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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5. Portuguese Water Dog
Sometimes aggression can be caused due to a lack of understanding so often the most intelligent dogs can be the least aggressive. The Portuguese Water Dog is one such bright spark that has the added bonus of being low-shedding so suitable for allergy sufferers. | Getty Images
6. Havanese
A more diminuative pup that doesn't suffer from the 'small dog syndrome' that often leads to aggression is the Havanese. These dogs were originally bred in Cuba and just like to snuggle up with their owner. If they aren't able to they may get a little grumpy, but never aggressive. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Golden Retriever
What's true of the Labrador Retriever is also usually true of close cousin the Golden Retriever. That's certainly true when it comes to levels of aggression. Other than enjoying a nibble of their owners when teething, this is a dog whose main emotion is love and devotion. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Newfoundland
The huge Newfoundland is the very definition of a gentle giant. Their lack of aggression means that they are known as 'nanny dogs' due to their gentle nature and the fact that they get on so well with young children. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken