We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
Of course, if you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
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.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
So, if you are looking for a dog with both brains and beauty (all dogs are beautiful), then it has been scientifically proven which breeds should top your wish list.
Here are, officially, the 13 cleverest breeds of dog in the world.
13. English Springer Spaniel
Completing our list is the bouncy English Springer Spaniel. This sporty dog is traditionally used by hunters, who can rely on its intellect to help track down and catch prey. | Canva/Getty Images