We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
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.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts the ability to adapt.
You also have the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
One thing to bear in mind is that some breeds of dog are vastly more popular than others - if you welcome a Labrador into your home, you’ll see numerous other Labs every time you go for walkies.
Meanwhile others will be sure to turn heads, being a rare sight at your local dog run.
The UK Kennel Club release breed statistics each year that break down how many dogs of each breed were registered.
Last year a total of 16 types of pup were registered one-or-less times.
Here are all 16.
13. Kangal
The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a fearsome Turkish breed used to fend off wolves trying to attack flocks of sheep. They've been imported to African countries where they successfully guard livestock fom cheetahs. Not much use for that in the UK though - hence there being no registrations of the breed last year. | Canva/Getty Images
14. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel and was bred in the 20th century from semiwild dogs native to the area since biblical times. None were registered in the UK last year. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Jindo
South Korea are very protective of their Jindo dogs - with only those born on the island on Jindo able to be registered, and even then only after an inspection. They have a reputation for being great tracker dogs, but not a single pup was registered in the UK last year. | Canva/Getty Images
16. Swedish Lapphund
One of the oldest breeds in Sweden, the Swedish Lapphund is used by the Sami people for herding and guarding their reindeer. None were registered in the UK last year. | Canva/Getty Images