We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
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.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
A dog’s IQ has a bearing on how easy it is to train - although a brainy pup still has to want to do what it’s told to be considered highly trainable, so it’s not all about intelligence.
Some breeds tend to have a range of attributes that mean it’s pretty easy to get them heading outside for the toilet, sitting, staying and walking to heel. Others, however, tend to be a little trickier.
It should be noted that every dog is an individual so there is no guarantee that any particular animal will have the traits common to its breed.
Having said that, here are the 26 breeds that tend to be the easiest - and hardest - to train.
13. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is another dog that has been bred to herd sheep, meaning teaching it to simply 'sit and stay' should be easy. | Canva/Getty Images
14. Rottweiler
After those 13 very good boys and girls, we're moving on to the pup than can be more demanding to train. Rottweilers are dogs that benefit hugely from professional training, otherwise they can become too protective of their owner and potentially lash out at strangers. They can be incredibly stubborn at first, but a well-trained Rottie will be one of the best-behaved dogs you could ever meet. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Afghan Hound
The Afghan hound may be elegant and loving, but it can be a nightmare to train. The American Kennel Club descrives it as "the challenge of training and independent hound" that has a habit of being "aloof". Positive reinforcement (in other words, plenty of treats) is your best chance of getting this breed to sit and stay. | Canva/Getty Images
16. Basenji
Famously the only breed of dog that doesn't bark (it makes an odd yodelling noise instead), the American Kennel Club advises that crate training is an obsolute must when it comes to this unusual breed. Characterised as "having a stubborn streak a mile wide" they use their notable intelligence to get what they want - even if it isn't what their owner wants. | Canva/Getty Images