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’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) to lovable mongrels.
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 also worth noting that some breeds of dog tend to be cheerier than others - you’d never accuse a Bloodhound or a Basset Hound of being brimming with joie de vivre and the standoffish Afghan Hound seems to see any sign of glee as being a show of weakness.
Meanwhile other breeds have naturally sunny outlooks and love showing off their big, mischievous smiles.
Here are 21 of the happiest breeds of dog.
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1. Labrador Retriever
When it comes to big silly infectious smiles, it's hard to beat those plastered across the face of a typical Labrador Retriever. They have been the UK's (and the world's) most popular dog for decades and their sunny disposition is one of the reasons why. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
These short-legged dynamos are alert, affectionate, and playful - no wonder they were a fave of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Corgis love to work and play in equal measure, and their constant enthusiasm makes them a joy-filled breed to welcome into your family. Their close cousins the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are pretty cheery too. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Bedlington Terrier
Several Bedlington Terriers have become 'Insta-famous' on social media due to their incredibly smiley faces. They may have been bred to hunt rats, but those Hollywood smiles are not more likely to catch the attention of cameras. | Getty Images
4. Golden Retriever
What is true of the Labrador Retriever also tends to be the same for their close cousin the Golden Retriever. These boisterous buddies may manage to look sad when they are begging for food, but the silly grin will be back soon. | AFP via Getty Images