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.
Read more:
Most Popular Dog Breeds Latest: These are the 11 top dogs in the UK - as the Labrador leads the way again
There is also scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
But there’s one dog that constantly tops the popularity chart worldwide - the Labrador Retriever.
Here are 11 facts to let you get to know these furry charmers a little better.
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9. Born to swim
It's no wonder that Labrador Retrievers are such great swimmers - they have webbed feet perfect for powering them through the water. They are also handy in cold climates as they act as snowshoes, stopping the dog's feet from sinking into the snow. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Two coats are better than one
Labradors have a double coat - a soft undercoat and a harder topcoat. This combo provides insulation and water repellency which is perfect to keep them warm and dry during winter walks on the beach. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Cover star
The first dog to appear on the cover of Life magazine was a black Lab called 'Blind of Arden' in 1938. He was owned by Averell Harriman, who would become the 48th Governor of New York, and featured in the magazine after winning the title of 'Number 1 US Retriever' at a major American dog show. | Canva/Getty Images