Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from the Affenpinscher to the Yorkshire Terrier.
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.
And one thing you might like to consider is the so-called ‘velcro dogs’. These are breeds that just love to be around their owner so much that they might suffer psychologically if left along too often.
If you want a pet that will snuggle up to you and make you feel like the most important person in the world then they can be perfect - just be aware that your social life might suffer as nights in on the couch will likely be the dog’s preference.
Here are the 11 stickiest ‘velcro’ dogs.
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9. Pug
One of the potential issues with velcro dogs is that the deperate need to be with you can lead to seperation anxiety if they are left alone too often - sometimes leading to destructive behaviour. That's the case for the lap-loving Pug so, if you want a breed you can leave alone for a few hours, you should maybe miss this dog off the list. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Chihuahua
The tiny Chihuahua's ferocious love of their owner can sometimes spill over into aggression. They're not fans of being alone but, luckily enough, they are so small they can be taken most places without too much bother. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Yorkshire Terrier
If you are getting a Yorkshire Terrier prepare to never go to the toilet alone ever again - they simply won't let you do anything by yourself. After all, if they did, something bad might happen. These dogs used to be used to catch rats, but now the only thing most of them hunt are cuddles and affection. | Canva/Getty Images