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.
But if you want a pup that is equally at home in the water as on land, then there are certain dogs that should top your wish list.
These are the breeds that have been developed to carry out various water-based tasks, from collecting fishing nets at sea to scampering into lochs to collect felled game birds.
Even if they are now kept as family pets, the love of water is in their very DNA - some even have webbed feet to allow them to swim better.
Here are 12 breeds of dog that make the best swimmers.
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5. Barbet
A rare French breed, the Barbet is a natural swimmer with a dense, curly coat and webbed feet. They’re playful, energetic, and happiest when jumping into lakes or ponds. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
An ancient breed though to be the canine from which all water dogs are descended, the Lagotto Romagnolo is now prized for its ability to sniff out precious truffles. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
A popular breed in its native Canada, the water-loving Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a unique ability to lure ducks into the sights of a hunter. They'll then happily jump into the lake to retrieve the doomed waterfowl. | Getty Images
8. Gordon Setter
Taking their name from the Duke of Gordon, who established the breed in 19th century Scotland, the Gordon Setter loves long walks and cooling dips in lochs. | AFP via Getty Images