Poodle

Pick a Poodle for its willingness as much as its brains: it learns quickly from gentle, reward-based training and forgives a late or muddled cue. It also sheds very little, which some allergy sufferers find easier to live with. The catch is grooming, with a professional clip every four to eight weeks and a quick brush in between to stop mats. Miniatures suit most first homes; Standards are calm adults but need more exercise, and Toys can be fragile around clumsy hands.