We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
If you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
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 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.
Meanwhile, a new study by experts at pet insurance company Waggel has analysed images of the most popular dog breeds and measured their facial features according to the golden ratio of 1.618—the same mathematical proportion used to assess beauty in human faces.
It came to some interesting conclusions, with the Bichon Frise and Pembroke Welsh Corgi topping the list of most mathematically beautiful dogs.
At the other end of the scale were there 10 breeds - who will always be beautiful to their owners, no matter what the science says.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Perhaps the ultimate proof that beauty is more than an equation - the stunning Cavalier King Charles Spaniel completes the top five of 'ugly' dogs. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Doberman
Nobody's likely to tell a Doberman it's ugly to its face - they are not a dog you want to get on the bad side of. | Canva/Getty Images
7. English Springer Spaniel
When you have a personality as bubbly as the Springer Spaniel then you're not too worried about how you fit into a golden ration. Is there a dog lover in the world that would call those wee furry faces ugly? | Canva/Getty Images
8. Bulldog
The Bulldog is the first on this list with a face that could be fairly described as an aquired taste. We love the brave and slobbery canine heroes though. | Canva/Getty Images