We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
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 also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts the ability to adapt.
But if you want a pup that will do two laps of the park before more of its canine friends have done one, there are a few dogs you should have at the top of your list.
Meanwhile, if you’d rather have a pet who enjoys life at a slower pace, then there are also many perfect breeds for you.
Here are the 20 fastest and slowest breeds of dog.
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5. Jack Russell Terrier
Small but speedy, the Jack Russell Terrier rounds out the top five fastest dogs. Bred to be the perfect dog for fox hunting, they can clock speeds of up to 38mph. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Dalmation
Dalmations can reach speeds of up to 37mph. Their quick pace came in useful when they were used to run alongside carriages to protect travellers from highwaymen. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Borzoi
Originally from Russia, where they were used as hunting dogs, the Borzoi just loves to run and can reach a speed of 36mph. | Canva/Getty Images
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8. Whippet
The Whippet, like their larger Greyhound cousins, are natural racers and can speed along at up to 34mph - perfect for when they were used to hunt rabbits. | Canva/Getty Images
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