If you’ve been thinking about getting a puppy then you’re not alone – the Kennel Club says the number of people welcoming new dogs into their homes has rocketed 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.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
However if you are simply looking for a dog that will be a loyal and loving pet, content to curl up with you on the sofa and cuddle for the night, then there are certain breeds that you may want to put at the top of your canine wishlist.
Of course, individual dogs may not reflect exactly the general attributes of their breed, but these pups are predisposed to being affectionate to their owners.
Here are 10 of the most loving breeds of dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
Read more:
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.
![The Bichon Frise's favourite spot is on your lap, shortly followed by being curled up at the end of your bed. Their sweet nature means they are guaranteed to get on well with pretty much anybody, but will reserve a special amount of love for their family.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/18/14/56/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-06-18T153509.202.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
9. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise's favourite spot is on your lap, shortly followed by being curled up at the end of your bed. Their sweet nature means they are guaranteed to get on well with pretty much anybody, but will reserve a special amount of love for their family. | Canva/Getty Images
![The original gentle giants, the Newfoundland needs plenty of exercise but at the end of a long walk they like nothing better that curling up - or around - their owner like enormous teddy bears. They are also incredibly gentle and loving with youngsters.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/18/14/05/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-06-18T153710.217.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
10. Newfoundland
The original gentle giants, the Newfoundland needs plenty of exercise but at the end of a long walk they like nothing better that curling up - or around - their owner like enormous teddy bears. They are also incredibly gentle and loving with youngsters. | Canva/Getty Images
![There's nothing that a pug likes more than being snuggled up on its owner's lap, spending hours happily being patted. They'll also follow you around like a shadow - leading to their nickname of the 'velcro dog'](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/18/14/40/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-06-18T154101.849.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
11. Pug
There's nothing that a pug likes more than being snuggled up on its owner's lap, spending hours happily being patted. They'll also follow you around like a shadow - leading to their nickname of the 'velcro dog' | Canva/Getty Images