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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5. German Shepherd
Obtaining a German Shepherd from a good breeder should hopefully minimise the risk of getting a dog with hip dysplasia - a painful condition that affects puppies that can be prevented through careful screening. German Shepherds are also more likely to develop cataracts, cardiomyopathy, and skin allergies than most other breeds. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are utterly adorable but are prone to a range of joint issues, digestive issues including bloating and the serious blood clotting condition Von Willebrand. Taking out health insurance on this breed is essential and regular vet visits for checkups recommended. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are another breed predisposed to developing hip and elbow dysplasia so it's a good idea to keep an eye on how they are walking. This breed can also develop a degenerative bone disorder called osteochondrosis, arthritis, epilepsy and bone cancer. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards have two main health concerns - a predisposition to bone cancer and an abnormality in the heart muscle called cardiomyopathy. Owners should keep a close eye on their pets to look out for signs of pain when the dog walks, or changes in breathing indicative of a heart problem. | Canva/Getty Images