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.
Meanwhile, how long a dog lives is partly dependent on its breed - with some far more likely to reach a grand old age than others.
Research published in the journal Scientific Reports has used the Royal Veterinary College’s Veterinary Companion Animal Surveillance System (VetCompass), a database holding information on over two million animals, to work out the average life expectance of some of the UK’s most popular breeds of dog.
Researchers took a random sample of 30,563 dogs that died over a five year period to come to their findings.
Here’s what they found to be the average lifespan of 19 of the most common dog breeds.
13. Beagle
A boisterous scent hound that love to run around in a pack, Beagles have an average lifespan of 9.85 years. These days they are often used as a detection dog to check for prohibited items in airposrt customs. | Canva/Getty Images
14. Husky
A hardy Arctic sledge dog that can pull people and produce over miles of icy tundra, the Husky can be expected to clock up an average age of 9.53 years. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Chihuahua
A 21-year-old Chihuahua was named the world's oldest living dog a couple of years ago, but researchers found the average pup only lives for 7.91 years. It holds the crown of the world's smallest dog. | Canva/Getty Images
16. American Bulldog
All four of the dog breeds that have the shortest lifespans, starting with the American Bulldog, are brachycephalic (flat-faced). The lower life expectancies are associated with the animals suffering from several conditions, including breathing problems and spinal disease. The American Bulldog lives for an average of 7.79 years. | Canva/Getty Images