A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes over the last few years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared to record levels.
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.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some breeds are prone to particular health issues.
An estimated 20 per cent of dogs have some kind of ear infection – ranging from the barely-noticable to the severe – but some breeds far more likely to be affected than others.
Here are the 10 least breeds of dog genetically predisposed to developing ear infections, what to look out for, and how to treat the problem.
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5. Cocker Spaniel
Dogs with heavy, floppy ears and thick hair are most at risk of infected ears - and the Cocker Spaniel ticks all these boxes. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is prone to ear and skin infections related to allergies. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

7. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound's long and heavy ear flaps mean they frequently suffer from infections. Regularly cleaning your dog's ears with cotton buds can minimise the risk of problems developing. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

8. Poodle
The Poodle (in all its sizes) is the perfect example of how dogs with hairy ears can develop infections. The hair is great for keeping debris out of the ear, but also makes it more difficult for material to exit the ear canal. Photo: Canva/Getty Images