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.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some breeds are prone to particular health issues.
One common canine disorder is hip dysplasia – when the dog’s hip ball and socket joint doesn’t fit or develop properly, causing it to rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly.
The condition results in the deterioration of the hip over time, causing pain and drastically reduce a dog’s quality of life.
Here are 12 of the breeds of dog most prone to developing hip dysplasia.
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9. Newfoundland
Another dog whose huge size can cause hip problems os the enormous Newfoundland. Over-exercising a dog, allowing them to jump from excessive heights and skidding on slippery surfaces are all factors that can aggravate hip dysplasia. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken
10. Boxer
A medium sized breed breed that can develop hip dysplasia at any time of life is the Boxer. Dogs with the disporder can still lead long, full lives, especially with treatment. | Getty Images
11. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Breeds that grow particularly quickly are more likely to develop joint issues, including hip dysplasia - something that is the case for the the lovable and curly-haired Chesapeake Bay Retriever. | Getty Images
12. Bernese Mountain Dog
There are no prizes for guessing why the Bernese Mountain Dog often suffers from hip dysplasia - it's another breed whose huge size puts enormous strain on their joints. It's thought that around 28 per cent of Berners will develop the condition at some point in their lives. | Getty Images