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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.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some breeds are prone to developing dental issues.
This can be for a number of reasons, including some breeds having overcrowded mouths, and the problems can be mitigated by cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly, avoiding sugary foods and regular vet check-ups.
Here are the 13 breeds of dog that are most predisposed to developing dental problems.
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5. Border Collie
Border Collies generally have good teeth, but the breed has a propensity for an overbite, when the teeth are misaligned causing excessive tooth wear. German Shepherds, Greyhounds, Whippets and Afghan Hounds are other breeds to commonly have this issue. Vets can use spacers, braces and other orthodontic accessories to try to solve the problem. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are particularly prone to a condition called delayed tooth eruption. When the dog's teeth develop later than they should which can lead to dental impactions and infected cysts. Often dental surgery is the only way to treat the problem. | AFP via Getty Images
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7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers have a very particular combination of dental problems that can cause issues - they are genetically predisposed to have tooth decay and also often retain their baby teeth, leading to overcrowded mouths. A daily brush of the Yorkie's teeth is a good idea. | Canva/Getty Images
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8. Poodle
The Poodle's gorgeous fleecy coat may be adorable, but hair can get trapped in their teeth when they're cleaning. This can combine with tartar buildup to cause dental issues. | AFP via Getty Images