Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
One thing to take into consideration is whether a dog that barks or howls could lead to complaints from neighbours, particularly if you live in a flat or apartment.
While all dogs have the potential to bark or howl (with the expection of the Basenji) some breeds - whether by breeding or temperament - are far more likely to.
So, here are the 12 noisiest breeds of dog.
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1. Pomeranian
Owners of Pomeranians are often amazed at the sheer volume of noise that can come out of such a small dog. Once a Pomeranian starts barking it often doesn't know when to stop. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is known for its 'Shiba scream', a loud, high-pitched cry they use to express displeasure or frustration or...something else. They’re also prone to barking when excited or when something/anything catches their attention. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Chihuahua
A big dog in a small dog's body, it's not unusual for a Chihuahua to bark pretty much continuously - often for no other reason than they are bored. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Terriers in general tend to be quite vocal, and the adorable Miniature Schnauzer is no exception. It's possible to train them to be quiet but they naturally bark at the slightest noise. | Canva/Getty Images