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 account is that certain breeds are significantly more excitable than others.
So, if you want a dog that will spend most of their time relaxing by the fire and will be unflappable in the face of children, noises, smells, new places and strangers – these are probably not the dogs for you.
On the other hand, there’s never a dull moment with these canines, who will keep you on your toes and will always let you know exactly how they are feeling.
These are the 13 breeds of dog that are predisposed to being most excitable.
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1. Border Collie:
The cleverest dog on the planet is also one of the most excitable. Exceptionally energetic and alert, this breed thrive on constant activity. They need vigorous exercise, mental challenges, and purposeful tasks to prevent boredom and restlessness, leading to overexcited behaviour. | Canva/Getty Images
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2. Cairn Terrier
There are no shortage of terriers on this list - and for good reason. Dog breeds like the Cairn Terrier are fiercely intelligent and easily bored. While thas will seldom lead to aggression, they are always on the lookout for something to do and are real bundles of energy. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Beagle
For most of their history, the Beagle has mainly been kept as a hunting dog. Their excitable and alert nature, habit of barking at any stimulus and love of running in packs can cause issues in a sedate family home. | Getty Images
4. Hungarian Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is another hunting dog that can find life in a modern home a bit boring, which can lead to them becoming problematically excitable. They relish a challenge so plenty of outdoor time and energetic games are essential. | AFP via Getty Images