It’s estimated that there are a remarkable 13.5 million dogs in the UK - meaning that more that a third of homes contain at least one perfect pooch.
It means that dogs are, by quite distance, the most popular pet in the country (followed by cats and fish), with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
When it comes to choosing on your perfect pup there are many things to factor in, 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 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.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
One thing to take into consideration is that some dogs simply aren’t as affectionate towards their owners than others.
It doesn’t mean that they won’t make a loyal and valued pet, just that if you are looking for a dog that will happily cuddle for hours you should look elsewhere.
Here are the 13 least affectionate breeds of dog.
13. Cairn Terrier
Similar to the Scottie, the Cairn Terrier isn't big on cuddles. They are still very friendly when it comes to their owners, but the same cannot be said for the rest of the human race. | Canva/Getty Images