Here we look at some of the most popular dog breeds.

Find out more about their temperament, lifespan, whether they make good family pets and everything else you need to know.

Outgoing and friendly, the Beagle is a great family dog which gets on with adults, kids and pets alike. They do need a lot of exercise, and should have early recall training to stop them chasing their nose for miles. While generally healthy, they can be prone to certain health conditions, including ear infections and epilepsy. Oh, and they love a good bark or howl.

Not a breed for first-time owners, the Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and driven. Without a mentally tiring job and consistent training, they can be prone to behavioural issues. These dogs are best suited to experienced owners who can match their energy and intensity.

A true gentle giant, the Bernese Mountain Dog is calm, happy and handsome. Friendly and affectionate, they love being with their family, and are good with kids and other pets. They are prone to certain health conditions though, and as a large breed, their life expectancy isn’t as long as many other dogs.

Border Collies are super smart, hard-working and full of energy. Known widely as the classic sheepdog, they thrive on mental and physical challenge and are happiest with a job to do. Without enough exercise or interaction, they can become bored and destructive – think stimulation first, snuggles second.

Cairn Terriers are lively and fearless for a wee dog. Their high energy means they need a good amount of exercise and play. While generally healthy, they can be prone to patellar luxation – a problem with their knees. Cairns need weekly brushing, and ideally hand stripping to remove loose hairs. They’re intelligent dogs, so they’re mostly willing to train, although they do have a wide stubborn streak.

Cavapoos are playful, gentle and people-loving dogs. A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, they combine brains with cuddliness. They’re great for families but need regular grooming and don’t always love being left alone.

The Cockapoo is a happy, loving teddy bear who’s full of beans. They’re generally healthy, but can inherit conditions from both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, their parent breeds. Their coat requires quite a lot of maintenance, but as clever dogs they’re eminently trainable.

The charming, cheerful Cocker Spaniel is a very energetic, playful breed. They make great family dogs, being everyone’s buddy – including kids and other pets. With all the energy comes a need for plenty of exercise and training, so they’re often best for owners and family who can match their energy.

Dachshunds are lively, affectionate and loyal. Considering their short legs, they need a decent amount of exercise and playtime, although too much jumping or climbing should be avoided. Training can be a challenge, as while they’re a clever sausage, they can be stubborn.

German Shepherds are a very intelligent, trainable breed. With proper socialisation, they’re loyal and loving family dogs, best suited to those who can match (or at least harness) their energy. However, it’s important to realise just how much mental and physical stimulation they need.

The Golden Retriever is a beautiful dog with a luxurious double coat. Their gentle nature and trainability make them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners and experienced handlers alike. Friendly and playful, they’re also great family dogs.

Calm and gentle, the athletic Greyhound is actually a low-energy dog, happy to spend most of the day chilling. They’re incredibly fast when you let them go for a sprint though. Easy to train and needing little grooming, you’ll have to take extra care with their teeth as they’re prone to dental issues.

One of the UK’s favourite dogs, the friendly, sociable Labrador is the ideal family companion. Gentle and tolerant, they’re eminently trainable, full of energy and love to play. They can be prone to obesity thanks to genetic factors and an insatiable appetite, which can exacerbate health issues, so go easy on the treats.

Pugs are charming and affectionate, true little characters. As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, they shouldn’t be over-exercised, especially in hot weather. It’s important to keep their weight healthy though, as being overweight can worsen any breathing or other health issues they may have.

Powerful and confident, the Rottweiler is also a good-natured dog which can sometimes belie its striking appearance. Known for being loyal guard dogs, early socialisation and training is absolutely vital. Owners also need to be dedicated to providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

The Shiba Inu is a bold, independent and charismatic breed. Despite their cuteness, they’re not the easiest breed to train and can be wary of strangers, making them better suited to experienced dog owners than first-timers. But with early socialisation and confident handling, they can make brilliant, loyal companions.