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.
One thing to take into consideration is that some dogs are essentially self-cleaning, needing little more than a quick rinse if they get really mucky, while others have tend to get quite fragrant if they’re not bathed regularly.
And some just smell, no matter how many baths they have (flatulence, for instance, can be an issue) – but that doesn’t make them any less adorable.
Here are the 12 smelliest breeds of dog.
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1. Beagle
The Beagle naturally has a strong odor that helps them keep track of other pack members when on a hunt. Their oily, short coat is the main source of the smell. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds have a litany of potentially smell-causing traits. It's a bread that producing excess skin oils and drool, their long ears trap moisture and bacteria, while skin folds harbor odor. Without frequent cleaning, they develop a strong, musty hound scent that can take over your home. Buy fraganced candles! | Canva/Getty Images
3. Boxer
There's no delicate way to put this - the Boxer is a breed that has a major problem with flatulence. They also often suffer from food allergies, causing itchy and smelly skin infections. Being very careful about what you feed them can mitigate the situation somewhat. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Pug
There can be a number of reasons for your Pug smelling unpleasant - their pushed-in snouts can cause flatulence, their facial wrinkles can collect gunk, while it's common for the breed's anal glands to become blocked creating a powerful pong. | Canva/Getty Images