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.
Read more:
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.
One thing to take into consideration is that, while some dogs just want to snuggle on your lap and will pad around after you looking for constant pats, others are more likely to be more independent minded - verging on standoffish.
It doesn’t mean that either make better or worse pets, just that if you are looking for a dog that will happily cuddle for hours you should favour certain breeds over others.
Meanwhile, if you intend to leave your dog alone regularly it can be good to opt for a breed with an independent streak.
Here are the 24 most and least affectionate breeds of dog.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
9. Greyhound
You might be forgiven for thinking the Greyhound would be too busy racing around the place to bother with sniggles - but you couldn't be more wrong. Sure, they need a good bit of exercise once a day, but otherwise they are lazy and cuddly couch potatoes with a gentle and affectionate nature that make them amazing therapy dogs. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Bichon Frise
The cloud-like Bichon Frise's absolutely favourite spot is on your lap, shortly followed by being curled up at the end of your bed. Their sweet nature means they are guaranteed to get on well with pretty much anybody, but will reserve a special amount of love for their family. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a dog that has occasionally (and largly unfairly) been characterised as an aggressive breed. There's no doubt that if their owner is threatened then they will act accordingly, but this comes from a place of deep affection. When there's no threat they're as cuddly as any dog and will gaze at you adoringly for hours. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers show their overwhelming affection for their human family in three different ways - by diligently following around at their heel, by snuggling in whenever physically possible, and by being protective when it comes to strangers. This can lead to barks and nips - they are not dogs who transfer affection to others. | Getty Images