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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.
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.
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.
And many of us use the internet to work out which dog is best for us - providing a fascinating insight into which pup we idly dream of owning while surfing the web.
Researchers from puppies.co.uk analysed thousands of ‘aspirational’ internet searches, asking about particular breeds’ lifespans, popular names, cost and temperament.
In doing so they uncovered the true intent and desires of potential dog owners who are still in the dreaming phase before they make a purchase or decision to adopt.
A spokesperson from puppies.co.uk explained: "The research gives a glimpse into the heart of the British public. But these aren’t just impulsive searches - they’re signs of real intent and emotion. People are researching things like temperament, health issues, lifespan, and costs to make sure the dog fits their lifestyle and gets the happy, healthy life it deserves. It’s a positive sign that more and more people are taking the time to understand what it really means to care for a dog. After all, dogs are a lifetime commitment. When you’re thinking about getting a four-legged companion, you need to picture that dog as part of your family. You should never just choose a breed based on looks.”
Here are their 13 most dreamed of dog breeds.
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5. German Shepherd
Completing the top five dream dogs, according to the research, is the German Shephed. One of the world's most useful dogs, the German Shepherd was originally bred as a herding dog but now is popular for everything from disability assistance and search-and-rescue work, to helping the police hunt criminals and serving in the army. They also make wonderful companions. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Jack Russell Terrier
Named after the Reverend Jack Russell, who first bred them back in the early 19th century, over 200 years later the Jack Russell Terrier is still a popular pup for prospective pet owners. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Poodle
The great thing about Poodles is that they come in three different sizes to suit different lifestyles - toy, miniature and standard. They are also hypoallergenic so are perfect for allergy suffers. No wonder so many people dream of having one (or more) in their family. | Canva/Getty Images
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8. Rottweiler
Although the Rottweiler sometimes gets un unfair reputation for being aggressive, they can make for a loyal and gentle family pets - as many of those of fantasise about owning one. In their native Germany they were used to herd livestock and pull butchers' carts laden with heavy meat. Now they are happier cuddled up with their human family. | Canva/Getty Images