Scotland is a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households (and rising) containing at least one four-legged friend.
Across the UK there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
There are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, according to the UK Kennel Club, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
It means there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition. - either by buying from a breeder or by adopting from a dog charity such as the Dogs Trust.
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.
And one thing you might like to consider is that some dogs tend to be more demonstrative in showing their love for their owners.
Of course every individual dog is different, but certain breeds have a well-earned reputation for just loving to snuggle up to their pet parents.
Here are 13 of the most loving breeds of dog.
5. Shih Tzu
The first, but certainly not the last, lap dog on this list - these breeds have affection hard-wired into their DNA. The Shih Tzu was bred to keep the laps - and hands - of Chinese royalty warm. Little has changed, other than they are now equally happy to curl up with commoners. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Newfoundland
The enormous Newfoundland is known for giving its much-loved owners huge and slobbery kisses. Having one of these demonstative characters is like having a very cuddly bear around the house. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Pug
A pug's idea of heaven being snuggled up on its owner's lap, spending hours happily being patted. The rest of the time they'll just follow you around like a shadow - leading to their nickname of the 'velcro dog'. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Greyhound
You might be forgiven for thinking the Greyhound would be too busy racing around the place to bother with sniggles - but you couldn't be more wrong. Sure, they need a good bit of exercise once a day, but otherwise they are lazy and cuddly couch potatoes with a gentle and affectionate nature that make them amazing therapy dogs. | Canva/Getty Images