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.
For those who are blind or partially sighted, a dog isn’t just a pet – they can provide a level of independence and mobility that would otherwise be impossible.
As well as helping their owner get around, guide dogs offer positive psychological, social and physiological effects, giving a blind or partially sighted person confidence, friendship and security. It can truly be life-changing.
Only a select few breeds have the intelligence, patience and good nature required to carry out the complex job.
So, here are the 13 breeds of dog that make the best guide dogs.
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1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the world's most popular dog and they have all the attributes required to also make the best guide dogs on the planet. There are several thousand working in the UK alone. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Golden Retriever
What is true of the Labrador Retriever tends to also be the case for their close cousin the Golden Retriever. This includes that they make great guide dogs, dedicated to their owner with a loving and relaxed personality. | Getty Images
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3. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is another breeds whose history as a herding dog makes them a natural fit for guide dog duties. They are a particularly good choice for blind or partially sighted people who are very active. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Poodle
Poodles may be better known as show dogs but they are one of the smartest dogs on the planet, as well as being very reliable a perfect combination for a guide dog. The standard size of Poodle, rather than the toy or miniature, are preferred. | Canva/Getty Images