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
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
The silky, fluffy coat that makes the Bernese Mountain Dog such a popular and cuddly family pet can be a challenge for those with light carpets, clothing and furniture - they tend to leave a coating of black hair on everything they touch. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd fans love the breed's multicoloured coat but unless they are brushed pretty much every day they will leave equally-multicoloured piles of hair all over your house. Photo: Canva/Getty Images