If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, 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’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) to lovable mongrels.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
Read more:
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
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 11 stinkiest breeds of dog.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
.jpeg?trim=0,57,0,57&crop=&width=800)
1. 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! | Getty Images
2. 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. | AFP via Getty Images
.jpeg?trim=0,57,0,57&crop=&width=800)
3. 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. | Getty Images
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever owners quickly get used to their pet's doggy pong, in fact many even like it, but to an outsider visiting your home the odour will be immediate and obvious. Particularly strong when they are damp, the Labrador also adores rolling in smelly stuff and proudly bringing the stench home for you. | AFP via Getty Images