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 also scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
This saw every dog breed ranked according instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt - with the combined score giving an indication of their overall intelligence, or IQ.
So, according to to him, here are the 10 dog breeds that should breeze their way into a canine Mensa - and the 10 that would struggle to graduate from puppy nursery.
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1. Afghan Hound
We're starting with the pups with the lowest IQs, and Stanley Coren concluded that the beautiful Afghan Hound is the least intelligent breed of dog. Of course this could be largely due to the fact they are also the most stubborn breed of dog - notorious for ignoring their owner's commands. Who's to say they don't understand every word though? Maybe they're actually really smart! | Canva/Getty Images
2. Basenji
The Basenji is reputedly the world's second most stupid dog breed. Given that they are the only type of dog that don't bark, maybe we just aren't hearing all the clever things they desperately want to say. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Bulldog
Perhaps the reason the gorgeous Bulldog appears so high on this list is that they are well known for being very lazy - preferring to curl up on the couch instead of running around being smart like a Labrador or Border Collie. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Chow Chow
What the Cow Chow lacks in intellect is more than made up for with its loyalty - doing everything they can to protect their owner from danger. Also, with a face like that, you don't really need brains. | Canva/Getty Images