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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9. Cocker Spaniel
Well-socialized Cocker Spaniels are cheerful and affectionate. They enjoy human company, adapt to lively surroundings, and often strike a good balance between friendliness and calm behavior - exactly what you need in a busy boozer. | AFP via Getty Images
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10. Border Terrier
Many terriers can be a bit of a handful in a busy pub environment but the Border Terrier is probabaly the calmest. They still have that endearing bouncy energy when out-and-about but tend to be pretty mellow when inside. Their diminuative size also means they're unlikely to get in the way. | Getty Images
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11. Pekingese
No floor space in the pub? No problem if you're bringing a Pekingese. These cute characters have been bred specifically to sit in your lap napping the day away as you chat to friends over a drink. | Getty Images
12. Pug
Many small dogs can get nervous, vocal and energetic in busy environments like pubs - particularly if other dogs are added to the mix. One exception is the Pug, which is small enough to fit into the most packed establishment, rarely barks and is very relaxed in company. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken