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.
Terriers are a type of dog that are hugely popular both in the UK and worldwide, perfect for people who have active lifestyles (they need plenty of exercise).
The Royal Kennel Club recognises over 30 breeds of these canine characters – issuing Kennel Club Pedigree Certificates to pups that make the grade.
Here are all 33 – and how they got their names.
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25. Norfolk Terrier
First bred in the 1880s, the Norfolk Terrier was originally called the Cantab Terrier - due to the fashion of students keeping them at Cambridge University. Closely related to the Norwich Terrier, the breeds were only officially recognised as being distinct in 1979. | Canva/Getty Images
26. Norwich Terrier
Along with its close cousin the Norfolk Terrier, the Norwich Terrier is the smallest of the hunting terrier breeds. They are easily distinguished from the Norfolk by their upright ears - compared to the drop ears of the Norfolk. | Canva/Getty Images
27. Russian Black Terrier
Also known as the Chornyi Terrier, the Black Russian Terrier was first bred in the former USSR in the late 1940s and the early 1950s. It was largely used as a military dog and, despite the name, is not a true terrier. Around 17 different breeds of dog were used to create it including the the Airedale, the Giant Schnauzer, the Rottweiler, the Newfoundland, and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. | Canva/Getty Images
28. Sealyham Terrier
A rare Welsh breed developed in the 19th century by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House, in Pembrokeshire, the Sealyham Terrier is now facing extinction - a far cry from its glory days after the First World War when it was associated with Hollywood stars and the British Royal Family. | Canva/Getty Images