Dogs are by quite some distance the UK’s most popular pet - around one-in-three households contains a pup, equating to around 13 million four-legged friends.
If you are considering adding a dog to your family there’s plenty of research to do - according to the UK Kennel Club there are 21 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
You might also think about adopting a pet from a charity like the Dogs Trust.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Different breeds of dog also tend to have very different personalities – with some more likely to lash out with nips, nibbles and even bites.
Of course any dog is capable of delivering a damaging bite, while most dogs of any breed are unlikely to do any damage unless seriously provoked, but there are certain breeds who have temperaments making them less likely to be aggressive than other.
So, here are the 15 breeds of dog that are least likely to bite.
5. Bichon Frise
A surprising number of the so-called lapdog breeds of small dog have a nipping problem, but not the Bichon Frise. The only damage they threaten to do it to cut off the circulation in your legs from cuddling up on top of you for too long. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Boxer
Known to be particularly good and safe around children, the Boxer is one of the most patient of all dog breeds. This is a pup that is highly unikely to ever lash out from frustration. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Golden Retriever
What's true for the Labrador Retriever tends to also be true of its close cousin the Golden Retriever - including the risk of biting. An affectionate nibble if you are having a play is the worst you tend to expect from this loving and friendly breed. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Whippet
Academic studies into how aggressive certain breeds of dog are regularly find that the Whippet is one of the most passive pups - and one of the laziest. They need to be vigorously exercised once a day but otherwise will be unlikely to bother lifting their head off the couch, never mind attempting to bite somebody. | Canva/Getty Images