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 even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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.
Here are 12 of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
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5. Jack Russell Terrier
Small but speedy, the Jack Russell Terrier rounds out the top five fastest dogs. Bred to be the perfect dog for fox hunting, they can clock speeds of up to 38mph. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Dalmation
Dalmations can reach speeds of up to 37mph. Their quick pace came in useful when they were used to run alongside carriages to protect travellers from highwaymen. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Borzoi
Originally from Russia, where they were used as hunting dogs, the Borzoi just loves to run and can reach a speed of 36mph. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Whippet
The Whippet, like their larger Greyhound cousins, are natural racers and can speed along at up to 34mph - perfect for when they were used to hunt rabbits. | Getty Images