If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels in the last few years.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, 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.
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.
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Before they were domesticated, dogs had to fight for everything from food to territory – so signs of aggression were essential to their survival.
Many of these has been bred out to create the perfect family dogs we know today, but some breeds are more likely to retain an aggressive side than others.
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.
Here are the 10 breeds least likely to show signs of aggression – including growling and snapping.
5. Golden Retriever
What's true of the Labrador Retriever is alos usually true of close cousin the Golden Retriever. That's certainly true when it comes to levels of aggression. Other than enjoying a nibble of their owners when teething, this is a dog whose main emotion is love and devotion. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Bulldog
Both the English Bulldog and the smaller French Bulldog tend to be fairly peaceable breeds - they actually have very powerful jaws but are unlikely to use them for anything more harmful than chewing a favourite stick. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Sometimes aggression can be caused due to a lack of understanding so often the most intelligent dogs can be the least aggressive. The Portuguese Water Dog is one such bright spark that has the added bonus of being low-shedding so suitable for allergy sufferers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Basset Hound
It takes serious amounts of energy to be aggressive - reserves that the notoriously lazy Basset Hound will be loath to dip into unless really needed. Photo: Canva/Getty Images