If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
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.
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.
Before they were domesticated, dogs had to fight for everything from food to territory – so signs of aggression were essential to their survival.
Many of these has been bred out to create the perfect family dogs we know today, but other retain the wilder characteristics.
There can be good reason for this – for example for those used as service or guard dogs – but prospective owners should be aware that this is the case before choosing to welcome a certain dog into their homes.
It should also be said that individual dogs may display attributes that are unusual for their breed, and all dogs have the potential to be aggressive in certain situations.
That said, here are the 10 breeds that tend to be the most placid pets.
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1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
As puppies, you could be forgiven for mistaking a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for a cuddly stuffed toy. If treated well they present about the same level of danger to humans. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Labrador Retriever
One of the reasons that the Labrador Retriever is the world's most popular dog is its lack of aggression. Vigorous licking of faces is the main thing to look out for with this good natured breed. | Getty Images
3. Japanese Chin
A more unusual breed in the UK, the Japanese Chins are known for their sweet, loving, and affectionate nature. They may well be vocal when it comes to strangers coming into their homes, but that's pretty much where any aggression will stop. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
It would be a pretty big problem if the enormous Bernese Mountain Dog was an aggressive breed - thankfully they are another breed of monumental dog who are gentle giants. They are particularly gentle with children and make wonderful family pets - as long as you have enough room and enough cash to pay for all that food! | Canva/Getty Images