The last couple of years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership soar to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
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.
One dog that often appears on prospective owner’s canine wishlists is the Akita – a breed that can be willful but are alert, courageous, and fiercely loyal to their family. Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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![Celebrity Samoyed owners over the years include actor Bradley Cooper, singer Karen Carpenter, pop star Kelly Clarkson and television icon Lucille Ball.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjliNGU3ZmI1LTQyZWItNGFlMi04MmI5LTE5YjU3OTQ4OGUzNzo0YmExMzk5NS1iNzdjLTQyMzctOTZlYi03MzIzZDFlNzZkNTk=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
9. Famous fans
Celebrity Samoyed owners over the years include actor Bradley Cooper, singer Karen Carpenter, pop star Kelly Clarkson and television icon Lucille Ball. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Maya the Samoyed is a huge star on Instagram and YouTube, with millions of people enjoying watching videos of her eating different kinds of food. They are said to be so relaxing that they help people get to sleep.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmIzYmRkZTVkLWJkOGMtNDdkMi1hYmM0LTc5YmQzYmI0N2JjZTpmNGVjZTc1Mi1lZjI5LTQwM2ItODgwZS04ODhlMDM4OWIwZTQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
10. Online celebrity
Maya the Samoyed is a huge star on Instagram and YouTube, with millions of people enjoying watching videos of her eating different kinds of food. They are said to be so relaxing that they help people get to sleep. Photo: Canva/Getty Images