We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
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.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
One thing you might like to consider when it comes to picking a pup is that some breeds are more likely to bite than others - it’s simply in their DNA.
Of course any dog is capable of delivering a painful bite, while most dogs of any breed are unlikely to do any damage unless seriously provoked, but there are certain breeds who have temperaments making them more likely to bite than others.
Here are the 26 breeds most - and least - likely to bite.
21. French Bulldog
The Bulldog's smaller continental cousin is just as easygoing, if not quite as extraordinarily lazy. The French Bulldog generally doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body and, even if they can occasionally be somewhat stubbon, they are highly unlikely to snap or nip. | Canva/Getty Images
22. Bernese Mountain Dog
Another gentle giant, the Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed eager to please its owners - meaning it's simple to train them out of any nibbling habit they may have as pups. | Canva/Getty Images
23. Whippet
Academic studies into how aggressive certain breeds of dog are regularly find that the Whippet is one of the most passive pups - and one of the laziest. They need to be vigorously exercised once a day but otherwise will be unlikely to bother lifting their head off the couch, never mind attempting to bite somebody. | Canva/Getty Images
24. Beagle
The Beagle is a classic example of a dog breed that isn't necessarily the most obedient of breeds but is still unlikely to bite. These mischievous hounds can be a nightmare to train, often try to escape and may get into numerous scrapes and adventures. They have an utter lack of malice though, meaning your favourite pair of shoes are at more risk than any person they meet. | Canva/Getty Images