Dog ownership in Britain has soared in recent years according to Kennel Club - with around a third of all households now including a four-legged friend.
Of you are thinking about taking the plunge, 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.
So, here are breeds of dog that Coren found were the brightest - and those that are prone to being a bit dumb (but still lovable and popular pets).
![What the Chow Chow lacks in intellect is more than made up for with its loyalty - doing everything they can to protect their owner from danger.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/19/9/18/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-06-19T104443.675.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
9. Chow Chow
What the Chow Chow lacks in intellect is more than made up for with its loyalty - doing everything they can to protect their owner from danger. | Canva/Getty Images
![Perhaps the reason the gorgeous Bulldog appears on this list is that they are well known for being very lazy - preferring to curl up on the couch instead of running around being smart like a Retriever or Border Collie.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/19/9/44/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-06-19T104548.647.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
10. Bulldog
Perhaps the reason the gorgeous Bulldog appears on this list is that they are well known for being very lazy - preferring to curl up on the couch instead of running around being smart like a Retriever or Border Collie. | Canva/Getty Images