We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
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.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
One thing you might like to consider when it comes to picking a pup is that some breeds are more likely to bite than others - it’s simply in their DNA.
Of course any dog is capable of delivering a painful bite, while most dogs of any breed are unlikely to do any damage unless seriously provoked, but there are certain breeds who have temperaments making them more likely to bite than others.
Here are the 26 breeds most - and least - likely to bite.
17. Bichon Frise
A surprising number of the so-called lapdog breeds of small dog have a nipping problem, but not the Bichon Frise. The only damage they threaten to do it to cut off the circulation in your legs from cuddling up on top of you for too long. | Canva/Getty Images
18. Bulldog
The Bulldog may look a bit grumpy with that adorable wrinkly face, but a mixture of gentleness and extreme laziness means that it's a dog whose bark is worse than its bite - and it doesn't even bark very much. Licking and drooling though? Guilty as charged. | Canva/Getty Images
19. Golden Retriever
What's true for the Labrador Retriever tends to also be true of its close cousin the Golden Retriever - including the risk of biting. An affectionate nibble if you are having a play is the worst you tend to expect from this loving and friendly breed. | Canva/Getty Images
20. Pug
Biting simply isn't in a Pug's nature, prefering to be vocal rather than nibbling. These adorable pooches are more likely to deafen you with barking than snap. | Canva/Getty Images