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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9. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers have short, fine coats that provide limited protection from cold weather. Their compact bodies can lose heat quickly, so winter walks may require warm jackets and protection from freezing conditions. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. Chinese Crested
In stark comparison the the Doberman, it would be obvious to most people that the Chinese Crested doesn't get on well with the cold - with only a very small amount of hair, they need to be wrapped up to compensate. | Getty Images
11. Maltese
Maltese dogs may appear to have plenty of fut at first glance but these fuzzy characters have supremely silky coats that provide limited insulation when wet (particularly when more closely trimmed). That means they enjoy warmer conditions mroe and benefit from a nice doggy jumper on wintry days. | Canva/Getty Images
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12. Whippet
Much like the Greyhound, the Whippet has little in the way of fat, flab or fur to repel the elements. Keeping moving in cold temperatures helps, as does an adorable Whippet jumper. | Getty Images