We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
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.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts the ability to adapt.
One thing to take into consideration is whether a dog that barks or howls could lead to complaints from neighbours, particularly if you live in a flat or apartment.
Or you may want a more vocal breed to act as a guard dog - a bit of barking is likely to deter most intruders.
Whichever is the case, some breeds are far more likley to make a noise than others.
Here are the 20 naturally noisiest - and quietest - breeds of dog.
9. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a calm and elegant breed that will only bark to alert you to something. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Not only are Bernese Mountain Dogs absolutely gorgeous, they are also fiercely loyal and tend to only bark when a family member is at risk, or another good reason. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Corgi
Now we are moving on to the pooches that are known to be most voocal. While it's true that some Corgis don't bark, it's a fairly common trait with both breeds - the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Their vocal nature comes from their history of being bred to herd cattle and sheep. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Miniature Schnauzer
First bred in Germany in the 19th century to hunt rats on farms,Miniature Schnauzers tend to be quite vocal. It's possible to train them to be quiet but they naturally bark at the slightest noise. They probably think it might be a rat. | Canva/Getty Images