We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and still rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
Of course, if you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 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.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Snoozing alongside your furry friend is many people’s idea of a perfect night’s sleep, but there are common downsides that come with sharing a bed with your dog.
From finding drool patches on your pillow, deafening snoring, and endless amounts of dog hair left between the sheets, having your pooch in the bed can sometimes not be the dream scenario you imagined.
To help those thinking of having their pup in the bed, luxury bed linen brand Secret Linen Store has published new research that revealed the worst dogs to share your sheets with.
Analysing factors such as levels of drooling, shedding, barking, energy and cross-referencing that with size, the research reveals which breeds you’re unlikley to have the best night’s sleep with.
Here’s what the resulting ‘pup all night’ scores indicated are the worst canine bedfellows for a peaceful night’s sleep.
5. Great Dane
The main issue with the Great Dane is its enormous size - even the largest bed is unlikely to leave you much room with this enormous canine next to you. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Leonberger
Leonbergers, large shaggy dogs with a gentle nature, make great pets but are less than ideal to nap with and are third on the list. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Labrador Retriever
The first controversial entry on this list is the Labrador Retriever - the world's most popular dog. They may be supremely cuddly and loving but they shed lots of fur and also have a tendency to be quite energetic. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. German Shepherd
Naturally alert guard dogs, the German Shepherd is also a big shedder, and would be happier protecting you from outside the bedroom door rather than in your bed. Photo: Canva/Getty Images