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.
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 new research that revealed the 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 12 worst canine bedfellows for a peaceful night’s sleep.
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9. Labrador Retriever
The first controversial entry on this list is the Labrador Retriever - the world's most popular dog. They may be supremely cuddly and loving but they shed lots of fur and also have a tendency to be quite energetic. | Canva/Getty Images
10. German Shepherd
Naturally alert guard dogs, the German Shepherd is also a big shedder, and would be happier protecting you from outside the bedroom door rather than in your bed. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Golden Retriever
What is true of the Labrador is usually also true of the Golden Retriever - and that's certainly the case when it comes to suitable bed buddies. Like their close cousins they shed a huge amount of hair and can be fairly lively. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Dalmation
Completing our list is the spotty Dalmation. They are likely to leave you unrested by barking and fidgeting through the night. | Canva/Getty Images