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.
Different breeds of dog also tend to have very different personalities and natural levels of aggression – with some more likely to lash out with nips, nibbles and even bites.
While most dogs of any breed are unlikely to do any damage unless seriously provoked, there are certain breeds who have temperaments that make them less likely to lash out.
Here are the 12 breeds of dog that are least likely to bite humans.
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9. Newfoundland
There's a good reason that the enormous Newfoundland breed is known as a 'nanny dog'. They may look intimidating due to their size but they are incredibly gentle, particularly with children. The only problem you should have is stopping them from affectionately licking strangers. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Another gentle giant, the Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed eager to please its owners - meaning it's simple to train them out of any nibbling habit they may have as pups. | Getty Images
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11. French Bulldog
The Bulldog's smaller continental cousin is just as easygoing, if not quite as extraordinarily lazy. The French Bulldog generally doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body and, even if they can occasionally be somewhat stubbon, they are highly unlikely to snap or nip. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Pug
Biting simply isn't in a Pug's nature, prefering to be vocal rather than nibbling. These adorable pooches are more likely to deafen you with barking than snap. | Getty Images