Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Snoozing alongside your furry friend is many people’s idea of a perfect night’s sleep, but there are common downsides that come with sharing a bed with your dog.
From finding drool patches on your pillow, deafening snoring, and endless amounts of dog hair left between the sheets, having your pooch in the bed can sometimes not be the dream scenario you imagined.
To help those thinking of having their pup in the bed, luxury bed linen brand Secret Linen Store has published new research that revealed the best dogs to share your sheets with.
Analysing factors such as levels of drooling, shedding, barking, energy and cross-referencing that with size, the research reveals which breeds you’re going to have the best night’s sleep with.
Here’s what the resulting ‘pup all night’ scores indicated are the 12 best canine bedfellows for a peaceful night’s sleep. Let those sleeping dogs lie!
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9. Poodle
The Poodle scored particularly highly for a lack of shedding hair - this hypoallergenic breed won't leave your bed matted with fur. They also come in three different sizes - toy, miniature and standard - depending on the size of your bed! | Canva/Getty Images
10. Schnauzer
Coming in 10th place, is the Schnauzer. They are also quite high energy, but score very well across the other categories, shedding very little hair and being unlikely to wake you up with a bark. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Pug
Pugs are affectionate, small-sized dogs that love being near their owners and can fit easily into any sleeping arrangement. They do shed a little, and are prone to snoring on occasion, but their calm nature makes up for those little niggles. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, small-sized dogs that love snuggling. A lightweight breed, they are easy to accommodate in bed. Their gentle nature and love for human companionship make them ideal for close sleeping. Their soft, silky coat is pretty comfy to cuddle up to as well. | Canva/Getty Images