If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
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.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Meanwhile, certain breeds have particular attributes which mean that they need a little extra looking after, including some dogs that are predisposed to putting on weight and becoming unhealthy.
These dogs just don’t know when they are full, so careful portion control, ensuring they aren’t able to steal food, and regular weigh-ins are key to them living long and healthy lives.
Here are the 10 greediest breeds of dog.
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5. Dachshund
A breed that has been bred to track down prey - both above and below ground - the Dachshound is also a professional when it comes to begging for food. They need more exercise that their size would suggest to keep them slim and healthy. Both short-haired and long-haired varieties are equally greedy. | AFP via Getty Images
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6. Bulldog
Bulldogs are fairly indiscriminate when it comes to food and how they get it, so getting them used to set meal times and avoiding giving them snacks is a good plan. It's particularly important to stop Bulldogs from becoming obese as they often suffer from breathing difficulties which can be made far worse if they are carrying extra weight. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Pug
The Pug is another small dog that can pile on the pounds at an alarming rate. Making sure they get plenty of exercise is the key way to prevent them from becoming overweight. | Getty Images
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a wonderful dog for those with smaller homes but they will eat anything and everything they find. Due to their small stature and body shape, just a few extra pounds can cause them problems, so best not to overdo the treats. | Getty Images