If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
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.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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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 research that reveals the best - and worst -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 unlikley to have the best night’s sleep with.
Here’s what the resulting ‘pup all night’ scores indicated are the 10 best canine bedfellows for a peaceful night’s sleep.
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5. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is another dog on this list that can enjoy the occasional bark at night. If you can keep them quiet though, these tiny dogs are great company - and take up very little space. | Getty Images
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6. Bulldog
A surprise entry in the list of best dogs to share a bed with is the English Bulldog. With low amounts of shedding, barking and a very relaxed temperament, according to the research these pups actually make pretty great sleeping companions – but do watch out for the drool. | Getty Images
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7. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu tends to be an excellent bed buddy - having beed bred to be lapdogs in their native China. Some of these cute characters do have a tendency to bark though, so expect to be occasionally woken if they hear something outside. | Getty Images
8. Chihuahua
If space is at a premium then you can't get a better sleeping partner than the Chihuahua - the world's smallest dog. These dogs are packed with character and love staying close to their beloved owners all the time. | AFP via Getty Images