We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
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 also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts the ability to adapt.
But if you want a pup that will do two laps of the park before more of its canine friends have done one, there are a few dogs you should have at the top of your list.
Meanwhile, if you’d rather have a pet who enjoys life at a slower pace, then there are also many perfect breeds for you.
Here are the 20 fastest and slowest breeds of dog.
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13. Pug
Another dog whose small stature means it struggles withy speed is the Pug. Being a brachycephalic (flat faced) dog also means that they are likely to suffer respiratory problems if exercised too much. | Canva/Getty Images
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14. Shih Tzu
With an average speed of around 6mph, the Shih Tzu is a lover not a runner - far happier curled up on its owner's lap rather than scurrying around the park. | Canva/Getty Images
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15. Japanese Chin
Bred solely to be a companion dog to sit on the laps of Japanese royalty, it's no wonder a Japanese Chin will look confused if it's asked to move at anything more than a suitably dignified and regal speed. | Canva/Getty Images
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16. Toy Poodle
Speed matters when it comes to the Poodle - while the Standard Poodle can happily hare along at speeds in excess of 20mph, the Toy Poodle struggles to reach half that pace. | Canva/Getty Images
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