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’!).
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.
If you are looking for a pooch that has stamina and strength then there are certain dogs that have been bred to be muscle-bound marvels.
These are the types of dog that can pull a sled loaded with supplies or give the ultimate in canine protection.
Here are the 14 strongest breeds of dog.
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13. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large working dog famous for water rescue. Its powerful shoulders, strong limbs, webbed feet, and exceptional swimming ability allow it to pull people through water and perform demanding rescues. | Getty Images

14. Kangal
Another dog with a powerful bite, the Kangal is used in its native Turkey as a guardian dog and they are utterly fearless. | Canva/Getty Images

