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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17. Newfoundland
When it comes to big dogs, the Newfoundland is the cheeriest of the bunch and it's impossible to resist this breed's big, sleepy, goofy grins. Devoted to their human families, they are constantly calmly happy and incredibly loyal. | Getty Images
18. Havanese
Havanese dogs are social butterflies who adore human companionship - like The Carpenters, they just want to be 'Close to You'. Their bouncy, cheerful personality and playful behavior make them thrive in loving homes where they get plenty of interaction. These happy wee dogs like being the centre of attention. | Getty Images
19. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Known as the English Toy Spaniel in the USA, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs very little to be entirely content. Give them a few laps of the garden, a couple of meal a day, a comfortable spot to nap and a few naps and they'll be utterly, blissfully happy. | Canva/Getty Images
20. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russells are bold, energetic, fearless, endlessly curious and naturally happy. Their lively personalities make them enthusiastic playmates, and their intelligence and determination means they tend to be entertaining and mischievous characters. | Canva/Getty Images