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.
And one thing you might like to consider is that different breeds are known for having different lifespans - although much will depend on the individual dog in question.
One of the terrible truths of dog ownership is that we are likely to outlive our adored pet, with the average dog living just 10-13 years – but some breeds tend to have longer lives than others.
Here are the 13 breeds of dog that tend to live the longest lives.
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5. Australian Cattle Dog
An Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey holds the record for the longest-lived dog - reaching an incredible 29 years of age. A dog rarely seen in UK parks, the breed normally lives for around 15 years. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Lhasa Apso
Originally hailing from Tibet, the Lhasa Apso tends to live for around 14 years, but they are another breed that have been known to reach the double decade. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Bichon Frise
It's not unusual for the cloud-like Bichon Frise to live for 14 years. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Dachshund
Both the smooth haired and long haired varieties of Dachshund live for between 12-17 years - with one record-breaker called Chanel reaching the age of 21. | Canva/Getty Images