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.
Now that so many households have a pet, more business owners are looking to offer pet-friendly services to attract the lucrative dog parent market.
This is particularly true of pubs, many of which now offer bowls of water, free treats, and even dog menus including doggy beer.
Of course, just because a pup is dog-friendly that doesn’t mean your dog is pub-friendly, with certain breeds far more likely to behave well and curl up under your table while you enjoy a drink and a meal.
The perfect pub dog doesn’t bark, is sociable and happy to accept pats from strangers, but also happy to lie next to you when not getting any attention.
Here are the 12 breeds of dog most likely to fit the bill.
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1. Labrador Retriever
Whether black, yellow, chocolate or red, the Labrador Retriever is a perfect pub dog - happy to receive attention but made of velcro so they'll stick to their owner like glue. Just make sure your pup is exercised before and they'll happily spend hours under your table, only waking up for the occasional pat or treat. | AFP via Getty Images
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2. Basset Hound
If there was a competition to find the most chilled dog, Basset Hounds would probably win a clean sweep of medals. Happiest sleeping, they don't tend to be fussy about where they do it. The biggest challenge may be persuading them to walk to the pub and back again. Loud snoring is likely to be the only noise they'll make inbetween. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Saint Bernard
Big dogs can be a hassle in the pub - getting in the way of both customers and employees. As long as there's enough room though, the Saint Bernard is an exception. These gentle giants tend to be so relaxed, even in noisy environments, that you might ever forget they're there. | AFP via Getty Images
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4. Golden Retriever
Much like its Labrador close cousin, the Golden Retriever is a great pub dog. They are gentle, patient, and people-oriented. They typically handle crowds well, enjoy attention without excessive excitement, and are comfortable relaxing beside their owners for extended visits. | Getty Images