We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
If you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home.
And one thing that is crucial for us who suffer from allergies is to pick a hypoallergenic dog - to stop continual sneezing and running eyes from dog hair.
Sadly some of the most popular breeds - such as the Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd - seem to spend most of their lives shedding hair wherever they go.
But others tend to keep their fur (or lack of it) largely to themselves.
Here are 13 of the most hypoallergenic breeds of loving dog.
5. Bedlington Terrier
Another breed with a curly non-shedding hypoallergenic coat, the Bedlington Terrier has in the past been used as a hunting dog, a companion dog and a racing dog. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Schnauzers come in three sizes - giant, standard and miniature. It's the diminutive Miniature Schnauzer that has the most hypoallergenic coat out of the three. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Maltese
One of the smallest hypoallergenic dogs, the Maltese are low-shedding, simply requiring regular brushing to keep their coats in good order. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting tight curls and a water-resistant coat, this spaniel is a lively, loyal hunting companion. Minimal shedding and grooming help reduce allergens, ideal for active allergy-sensitive households. | Canva/Getty Images