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.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Before they were domesticated, dogs had to fight for everything from food to territory – so signs of aggression were essential to their survival.
Many of these has been bred out to create the perfect family dogs we know today, but some breeds are more likely to retain an aggressive side than others.
There can be good reason for this – for example for those used as service or guard dogs – but prospective owners should be aware that this is the case before choosing to welcome a certain dog into their homes.
It should also be said that individual dogs may display attributes that are unusual for their breed, and all dogs have the potential to be aggressive in certain situations.
Here are the 12 breeds most likely to show signs of aggression – including growling and snapping.
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1. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Originally bred to protect cattle from lions in their native Africa, it's perhaps not surprising that the Rhodesian Ridgeback still retains an aggressive streak. They are another breed particularly likely to show aggression towards people they don't know. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky has been bred to pull sleds over miles of frozen tundra. If they aren't kept busy then their excess energy can spill over into aggression. In short, this isn't the dog for you if you don't have plenty of time to exercise them and keep them mentally stimulated. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Dachshund
Ask any Dachshund owner and they will confess that their adored pup isn't always the easiest pet to have in the house. Sausage Dogs are notoriously badly behaved and are not averse to turning to snarls, growls and nips if they aren't getting their own way. | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
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4. Chow Chow
The huge Chow Chow is another dog that should only be considered by experience dog owners. It is a breed that has a dominant personality which can turn to aggression to assert that dominance. | Getty Images