During the pandemic the number of people looking for a dog increased by 8% according to figures by the Kennel Club.
But choosing a dog is not a decision to take lightly, particularly if you have young children to consider.
According to the RSPCA all dogs are born with “inherited tendencies that might, if not controlled, make aggressive behaviour more likely”.
If your new dog does begin to nip or bite, there are a number of ways you can discourage this behaviour, including; time-outs, mouthing (loosely taking hold of the lower jaw) or a taste deterrent (coating hands or gloves in something unpleasant to the dog).
Which ever method you adopt, always make sure you praise them when they let go.
However, there are certain breeds who have temperaments making them less likely to be aggressive than others.
Here are the 10 breeds of dog that are least likely to bite.
9. Beagle
The Beagle is a classic example of a dog breed that isn't necessarily the most obedient of breeds but is still unlikely to bite. These mischievous hounds can be a nightmare to train, often try to escape and may get into numerous scrapes and adventures. They have an utter lack of malice though, meaning your favourite pair of shoes are at more risk than any person they meet. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
When it comes to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the main motivation is an overriding eagerness to please its owners. Even if one of these beautiful dogs does have a wee nip, when it realises it has displeased its owners, it's unlikely to do it again. Photo: Canva/Getty Images