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.
Read more:
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Different breeds of dog also tend to have very different personalities – with some more likely to lash out with nips, nibbles and even bites.
Of course any dog is capable of delivering a damaging bite, while most dogs of any breed are unlikely to do any damage unless seriously provoked, but there are certain breeds who have temperaments making them more likely to be aggressive than others.
Researchers in the USA carried out a survey of some of the estimated five million canine bites suffered in the country each year, separating them into types of dog.
Meanwhile other dogs have a tried and tested track record for rarely biting - particularly the so-called ‘soft-mouthed’ breeds.
Here are the 20 breeds of dog that are most and least likely to bite.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
.jpeg?trim=0,58,0,58&crop=&width=800)
1. Labrador Retriever
We're starting with the dogs that are least likely to deliver a painful bite. Sticks tend to have the most to fear from the shiny white teeth of the Labrador Retriever. Renowned for their friendly and loving nature, it's massively unusual for a Lab to bite. That's one of many reasons why they are the UK's - and the world's - most popular dog breed. A natural soft mouth means even an accidental nip during play will probably not even hurt. | Getty Images
.jpeg?trim=0,74,0,74&crop=&width=800)
2. Golden Retriever
What's true for the Labrador Retriever tends to also be true of its close cousin the Golden Retriever - including the risk of biting. An affectionate nibble if you are having a play with a favourite toy is the worst you tend to expect from this loving and friendly breed. | Getty Images
.jpeg?trim=0,57,0,57&crop=&width=800)
3. Basset Hound
Biting takes energy, and if there is one dog that loves to preserve energy wherever possible it's the chilled Basset Hound. These dogs love to follow a scent trail, but their noses are way more active than their jaws. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
When it comes to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the main motivation is an overriding eagerness to please its owners. Even if one of these beautiful dogs does have a wee nip, when it realises it has displeased its owners, it's unlikely to do it again because it will feel so guilty about it. | AFP via Getty Images