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 also scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
This saw every dog breed ranked according instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt - with the combined score giving an indication of their overall intelligence, or IQ.
So, according to to him, here are the 10 dog breeds that should breeze their way into a canine Mensa - and the 10 that would struggle to graduate from puppy nursery.
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17. 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
18. Papillon
Larger dogs have dominated the doggie smart 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
19. Rottweiler
A mixture of obedience and keen instinct makes the Rottweiler the ninth most intelligent dog breed. They are also very adaptive and make great guard dogs - as well as gentle and respectful family pets. Just don't make an enemy of one - it won't end well for you. | Canva/Getty Images
20. Australian Cattle Dog
Still used today to herd animals on Outback ranches, the Australian Cattle Dog may not be a common site in Britain's parks but it has brains to spare. They respond particularly well to structured training, while also have an incredible ability to learn for themselves. They'll be running rings around you in no time. | Canva/Getty Images