If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So 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 an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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.
One thing to take into consideration is that some dogs just don’t get on well with cold weather.
These less hardy breeds will not thank you for long walks in snow and sub-zero temperatures – in fact it might be very bad for their health – and might benefit from wearing a jacket to pop out for a winter walk.
Here are the 13 breeds of dog that struggle in cold conditions.
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1. Chihuahua
The diminutive Chihuahua has very little in the way of protection against the cold - luckily they are so small you can easily tuck them away in your bag or jacket to keep them cozy. | AFP via Getty Images
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2. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, also called the Mexican Hairless Dog, has little or no fur on its body - so no wonder is feels the chill (low temperatures aren't too much of an issue in Central America). This leaves owners in colder climates with two options - warm clothing or sheltered outdoor exercise. We'd recommend lots of the former and a little of the latter. | AFP via Getty Images
3. French Bulldog
Popular French Bulldogs (they are a firm fixture in the list of the UK's top five favourite dogs) would really rather spend the winter inside with you as their short coat is fairly useless in the cold. Keep your walks short and have blanket ready for your pup's arrival home. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Beagle
Another hugely popular dog breed in the UK is the Beagle. These dogs love to get out-and-about in all weather but they have a tendency to feel the cold due to their thin coat. A decent jacket should mean that they can cope with most conditions though. | Getty Images