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.
Read more:
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.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
17. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are a very mild-tempered dog, but are another dog described by the American Kennel Club as "aloof". So they'll always be very pleasant about ignoring every word you say. | Getty Images
18. Borzoi
The long-nosed Borzoi will seem to be eager to please but won't necessarily manage to do so. The American Kennel Club's explanation for this is that "in their quiet, catlike way they can be stubborn, and training is best accomplished with patience, consistency, and good humor." | AFP via Getty Images
19. 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. | AFP via Getty Images
.jpeg?trim=0,57,0,57&crop=&width=800)
20. Bulldog
The Bulldog is a breed that can be exactly as stubborn as it looks. Their two favourite things to do are to eat and to sleep - getting them to do anything else can be a real challenge. | AFP via Getty Images