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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5. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard's thick double coat is perfect for keeping warm in its native snowy Alpine environment, but does tend to lock in smells as well as heat. They are also prolific droolers, and the collecting slobber can also be a bit whiffy. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Bloodhound
The combination of a naturally oily coat and plenty of loose, folded skin means that the Bloodhound is a fairly smelly breed - regular bathing can help but will never completely get rid of the doggy odour. They are also prone to ear infections that create other ripe smells. | Canva/Getty Images
7. English Bulldog
Bulldogs are particularly susceptible to bad breath, due to plaque and decay caused by misaligned teeth. They also have face wrinkles that can catch food particles, with the skin under their tail stub can easily become infected causing a nasty odour. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Cocker Spaniel
With long droopy ears and an oily coat, the Cocker Spaniel is another pooch that requires plenty of pampering if it isn't to pong. | Canva/Getty Images