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.
Meanwhile, if you are looking to get involved in the competitive world of dogs shows there are certain breeds that are tried and tested rosette winners.
Here are the 12 dog breeds who have most often won the coveted Best in Show price at Crufts - the world’s most famous dog show.
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9. Wire Fox Terrier
Originally bred to chase small game down burrows, the Wire Fox Terrier is equally at home above ground in the show ring. It has also won Best of Show at Crufts three times - most recently in 1978 when Harrowhill Huntsman took the crown. | AFP via Getty Images
10. West Highland White Terrier
Scotland's own West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is another Crufts hat-trick hero. They are a breed known for their bold and fun-loving nature. Burneze Geordie Girl was the last Westie to win - in 2016. | Getty Images
11. German Shepherd
A breed popular with the army and police, the German Shepherd also regularly catches the eye of show judges - they've been awarded Best in Show three times, with the last win coming in 1971 for Ramacon Swashbuckler. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Flat Coated Retriever
The final breed to win a hattrick of Crufts Best in Show title is Flat Coated Retriever. First bred in England as a gundog, the most recently win came in 2011 for Vbos The Kentuckian. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken