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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5. Airedale Terrier
Airedales are dogs that enjoy taking orders and acting accordingly, while their natural suspicion of strangers can prove invaluable when on patrol. They also have an excellent sense of smell, meaning they are frequently used in search and rescue missions. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Alaskan Husky
For military operations in colder climates, you'll always want a pack of Huskies on your side. The US army have used this breed to rescue airmen who crashed in the icy wilderness of Greenland during World War Two. They are strong, loyal, and can pull sledges weighed down with equipment for miles in snowy conditions without a break. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Labrador Retriever
The relaxed Labrador Retriever is another breed that can keep a cool head while all those around them are losing theirs. Their amazing sense of smell makes them the perfect canine soldier for sniffing out exposives. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer was the dog of choice for the Soviet Union army in the 1940s and arguably remain the best patrol dog - with their extreme territorialism meaning no stranger will go unnoticed without the alarm being raised. Photo: Canva/Getty Images