We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
If you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home.
And one thing that is crucial for us who suffer from allergies is to pick a hypoallergenic dog - to stop continual sneezing and running eyes from dog hair.
Sadly some of the most popular breeds - such as the Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd - seem to spend most of their lives shedding hair wherever they go.
But others tend to keep their fur (or lack of it) largely to themselves.
Here are 13 of the most hypoallergenic breeds of loving dog.
13. Chinese Crested
One way to avoid dog hair is to get a pet that doesn't have any! That's the case with the Chinese Crested Dog, who are also known for their playful and affectionate nature. | Canva/Getty Images