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.
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.
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17. Basenji
It's fair to say that the Basenji is a very unusual breed of dog. As well as not being particularly affectionate to its owners and completely ignoring strangers, it is also the only dog that doesn't bark - instead making an odd yodelling sound. | Canva/Getty Images
18. Alaskan Malamute
Bred to pull sleds huge distances over frozen tundra, the Alaskan Malamute has a strong work ethic and independent spirit that's not conducive to snuggling up on the sofa for an evening watching television. | Getty Images
19. Norwegian Elkhound
Bred for hunting and guarding, Elkhounds are alert and independent. They may enjoy family time but aren’t big on cuddles. They often choose distance over closeness in the home. | Canva/Getty Images
20. Bloodhound
Another dedicated working dog, the Bloodhound has been bred to track animals or humans using its highly-developed sense of smell. This work ethic can mean that they can appear distant from their families, while a stubborn streak a mile long means they won't do anything they don't want to - including enjoying a pat. | AFP via Getty Images