If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, 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’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) 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.
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.
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 reducing a dog’s quality of life.
Here are 15 breeds of dog most genetically predisposed to suffering hip dysplasia.
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13. 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. | Canva/Getty Images
14. 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. | Canva/Getty Images
15. 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. | Canva/Getty Images