Dogs that don't bite: These are the 10 breeds of dog that are least likely to snap or nip - including favourites the Boxer, Labrador and French Bulldog
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.
1. Newfoundland
There's a good reason that the enormous Newfoundland breed is known as a 'nanny dog'. They may look intimidating but they are incredibly gentle, particularly with children, and the only problem you should have is stopping them from affectionately licking strangers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
2. French Bulldog
The Bulldog's smaller continental cousin is just as easygoing, if not quite as lazy. The French Bulldog generally doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body and, even if they can occasionally be somewhat stubbon, they are highly unlikely to snap. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. Boxer
Known to be particularly good and safe around children, the Boxer is one of the most patient of all dog breeds - meaning they are unlikely to lash out from frustration. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. Labrador Retriever
Sticks tend to have the most to fear from the teeth of the Labrador Retriever. Renowned for their friendly and loving nature, it's massively unusual for a Lab to bite - one of many reasons why they are the world's most popular dog breed. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
5. Golden Retriever
What's true for the Labrador Retriever tends to also be true of its close cousin the Golden Retriever - including the risk of biting. An affectionate nibble is the worst you tend to expect from this loving and sociable breed. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Another gentle giant, the Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed eager to please its owners - meaning it's simple to train them out of any nibbling habit they may have as puppies. Photo: Canva/Getty Images