful clues about the type of home and companionship a dog might enjoy, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual. 

‘Their age, personality, previous experiences and health can all influence the type of owner and care they need,’ Ms Ketland added. 

For instance, the sociable and affectionate Cavapoo makes a perfect plus one. 

‘With boundless energy, they love being part of the action and need plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. And remember, that adorable teddy-bear coat needs regular grooming,’ Ms Ketland said. 

According to Mr Sims, Cavapoos – a mix of Cavalier King Charles and Poodle – are small, affectionate and intelligent, with Poodles being the second smartest breed after Border Collies. 

‘They’re best suited to experienced, active owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation,’ Ms Ketland said of the working dog breed.  

Beloved by the late Queen, Corgis might look like they were designed for a life of lounging, but these clever herding dogs have plenty of energy, a strong work ethic and a desire to keep things in order – including their people. 

‘They’re a great match for owners who enjoy training, games and keeping busy,’ added Ms Ketland. 

Labradors are friendly, eager to learn and famously food-motivated. 

This means they need plenty of exercise as they can be prone to weight gain, meaning their owners must be prepared to spend a lot of time running around outdoors. 

Labs are wonderful companions for active families who enjoy long walks, outdoor adventures and plenty of play, according to Ms Ketland. 

Affectionate and sociable Golden Retrievers also thrive with active owners. 

‘Beneath that beautiful golden coat is an energetic working breed that needs exercise and mental stimulation, not to mention regular grooming,’ said the dog behaviourist at Woodgreen Pets Charity. 

Mr Sims joked that the breed does ‘not [have] as strong a retrieving nature as the name suggests’.

The dog trainer notes Springer Spaniels as being affectionate with humans, sociable with other dogs and easy to train using a retrieving dummy, although their high energy levels mean they need an active owner.  

If your heart is set on a Dachshund, know that they are curious, determined and wonderfully independent. 

‘Don’t be fooled by their little legs, they have bundles of energy, enjoying scent games, training and having their opinions heard,’ Ms Ketland said. 

‘Their long backs do, however, need particular care, including keeping them at a healthy weight and managing activities that could put strain on their spine.’

For those after a smaller companion, Yorkshire Terriers are lively and loving, while Dachshunds – although not in need of rigorous exercise due to their short legs – need consistent ‘aware’ training.

As with Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Mr Sims warned: ‘The name tells you about its nature.’

He added they are ‘not good with other dogs they meet during walks and can be a real problem because of their aggressive nature. Built like a fighter with a strong will.’