If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, 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’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) 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.
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.
Spaniels are a type of dog that are hugely popular in the UK, perfect for people who have active lifestyles (they need plenty of exercise).
The Royal Kennel Club recognises a dozen breeds of these canine characters – issuing Kennel Club Pedigree Certificates to pups that make the grade.
Here are the full dozen – and how they got their names.
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5. Field Spaniel
A rare breed, even in the UK where they were developed, the Field Spaniel was originally bred to be an all-black show dog in the late 19th century. Their name comes from their usefulness in 'field work' - or hunting on land. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Clumber Spaniel
Thought to date back to the early 19th century, and made popular through links with British Royalty, the Clumber Spaniel is named after Clumber Park, in Nottinghamshire, where the breed was first developed. In 1884 they were one of the first 10 breeds of dog recognised by the American Kennel Club. | AFP via Getty Images
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7. Tibetan Spaniel
Named after the country of its origin, the small Tibetan Spaniel isn't a 'true' spaniel, lacking the Spanish lineage of the rest of its group. It's thought it earned the spaniel name due to its resemblance to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken
8. Irish Water Spaniel
Holding the distinction of being the tallest of all the spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel gots it's name from its native country and its love of water - which has been used to great use over the years by those hunting waterfowl. It's easy to tell them apart from their newer American counterparts due to the tuft of frizzy hair on the top of its head. | Canva/Getty Images