If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, 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’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) 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.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Many dogs need plenty of attention to keep their coats in good order – with daily brushing an essential and regular visits to a professional groomer important to keep them in tip-top condition and prevent them from becoming a bit stinky.
Other breeds simply have a natural smell that’s pretty much impossible to negate - we’re looking at you Labrador Retriever (although the majority of owners would say they love the distinctive Lab odour).
Meanwhile others are pretty much self-cleaning and create very little odour.
Here are the 13 cleanest breeds of dog.
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1. Italian Greyhound
Smaller than the normal Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound positively thrives on not being groomed. Even a monthly bath risks irritating their skin, with most owners opting to just occasionally wiping them down with a damp cloth. | Getty Images
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2. Chow Chow
The Chinese Chow Chow is one of the cleanest breeds of dog as they are fastidious about their appearance - not letting a speck of dirt remain on their coats for long. In fact, they often act more like cats than dogs - and are unlikely to ever create an unpleasant odour. | Getty Images
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3. Basenji
Famously the only breed of dog that doesn't bark (they make a strange yodeling noise instead) the Basenji is another breed of loving dog who are positively cat-like in their cleanliness. They groom themselves regularly, have very little doggy odour, and shed minimally. Their short coat also requires remarkably little maintenance - you'll barely need a brush. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Dobermann
While large Dobermanns, also known as Doberman Pinschers, may cost you more than other dogs when it comes to pet food, they'll not require the services of a groomer. A weekly brush will get rid of any loose hair and that's all they need to maintain a healthy and shiny coat. | AFP via Getty Images