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.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
9. Dobermann
Dobermanns were bred as guard dogs, but are no slouches in the velocity department either. A burglar would find it hard to outpace their top speed of 32mph. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken
10. Border Collie
Bred to herd livestock, Border Collies have no problem outrunning sheep with a top speed of 30mph. | AFP via Getty Images
11. German Shepherd
Also clocking in at a speedy 30mph, all be it only over short distances, is the German Shepherd. No wonder they are so good at helping police catch criminals - good look outrunning these crime fighters. | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
12. Standard Poodle
They may be known for their intelligence and beauty, but Standard Poodles can also reach speeds of up to 30mph. The smaller toy and miniature versions of the dog breed aren't quite as fast. | Getty Images