If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
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 an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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.
One thing worth considering is that some types of dog are more likely to be aggressive than others.
Before they were domesticated, dogs had to fight for everything from food to territory – so aggression was essential to their survival.
Many of these has been bred out to create the perfect family dogs we know today, but other retain the wilder characteristics.
There can be good reason for this – for example for those used as service or guard dogs – but prospective owners should be aware that this is the case before choosing to welcome a certain dog into their homes.
It should also be said that individual dogs may display attributes that are unusual for their breed, and all dogs have the potential to be aggressive in certain situations.
That said, here are the 24 breeds of dog most and least likely to show signs of aggression.
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9. Basenji
The Banenji famously doesn't bark but it's extreme territorial instincts can lead to problematic aggression - particularly towards other dogs. You also wouldn't want to leave them alone with a small pet like a rabbit or hamster - these are dogs with a sky-high prey drive. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Rottweiler
While the Rottweiler's reputation for uncontrolled aggression is slightly unfair, it is a breed of dog that has the potential to be aggressive. The dog's upbringing is key - a well-trained Rottweiler with an experienced owner can be a placid and loving dog, but this isn't a breed for novices. | Canva/Getty Images
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11. Alaskan Malamute
What is true of the Husky tends to also be true of the their close cousin the Alaskan Malamute - and that's the case with possible aggression. They are even bigger than Huskies though, meaning it's even more important for them to be trained properly. | AFP via Getty Images
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12. Japanese Chin
Moving on to the dogs that could go their whole lives without a sign of aggression, led by the loving Jaopanese Chin. A more unusual breed in the UK, Chins are known for their sweet, loving, and affectionate nature. They may well be vocal when it comes to strangers coming into their homes, but that's pretty much where any aggression will stop. | AFP via Getty Images