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.
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.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
One thing to take into account is that certain breeds tend to be noisier than others, particularly if you have close neighbours that may a dim view of continual yapping, barking and howling.
While (with one notable exception) you can’t be absolutely certain that a dog won’t bark, these are the 12 breeds far less likely to, having what the Kennel Club call a ‘quiet’ barking level.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Trustworthy and protective of their families, Doberman Pinschers make good guard dogs but are remarkably quiet in normal circumstances. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
As quiet as they are cute, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They may bark to let you know there's somebody at the door, but other than that they are very different from the more yappy-type small dog breeds. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Shih Tzu
Another small dog with a small voice, the Shih Tzu would rather curl up on your lap for a good pat than make a racket. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a calm and elegant breed that will only bark to alert you to something. | Canva/Getty Images