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 worth considering is that some types of dog are more likely to be aggressive than others.
Before they were domesticated, dogs had to fight for everything from food to territory – so aggression was essential to their survival.
Many of these has been bred out to create the perfect family dogs we know today, but other retain the wilder characteristics.
There can be good reason for this – for example for those used as service or guard dogs – but prospective owners should be aware that this is the case before choosing to welcome a certain dog into their homes.
It should also be said that individual dogs may display attributes that are unusual for their breed, and all dogs have the potential to be aggressive in certain situations.
That said, here are the 24 breeds of dog most and least likely to show signs of aggression.
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5. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky has been bred to pull sleds over miles of frozen tundra. If they aren't kept busy then their excess energy can spill over into aggression. In short, this isn't the dog for you if you don't have plenty of time to exercise them and keep them mentally stimulated. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Akita
The Akita is essentially Japan's equivalent of the German Shepherd - commonly used as police and guard dogs. Again, it's important to make sure its natural aggression is put to good use. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Chow Chow
The huge Chow Chow is another dog that should only be considered by experience dog owners. It is a breed that has a dominant personality which can turn to aggression to assert that dominance. | Getty Images
8. Dachshund
Ask any Dachshund owner and they will confess that their adored pup isn't always the easiest pet to have in the house. Sausage Dogs are notoriously badly behaved and are not averse to turning to snarls, growls and nips if they aren't getting their own way. | AFP via Getty Images