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.
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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.
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9. 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
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10. Shar Pei
Another breed whose hygiene problems stem from folds of skin, to keep a wrinkly Shar Pei fresh you'll need to give it a clean every day and a full bath at least three times a week. | AFP via Getty Images
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11. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier's luxurious coat quickly builds up dirt, as do its hairy ears, while the skin around their mouth is prone to infection. Regular grooming and bathing will minimise any unwanted smells though. | AFP via Getty Images