A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes in the last couple of years – Kennel Club figures show dog ownership soared when the pandemic hit and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from when it comes to choosing a canine pal, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
One thing to consider is that some pups have a significantly more sensitive sense of hearing than others – an important attribute if you are looking for a watchdog to alert you to visitors. So, here are the 10 breeds of dog that have the best hearing.
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5. Lhasa Apso
In their native Tibet the Lhaso Apso is said to be able to hear the distant warning signs of natural disasters such as earthquakes and avalanches. In recent years their keen ears have been used to find survivors of such tragedies. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

6. Miniature Schnauzer
Schanauzers can hear frequencies twice as high as humans - an attribute that came in handy when they were carrying out their traditional job of hunting rats and other vermin. The merest squeak will be detected by this breed. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

7. German Shepherd
A combination of an incredibly sensitive sense of hearing, intelligence, and an imposing presence, make the German Shepherd one of the most popular breeds of guard dog. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

8. Miniature Pinscher
Those adorable ears aren't just for show - Miniature Pinschers will alert you to the smallest noise and will always hear their owner's call. Photo: Canva/Getty Images