Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
Thereās even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Corenās book āThe Intelligence of Dogsā ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, thereās plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
One dog that often appears at the top of peopleās canine wishlists is the Boxer ā they are one of the UKās most popular breeds and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the Boxer.
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1. Made in Germany
The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now-extinct Bullenbeisser and Bulldogs imported from the UK.
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2. A versatile breed
Boxers have been used for a whole range of jobs, thanks to their intelligence and versatility, including as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs and even to herd cattle or sheep.
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3. The choice of movie stars
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall both loved Boxers and recieved their first, called Harvey, as a wedding present. They would go on to have two more Boxers, named Baby and George.
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4. Show dogs
A Boxer has never been awarded the Best in Show rosette at Crufts but has had more luck on the other side of the Atlantic. The breed has been victorious at the Westminster Dog Show - the most prestigious in the USA - on four occasions, in 1947, 1949, 1951, and 1970.
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