We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and 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.
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.
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.
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.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some breeds are prone to developing dental issues.
This can be for a number of reasons, including some breeds having overcrowded mouths, and the problems can be mitigated by cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly, avoiding sugary foods and regular vet check-ups.
Here are the 10 breeds of dog that are predisposed to developing dental problems, what to look out for, and how to treat the problem.
9. Chinese Crested
The largely-hairless Chinese Crested tend to have quite soft teeth with shallow roots that are particularly susceptible to decay. Keep them away from all sweet treats is a must. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Dachshund
A combination of the Dachshund’s narrow mouth and tiny teeth means they are prone to developing pockets between the tooth and bone where bacteria can thrive. The first symptom is often when your pet develops bad breath and a trip to the vet should soon swiftly follow. Photo: Canva/Getty Images