If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to a record high, with around one-in-three British households now including a four-legged friend.
Indeed around one in three households now include a dog – with more joining every week.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
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Different breeds of dog also tend to have very different personalities – with certain pets perfect for those looking for a puppy with a sunny disposition.
Here are 10 of the happiest breeds of dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
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![Another dog that is cheeriest while exercising, Irish Setters never get tired of playing with their families, a constantly-wagging tail demonstrating just how happy they are. Their distinctive red colour made them easy for hunters to see when using them to help find game.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/25/9/53/Untitled-design-2024-06-25T103308-022.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. Irish Setter
Another dog that is cheeriest while exercising, Irish Setters never get tired of playing with their families, a constantly-wagging tail demonstrating just how happy they are. Their distinctive red colour made them easy for hunters to see when using them to help find game. | Canva/Getty Images
![Arguably the most smiley of all dog breeds, making their cheery faces popular on Instagram, the Bedlington Terrier was originally bred to hunt rats. Now they enjoy running around and long cuddles.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/25/9/21/Untitled-design-2024-06-25T103437-408.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. Bedlington Terrier
Arguably the most smiley of all dog breeds, making their cheery faces popular on Instagram, the Bedlington Terrier was originally bred to hunt rats. Now they enjoy running around and long cuddles. | Canva/Getty Images
![One of the merriest toy dog breeds, the Brussels Griffon is a naturally happy breed that loves to play. They are also likely to make you smile with their cheeky behaviour.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/25/9/09/Untitled-design-2024-06-25T103556-838.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
7. Brussels Griffon
One of the merriest toy dog breeds, the Brussels Griffon is a naturally happy breed that loves to play. They are also likely to make you smile with their cheeky behaviour. | Canva/Getty Images
![Mischievous and cheery, the Maltese is a dog that loves to be spoiled and can get into some tight spots due to a level of fearless belied by their small stature. No matter what scrapes they get into, they'll always respond in good humour - and will expect you to do the same.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/25/9/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-25T103930-372.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. Maltese
Mischievous and cheery, the Maltese is a dog that loves to be spoiled and can get into some tight spots due to a level of fearless belied by their small stature. No matter what scrapes they get into, they'll always respond in good humour - and will expect you to do the same. | Canva/Getty Images