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.
Different breeds of dog also tend to have very different personalities – with some more likely to lash out with nips, nibbles and even bites.
Of course any dog is capable of delivering a damaging bite, while most dogs of any breed are unlikely to do any damage unless seriously provoked, but there are certain breeds who have temperaments making them more likely to be aggressive than others.
Researchers in the USA carried out a survey of some of the estimated five million canine bites suffered in the country each year, separating them into types of dog.
Meanwhile other dogs have a tried and tested track record for rarely biting - particularly the so-called ‘soft-mouthed’ breeds.
Here are the 20 breeds of dog that are most and least likely to bite.
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13. Chihuahua
When you're as tiny as a Chihuahua it's perhaps not surprising that you feel the need to stamp your authority on situations. This can result in the tiny pups being both noisy and nippy - traits that need to be dealt with early in life or they may become permanent. | Getty Images
14. Jack Russell Terrier
It may surprise some that the Jack Russell Terrier is the dog most likely to bite. These popular small dogs were originally bred to hunt and kill rats and other vermin, so giving chase and biting are very much in their DNA - although can be minimised with training. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a fiercely loyal and protective dog, meaning that there's no danger of their owner getting a bite. Issues can arrive when they think their owner is being threatened, or simply if they take against a stranger, leading to a chance of a bite. It means they should be kept under strict control all the time. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Pekingese
Beloved as classic lapdog and companion dog - they were first bred as such by members of Chinese royalty - the Pekingese is very territorial and may nip if they feel crowded or threatened. If you aren't a familiar face, you probably don't want to risk picking up a Pekingese. | Getty Images