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.
For those who are blind or partially sighted, a dog isn’t just a pet – they can provide a level of independence and mobility that would otherwise be impossible.
As well as helping their owner get around, guide dogs offer positive psychological, social and physiological effects, giving a blind or partially sighted person confidence, friendship and security. It can truly be life-changing.
Only a select few breeds have the intelligence, patience and good nature required to carry out the complex job.
So, here are the 13 breeds of dog that make the best guide dogs.
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5. German Shepherd
The same attributes that make German Shepherds valued army, police and service dogs - intelligence, loyalty and adaptibility - means that they are a perfect partner for blind or partially sighted people. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
They may not be as popular as their Golden and Labarador cousins, but the Intelligent and sociable Chesapeake Bay Retriever can make for an equally fine guide dog. | Getty Images
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7. Border Collie
We're now getting to the less common guide dog breeds. Border Collies are more usually used as a herding dog, but they are also perfectly capable of guiding humans - although their high energy levels can prove problematic. They are the world's most intelligent dog breed so can pretty much turn their paw to anything. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Boxer
Boxer dogs love to work and are never happier than when they have a task to get their teeth into. They take slightly more training to become guide dogs, but will then form a bond with thier owner that will be unbreakable | Canva/Getty Images