We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
Of course, if you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 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.
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.
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.
So, if you are looking for a dog with both brains and beauty (all dogs are beautiful), then it has been scientifically proven which breeds should top your wish list.
Here are, officially, the 13 cleverest breeds of dog in the world.
5. Dobermann
The Dobermann, or Doberman Pinscher, is the fifth smartest breed of dog in the world. They have a remarkable talent for gauging perceived threats, which makes them a great guard dog - particularly since they are also very loyal and protective towards their home and owner. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Like Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs are great at herding animals due to their extreme intelligence. They thrive on being given new things to learn - the more energetic the better. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Labrador Retriever
The UK's - and the world's - most popular breed of dog is no slouch in the brain department either. Commonly used as guide dogs and drug detection dogs, the Labrador Retriever's eagerness to please makes them a dream to work with. Sometimes it seems like this clever breed train themselves. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Papillon
Large dogs have dominated the list so far - tending to be more intelligent than smaller breeds - but tiny dogs don't always have tiny brains. The tiny Papillon is proof of that, being the cleverest of the more diminuative pooches. They are responsive, obedient and are regularly take top spot in agility trials at dog shows. | Canva/Getty Images