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.
It’s important to understand that it is crucial to set aside some time for a dog to walk and run around in an open space – exercise is a fundamental part of a dog’s routine.
Not only does a sprint in the park do wonders for your four-legged friend’s morale, but it also helps them keep healthy and in shape.
That said, while all dog breeds need exercise, some require more physical activity than others.
To help out here are the 22 most and least active breeds.
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9. Great Dane
Great Danes are as lazy as they are huge. A quick trot around the block and they'll be ready to lie on a rug for a few hours. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Pekingese
Originally bred for royalty, Pekingese dogs enjoy luxury and relaxation. They dislike strenuous activity, preferring to lounge comfortably and move only when necessary, maintaining their dignified, laid-back demeanor at all times. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Pug
Compared to the other dogs on this list, the Pug is actually quite lively. Because of their tiny size though, by the time they've reached the front door they'll already be exhausted. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Dalmation
Moving onto the most active dog breeds now and the Dalmation. These spotty dogs are great exercisers and ideally need two hours of physical activity per day. Once used as ‘carriage dogs’ to guard the passengers and reassure the horses in the stable at night, running long distances is in their DNA. While not the quickest of sprinters, Dalmatians have tonnes of energy. They will truly benefit from long trots in the countryside and mentally stimulating activities. | Canva/Getty Images