If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
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.
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 crossbreed.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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 20 breeds that are generally seen as the easiest and the hardest to train.
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9. Golden Retriever
What is true of the Labrador Retriever also tends to be true of their shaggier cousin the Golden Retriever - and that's the case when it comes to training. Adorable and brainy, this breed is the complete package. | Getty Images
10. Australian Shepherd
Weirdly enough there's nothing particularly Australian about the Australian Shepherd, which was originally bred in America to herd animals. As is the case with most herding specialists, it's pretty easy to train - just make sure they have enough exercise and stimulation so they don't become frustrated and misbehave. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Beagle
Now we're moving onto the breeds who might need enrolled into obedience school. Beagles look like butter wouldn't melt in their mouth, but this as a breed whose sheer naughtiness and independent spirit makes them difficult to train. They'll make you laugh with their antics, but even if they've obeyed a command 10 times in a row, there's every chance they will ignore it the next 10 times. | Canva/Getty Images
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12. 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. It's also worth knowing that this breed came dead last in a study of canine intelligence. | AFP via Getty Images