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.
And if you have young childen (or are planning a family) then there are certain breeds that should top your list.
These are dogs that tend to be calm, gentle, loving and patient - that are unlikley to snap and enjoy playing games and snuggling with their young human siblings.
Meanwhile, other breeds have particular attributes or temperaments which mean that they are less suitable for households with small children - being more likely to snap, become impatient, or simply not enjoy the attention of youngsters,
Here are 22 of the best and worst breeds of dog for young families.
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13. Akita
Akitas are great family protectors but respond badly to being prodded and teased by young children. They can also perceive a new baby to be a threat to their household. | Canva/Getty Images
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14. Chow Chow
They may look like big cuddly teddy bears, but Chow Chows can become annoyed by children yelling and running around - potentially responding with aggression. | Getty Images
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15. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are a great choice for people who like taking plenty of exercise with their pets, but they get bored easily and then have a tendancy to play rough. They are also very possessive over their food, which is something a young child may find hard to understand. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Australian Shepherd
As the name suggests, Australian Shepherds were originally bred to herd sheep. One way they did this was to nip at the feet of the sheep, and its behaviour that they can now exhibit when young children are running around. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken