If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, 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’ 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.
Snoozing alongside your furry friend is many people’s idea of a perfect night’s sleep, but there are common downsides that come with sharing a bed with your dog.
From finding drool patches on your pillow, deafening snoring, and endless amounts of dog hair left between the sheets, having your pooch in the bed can sometimes not be the dream scenario you imagined.
To help those thinking of having their pup in the bed, luxury bed linen brand Secret Linen Store has published research that reveals the best - and worst -dogs to share your sheets with.
Analysing factors such as levels of drooling, shedding, barking, energy and cross-referencing that with size, the research reveals which breeds you’re unlikley to have the best night’s sleep with.
Here’s what the resulting ‘pup all night’ scores indicated are the 10 worst canine bedfellows for a peaceful night’s sleep.
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5. Great Dane
The main issue with the Great Dane is its enormous size - even the largest bed is unlikely to leave you much room with this enormous canine next to you. | AFP via Getty Images
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6. Dachshund
Given their small size you would have thought you'd get a great night's sleep with a Dachshund. Sadly these wee dogs love to burrow into your bedclothes at all hours and are terrible blanket thieves. | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
7. Irish Wolfhound
If anything the leggy Irish Wolfhound takes up even more room than the Great Dane. They also shed and have moderate energy levels. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Bloodhound
There's one word to describe why Bloodhounds don't make great canine bed buddies - DROOL. They love tracking scents and will even dream about being on the trail of prey, which means plenty of wriggling and constant salivating - not great for your sheets. | AFP via Getty Images