According to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared over the global pandemic.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition, as a huge number of us did during the pandemic.
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.
Of course, while dogs make amazing pets, they also have a range of important jobs to carry out – from herding sheep to guiding blind and partially-sighted people about their daily lives.
They are also used by the armed forces to carry out crucial missions both during war and in peacetime.
They even have their own medal for bravery – the PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive while serving in the military and was created during World War 2.
These are the 10 breeds that make the best military dogs.
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9. Boxer
Boxers are another dog breed that proved popular during World War Two, carrying out a range of duties including as messengers, scouts and patrol dogs. They are still recruited to the armed forces today, thanks to their strength, agility and loyalty. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Rottweiler
Rottweilers were used as messenger dogs during both World Wars, gaining a reputation for braving danger to deliver important communications. They may no longer be needed for this purpose, due to modern technology, but their devotion to their handlers still makes them a popular four-legged recruit. Photo: Canva/Getty Images