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.
And one thing you might like to consider is that some breeds tend to stay healthier for longer, meaning your vet bills shouldn’t be too painful and your pet has a better chance of a pain-free and lengthy life.
Conversely certain breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions which, in some cases, may shorten their life.
This doesn’t mean that they don’t make great pets – in fact some are amongst the most popular and loved dog breeds in the UK – but it’s important to know that there are potential issues so you know what symptoms to look out for so you can make sure your pooch gets the best possible early treatment.
Here are the 24 most and least healthy dog breeds.
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17. Dachshund
That long spine that gives the Dachshund it's sausage dog shape means problems like intervertebral disc disease are common. These wee characters are also prone to obesity, dental issues, and patellar luxation. | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
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18. German Shepherd
Obtaining a German Shepherd from a good breeder should hopefully minimise the risk of getting a dog with hip dysplasia - a painful condition that affects puppies that can be prevented through careful screening. German Shepherds are also more likely to develop cataracts, cardiomyopathy, and skin allergies than most other breeds. | AFP via Getty Images
19. Bulldog
English Bulldogs struggle with the same flat-face issues as the smaller Pug (and their close cousins the French Bulldog). They also can become obese quite easily, can suffer from allergies and commonly get skin infections in their skin folds. | Getty Images
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20. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are another breed predisposed to developing hip and elbow dysplasia so it's a good idea to keep an eye on how they are walking. This breed can also develop a degenerative bone disorder called osteochondrosis, arthritis, epilepsy and bone cancer. | Getty Images