A huge number of us decided to add dogs to our families over the last few years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared to record levels – around one-in-three UK households now contains at least one four-legged friend.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pooch – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
Some dogs have the most amazing sense of smell, an attribute that has often been intentionally bred into them to make them perfect for tasks such as tracking prey.
These are also dogs that are likely to be able to sniff out food, making it a challenge to keep them from stealing your lunch.
These are the 10 breeds of dog with the best sense of smell, according to the American Kennel Club.
5. Beagle
The Beagle's amazing sense of smell was used by hunters to sniff out foxes from miles away. They are now often used by customs officials in airports to find concealed contraband. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Black and Tan Coonhound
Only officially recognised as a distinct breed by the UK Kennel Club in 2018, the Black and Tan Coonhound was bred in the United States to track raccoons over long distances with their amazing sense of smell. Their bark becomes more regular as they get closer to their prey. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Belgian Malinois
A well-trained Belgian Malinois can sniff out a whole range of trouble - from bombs to drugs. The moment one of these intelligent dogs is aware of a troublesome smell, they will quickly alert their handler and accurately indicate its location. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Golden Retriever
Anybody who has ever owned a Golden Retriever will be aware at how good this breed is at finding food - sometimes even in sealed containers. This talent has an important use - if your child is allergic to peanuts, a Golden Retriever can alert you as soon as one is close. Photo: Canva/Getty Images