If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
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.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
A dog’s IQ has a bearing on how easy it is to train - although a brainy pup still has to want to do what it’s told to be considered highly trainable, so it’s not all about intelligence.
Some breeds tend to have a range of attributes that mean it’s pretty easy to get them heading outside for the toilet, sitting, staying and walking to heel. Others, however, tend to be a little trickier.
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, here are the 20 breeds that are generally seen as the easiest and the hardest to train.
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13. Fox Terrier
These feisty terriers are alert and independent, often ignoring commands when something more interesting catches their attention. Their energy and tenacity require firm, consistent training methods - otherwise they'll just run rings around their owner (and the park, the garden, the living room...) | AFP via Getty Images
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14. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are adorable and good-natured dogs but their incredible sense of smell can distract them from whatewver you are asking them to do. They can also be lazy, lacking any real motivation to learn. | Getty Images for Empire State Re
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15. Dalmation
Dalmatians are a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde breed - they can be very obedient, but only when it's something they are happy to go along with. If it's not something they are keen on they can be obstinate, while poorly-trained Dalmations have a habit of jumping up, growling and snapping. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Red Setter
The Red Setter has such energy levels that it finds it difficult to concentrate on training for more than a short period of time. They also take longer than most breeds to mature, so will also retain their puppish naughtiness for longer. | Getty Images