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.
Some dogs are also more likely to bite than others – although the vast majority of dogs of all breeds are highly unlikely to do any damage unless seriously provoked.
But there are breeds that have been specifically bred to have ‘soft mouths’, also known as bite inhibition, originally so they could retrieve birds shot by hunters without damaging the fallen prey.
When these dogs get something in their mouth they naturally don’t grip tightly or bite hard – unless they need to for emergencies.
Away from hunting parties, these dogs tend to be more gentle when playing with humans or fellow canines – even when they seem to be quite rough they don’t leave any scratches or marks.
Here are 12 breeds of dog that have soft mouths.
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9. Portuguese Water Dog
As the name would suggest, the Portuguese Water Dog was first bred in Portugal and was used by fishermen to retrieve objects and nets from the sea. It has the perfect set of attributes for the task - combining soft mouth with intelligence, strength, and strong swimming capability. | Getty Images
10. Gordon Setter
The largest of the setters, the Gordon Setter was bred in the Highlands to collect felled grouse and pheasant. Setters get their name from the distinctive stance they strike when finding quarry - a crouch to indicate their location to shooters before the birds are flushed. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The smallest of the retrievers, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is just as soft of mouth as its larger cousins - also sharing their gregarious and gentle nature. It's probably clear now that if a dog has the word 'retriever' in its name then it has a soft mouth. | Getty Images
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12. Springer Spaniel
The Springer Spaniel can be very excitable and energetic, but is also very affectionate and gentle - with a bite to match. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken