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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9. English Springer Spaniel
The first of two types of Springer, the English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog named after its talent for flushing - or springing - birds into the air from their hiding spots. They are very closely to the English Cocker Spaniel - just a century ago litters might have contained examples of both breeds. | AFP via Getty Images
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10. Welsh Springer Spaniel
Recognition as a distinct breed by the Kennel Club in 1902, Welsh Springer Spaniels are closely related to their Englsih cousins. The Weslh variety is generally smaller, with a distinctive red and white coat. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Sussex Spaniel
Somewhat obviously, the Sussex Spaniel takes its name from the Englsih county in which is was first recorded in the late 18th century. A rare breed, they nearly died out completely during the Second World War but have since recovered. They were one of the first breeds to be recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1972. | Canva/Getty Images
12. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel was developed in the US Sate of Wisconsin in the 19th century from a number of other spaniel breeds. It was bred by hunters to work on both land and water - including icy cold rivers - which being small enough to be easy to transport. | Canva/Getty Images