We are a country that’s officially daft about dogs - it’s estimated that there are around 1.5 million in Scotland and ruff-ly 13 million across the UK.
Canine chums come in all shapes and sizes - with the UK Kennel Club recognising 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from.
Then there are also numerous crossbreeds, from expensive so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
For those preparing to become dog owners for the first time it can be confusing to settle on what type of dog to welcome into your home.
There are numerous things to take into account, including the size of your home, whether you have young children, if you’ll be looking to leave your dog alone regularly, and whether you have time for regular long walks.
Luckily, there’s pretty much a dog for everybody, but one thing you might want to take into account is that some dogs have a greater chance of developing health problems than others.
Here are the 13 dogs most likely to need a visit to the vet and, potentially, expensive medical treatment.
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1. Pug
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced) meaning they are liable to develop health issues that others are not - particularly breathing problems. These bundles of fur can also have problems with dermatitis and eye infections. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Bulldog
English Bulldogs struggle with the same flat-face issues as the smaller Pug (and their close cousins the French Bulldog). They also can become obese quite easily, can suffer from allergies and commonly get skin infections in their skin folds. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Labrador Retriever
The UK's favourite breed of dog comes with its own list of health issues to look out for. Sadly they develop cancer more often than other breeds, can suffer from elbow and shoulder dysplasia, as well as muscular dystrophy which attacks the muscles. Be careful of the amount your pet exercises too - Labs are prone to exercise-induced collapse if they get too excited. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Golden Retriever
What's true of the Labrador Retriever tends to also be the case with close cousin the Golden Retriever - and this extends to health issues. They are also prone to developing ichthyosis, a genetic skin condition. | Canva/Getty Images