We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
Of course, if you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 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.
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.
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.
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 13 breeds most likely to show signs of aggression – including growling and snapping.
9. Basenji
The Banenji famously doesn't bark but it's extreme territorial instincts can lead to problematic aggression - particularly towards other dogs. You also wouldn't want to leave them alone with a small pet like a rabbit or hamster - these are dogs with a sky-high prey drive. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Rough Collie
The elegant Rough Collie probably isn't what most people think of as being an aggressive dog. It came as a surprise to researchers from the University of Helsinki when they carried out a survey of 9,000 dog owners and found that this breed topped the table. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Chihuahua
A classic example of small dog syndrome, the Chihuahua has a tiny body but a big attitude. Regular unpredictable bouts of aggression are not uncommon, meaning they are not a good choice for families with small children. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Papillon
The key with the Papillon is to socialise them at an early age - otherwise they can become aggressive towards both people and other dogs. Get the training right though, and they can be playful and affectionate pets. | Canva/Getty Images