I'm a vet and these are best 5 dog breeds to have as a pet

A vet has revealed the dog breeds he would consider owning himself, and one is perfect for families. Veterinarian Dr Alex Crow regularly posts tips for dog owners on his TikTok channel, posting as @alex_thevet, with advice on everything from health to what different types of animal behaviour really mean.

In one video posted in August last year, Dr Crow shared the five types of pooch he would consider owning, including one he already has. He stressed that the ones he picked aren't necessarily the healthiest breeds and all dogs have their issues, but they're the ones that seem to have fewer than others and that he personally likes.

His first pick is Jack Russell Terriers, which he said are "pretty solid health-wise, and I don't see them that often in clinic".

"When I do, they're often really old, so that's got to be a good sign", he added.

Dr Crow noted that the breed "can suffer from some eye problems like a lens luxation" as well as joint issues affecting their knees called petella luxation. However, he said they're "really hardy dogs" overall.

Next on the list are sighthounds, which include breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds.

The medical professional says he's "pretty impressed with their overall health" and they're generally "robust" and "not plagued with a ton of issues".

However, they do suffer dental issues, especially Greyhounds in particular. He also notes they can be "a bit sensitive", adding that Greyhound owners will relate.

Dr Crow continued that their thin skin also makes them vulnerable to cuts and scrapes, and they'll probably need a coat in the colder months, but "overall, they're great dogs."

The third pick is a dog he already has: a Labrador. The vet, who has a black lab, says Labradors make "such great family dogs" and are "easy to train and always want to please you."

Dr Crow says they're "generally healthier than a lot of other breeds", though they do suffer from joint issues, including ones affecting their hips. He recommends getting them from a breeder who's had the dog's parents' hips scored to reduce the risk of them suffering hip dysplasia.

Schnauzers also made the cut, as they have "so much character" and are "pretty unique looking".

He says they're pretty healthy dogs, though, like other dogs, they can experience various issues, the most common of which are dental and heart disease and obesity, but "no more than any other dog breed".

Last on the list are Rhodesian Ridgebacks, which are "stunning dogs" that "often have really gentle temperaments" and came a close second to labs.

Dr Crow notes that they're also prone to joint problems, and as with labradors, he recommends getting a hip score before buying one. But overall, they're "great dogs."

The vet made clear that the list isn't exhaustive and there are other breeds he'd consider owning.