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.
Before setting your heart on a particular dog it’s important to realise that different breeds tend to have have very different personalities and attributes.
Some hate to be separated from their owners for even short periods, affectionately known as ‘velcro dogs’, and need constant attention, approval and entertainment.
Some potential owners would love being the centre of these loving pooches’ universe, but if you’re looking to regularly leave a dog alone while you pop out to work or socialise you should maybe look elsewhere.
Meanwhile, others are far more sure of themselves – still loving their human family but perfectly happy to take some time out, entertain themselves, or just curl up by themselves for a nap.
Here are the 20 most and least sticky breeds of dog.
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9. Pug
One of the potential issues with velcro dogs is that the deperate need to be with you can lead to seperation anxiety if they are left alone too often - sometimes leading to destructive behaviour. That's the case for the lap-loving Pug so, if you want a breed you can leave alone for a few hours, you should maybe miss this dog off the list. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate lapdogs that were bred for companionship. These sticky wee characters bond strongly with their people, and want to be as close to them as physically possible. Whether cuddling up on the couch or following you around as you do the housework, they are pretty much made of glue. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Shar-pei
Now we're moving onto the least sticky dog breeds - made of whatever the opposite of velcro is! The Shar-Pei is perhaps the biggest loner of the dog world - often actively avoiding their owner in even the smallest of flats. It's not you - it's them! | AFP via Getty Images
12. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is beautiful and it knows it - with an aloof attitude that suggests it is merely putting up with its human. Afghans like to have their own space to chill by themselves. | AFP via Getty Images