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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, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Meanwhile, certain breeds have particular attributes or temperaments which mean that they are more or less suitable for households with small children.
Here are the 26 best and worst breeds of dog for owners with young families,
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13. Poodle
Intelligent, hypoallergenic, and versatile, Poodles adapt well to family life. They’re gentle with children, easy to train, and available in three different sizes - standard, miniature and toy - to match the size of your home and how active your lifestyle is. | Canva/Getty Images
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14. Alaskan Malamute
Moving on to the pooches that are less suitable for families. Alaskan Malamutes are a great choice for people who like taking plenty of exercise with their pets, but they get bored easily and then have a tendancy to play rough. They are also very possessive over their food, which is something a young child may find hard to understand. | Canva/Getty Images
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15. Chow Chow
They may look like big cuddly teddy bears, but Chow Chows can become annoyed by children yelling and running around - potentially responding with aggression. | Canva/Getty Images
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16. Shar-Pei
Seemingly designed to be cuddled, the Shar-Pei needs its own space and has an independent streak a mile long. If children don't respect its personal boundaries these dogs are likely to become pretty grumpy. | Canva/Getty Images