Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One thing worth considering before making a decision is that some breeds shed large amounts of fur – causing potential issues for allergy sufferers and coating carpets and furniture with fur.
Meanwhile, other types of canine barely shed any hair – often being referred to as hypoallergenic.
So, here are the 10 breeds of dog that shed the most and least hair.
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. Hairy dogs
If you have allergies or don't want to spend extra time hoovering, there are certain dog breeds to avoid. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
. Poodle
Whether you opt for the standard, mini or toy varieties, all poodles shed very little of their soft, curly hair. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
. Basenji
The Basenji is a type of hunting dog originally from South Africa and makes a strange yodelling noise instead of barking. It also has a very short hypoallergenic coat that sheds very little and needs hardly any grooming. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
5. Portuguese Water Dog
While the Portuguese Water Dog does shed hair, it's relatively thick and highly seasonal, so a regular grooming regime will keep allergy sufferers from suffering. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Labrador Retriever
Moving on to the pups that shed the most hair, and the loving Labrador Retriever. The UK's most popular dog breed may have a neat and short coat that requires very little grooming, but they constantly shed all year round, leaving Labrador-shaped piles of hair in favourite sleeping spots. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Great Pyrenees
Owners of Great Pyrenees don't have to worry so much about their dog's hair on light carpets, but be prepared to constantly remove their snow-white fur from any dark clothing you dare to wear. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Shiba Inu
A small dog with a big shedding reputation, the Shiba Inu only loses moderate amounts of hair year-round. Twice a year though, it can seem like they lose their entire coat several times a day - requiring a lot of hoovering and brushing. Photo: Canva/Getty Images