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.
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.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
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 worth considering before making a decision is that certain breeds of dog get on really well with children, while others are really only suitable for grownups.
So, here are the 10 breeds of dog that make perfect pets for families with young children – and those that should be avoided.
9. Australian Shepherd
As the name suggests, Australian Shepherds were originally bred to herd sheep. One way they did this was to nip at the feet of the sheep, and its behaviour that they can now exhibit when young children are running around Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Chihuahua
They may be small, but Chihuahuas can be fairly aggressive if their personal space is invaded and are liable to snap - a recipe for disaster for curious toddlers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images