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.
One of the trickiest prospects for new owners is ensuring that their new pet is quickly toilet trained – knowning to go outside to relieve themselves.
So it’s worth knowning that certain breeds have the reputation of pretty much house training themselves.
Here are the 12 breeds who are least likely to ruin your carpets.
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1. German Shepherd
Intelligence doesn't always equate to a dog that's easy to toilet train - but with the German Shepherd that's certainly the case. For a breed that takes drug detection and police work in its stride, knowing where to go to have a pee is hardly a challenge. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken
2. Labrador Retriever
There are numerous reasons that the Labrador Retriever is the world's most popular dog - and one of them is that a Lab pup is unlikley to soil your carpet more than a handful of times before learning to ask to be let out into the garden | AFP via Getty Images
3. Miniature Schnauzer
Alert and disciplined, Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to structured routines - and that includes their daily pees. Their eagerness to please and moderate energy levels help them grasp toilet training as quickly as you can say 'good dog'. | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
4. Border Collie
It's no surprise to see the Border Collie on this list. They are the world's most intelligent breed of dog and quickly pick up the most complex of commands - making toilet training simple. | AFP via Getty Images