Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from the Affenpinscher to the Yorkshire Terrier.
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
But there are some breeds of dog that don’t need any help with their image - being generally loved even by those who have never welcomed a pup into their home.
Polling company YouGov have been busy asking people whether they have a positive impression of numerous dog breeds and some prove much more popular than others - ranging from a healthy 80 per cent approval rating to a miserly eight per cent approval rating (spare a thought for the poor misunderstood Azawakh).
Here are the 12 dogs that ranked the highest, according to latest data from 2025.
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9. Alaskan Husky
There's a four-way tie for ninth spot - with each breed having a popularity rating of 61 per cent. First up is the indefatigable Alaskan Husky, capable of pulling sleds laden with people and supplies across miles of frozen tundra. It's worth noting though, that this is a breed that can be strong-willed so are only really suitable for experienced dog owners. | Canva/Getty Images
10. German Shepherd
The second dog breed with a 61 per cent popularity rating is the German Shepherd. Some of the 39 per cent of naysayers may well be criminals - this is a breed famously used for police work to track down wrongdoers so they are only popular with those of us who stay on the right side of the law. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Beagle
To know a Beagle is to love a Beagle - something that 61 per cent of those polled clearly understand. First bred in Britain to hunt rabbits and hares, it's not commonly kept as a beloved family pet. A talented scenthound, they can sniff out a treat at 200 yards. | Canva/Getty Images
12. English Springer Spaniel
Completing our list, and the last of the breeds with a 61 per cent approval rating, is the English Springer Spaniel (as opposed to the slightly different Welsh Springer Spaniel). They have a near-identical lineage to the Cocker Spaniel but were bred to be slightly larger so they would be more helpful in 'springing' game birds out of hiding. They are now often used as sniffer dogs, so you don't particularly want to catch one's attention at an airport. | Canva/Getty Images