According to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared over the global pandemic.
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, as a huge number of us did during the pandemic.
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.
Of course, while dogs make amazing pets, they also have a range of important jobs to carry out – from herding sheep to guiding blind and partially-sighted people about their daily lives.
They are also used by the armed forces to carry out crucial missions both during war and in peacetime.
They even have their own medal for bravery – the PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive while serving in the military and was created during World War 2.
These are the 10 breeds that make the best military dogs.
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1. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois have largely the same attributes as their German Shepherd cousins, but come in a slightly smaller package. The fact that they are more compact can be crucial for missions requiring animals to be parachuted into war zones, or access narrow passages. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds have every attribute required of a military dog, making them the most popular choice for armies around the world. They are strong, agile, loyal, highly trainable and will stay calm in even the most hostile environment. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. Dobermann
The Dobermann is a particularly popular choice for the US army, where they have earned the nickname 'the Devil Dog of the Marines' since first serving during Wold War 2. Their strenrth and athleticism makes them a great choice for a patrol dog. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Not all military dogs are big and brawny. The Yorkshire Terrier's diminuative size, combined with a fearless nature, means they can carry out tasks that bigger dogs simply can't. During World War Two, for example, they were used to pull telegraph wires down thin tunnels to allow communication. Photo: Canva/Getty Images