It’s been a boom time for pets over the last few years – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
There are a huge number of pedigree dogs – 221 to be exact – along with numerous crossbreeds, and some of them have a very particular set of skills that make them very useful to fulfil certain tasks.
From army and police dogs, to sight and hearing dogs, they help make all our lives better.
And for those looking for a puppy, they can also make wonderful family pets, with a great combination of intelligence and empathy.
Here are the 10 most useful breeds of working dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
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9. Saint Bernard
Last but far from least is perhaps the most famous of all the working dogs. The Saint Bernard is still used as a mountain rescue dog, originally bred for the work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. The barrel of brandy around their neck may be apocryphal, but their legendary endurance is not. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

10. Golden Retriever
With a similar skillset to the Labrador, the Golden Retriever's winning personality makes for a perfect companion for the disabled, as well as for therapy dog work. Photo: Canva/Getty Images