A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes in the last few years – Kennel Club figures show dog ownership has soared to a record high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
Our lifestyle has a huge bearing on which type of dog will work best for us – if you have limited space you might want to look at small dogs, while the more elderly pet owner should place certain breeds at the top of their wishlist.
Some breeds are sure to be a hit both at the park, where they will enjoy playing with other dogs, and at home, welcoming human friends and strangers alike.
Meanwhile, other dogs have a reputation for being timid, uncertain of their fellow canines and shy of humans thay don’t know well.
Here are the 10 most sociable and timid breeds of dog according to the American Kennel Club.
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Our lifestyle has a huge bearing on which type of dog will work best for us – if you have limited space you might want to look at small dogs, while the more elderly pet owner should place certain breeds at the top of their wishlist.
![The Samoyed is a breed traditionally used in Siberia to herd animals. Rare in the UK, they have a deep love of human companionship and excitably greet strangers into their home - making for very poor guard dogs.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjFmNDk4NTE4LWQzOTEtNGY0Yi1hNmE4LWUwMmZhZDdlMzQ5NjpmY2JmNzBiYi1iZjA4LTRmMjUtOWQyZi00OWRjMTM4NjY1MTI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
9. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a breed traditionally used in Siberia to herd animals. Rare in the UK, they have a deep love of human companionship and excitably greet strangers into their home - making for very poor guard dogs. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Boston Terriers are a small breed with a big love for socialising. They adore being around people and other dogs - as long as their new friends are happy to play with them.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjI5NDQ2MmZhLWI2MDAtNDIwNi04NDg0LTVjNmU1YTZkMTg2ZDo3MGE1MTljMi04YzIyLTQ5NjMtYjFjMS0xYmZlMTFiZGQ5NzU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
10. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are a small breed with a big love for socialising. They adore being around people and other dogs - as long as their new friends are happy to play with them. Photo: Canva/Getty Images