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 significantly more difficult to train than others – from walking to heel to toilet training.
It should be noted that every dog is an individual so there is no guarantee that any particular animal will have the traits common to its breed.
Having said that, if you pick one of these 12 breeds there’s less chance you’ll be spending hours in expensive obedience classes.
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1. Border Collie
There's a reason that Border Collies are a favourite for the tricky business of herding sheep - they are incredibly intelligent (in fact research suggests they are the most clever of all the dog breeds) and learn amazingly fast. Once they've been taught something they just fon't forget. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the UK - and in the world - and their quick learning and curious nature makes them perfect for guide dogs or hearing dogs. Being naturally greedy, a few treats as a reward for obeying commands will soon get them trained to fo pretty much anything you ask. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Papillon
If you are looking for a smaller breed of dog that is easy to train, then the Papillon could be for you - they have quick minds and actively enjoy learning new things. An eagerness to please their owners means that they love being told how good they are. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Australian Cattle Dog
A more unusual breed in the UK, the Australian Cattle Dog is a tireless worker – which it needs to be while droving cattle over long distances in Australia. It's a dog that seems to have trainability in its very DNA. | Canva/Getty Images