Are these the best dog breeds in the world?

“The Otterhound. A large, smelly, lovable dog that is unfortunately dwindling in numbers across the globe! I would love one of my own one day.” – Annemarie Withycombe

“Irish Wolfhound because even though they are giants, they have the heart of a teddy bear.” – Kate Moore

“Fox Terriers. Loving and lovable, playful, strong, good runners, good protectors despite their size, loyal and portable!” – Marty Dennison

“My absolute favourite dog is the Great Pyrenean. Although they have a thick double coat, grooming is never a problem if you do it every day. They have been known to bark in a residential environment, but only when an ant walks over the carpet. They are very bright and take training right out of your hands because they decide which commands are worth following. Socialising them is a breeze because they ignore most strangers on the street and tell other dogs to keep their distance. Above all I love mine because he knows when I am in pain and when I’m having a flashback, you see I suffer from PTSD and Big Bear takes great care of me!” – Ross Adams

“Labrador Retrievers, because of their loyalty, intelligence and good nature.” – Stephen Sanger

“I have had at least six different breeds in my life and my favourite breed is always the one I have at the time. They are all special and unique, with their own little quirks and personalities. At the moment I have a toy poodle and an Australian Terrier, both rehomed girls.” – Pat Lowe

“Jackalier – a cross between a King Charles Cavalier and a Jack Russell. Very intelligent, cute and loving. Wants to be everyone’s friend. Our guy is nearly ten and people think he’s still a puppy. He follows us around all day and climbs a tree in the backyard to regularly check on the neighbours. He has to do this check first thing every morning, too. He likes caravanning around the country as well.” – Joan Pilgrim

“Shar Pei. My Boofy is five years old. I’ve had him since he was five-and-a-half weeks old; tootled into the house – actually, he jumped from the breeder’s arms and made a dash across the room towards me – actually, he skidded across the room, jumped up onto the lounge and put his paws onto me in order to claim me and this has been going on ever since. He sleeps at my feet or next to me on the lounge and he, along with his ‘mum’, Missy, have looked after me ever since. They are both akin to palliative care children (dogs) and have rescued me when I have had falls. I had a massive fall in the street and wasn’t found for over five hours. Stayed with me the whole time – that is why I love both the kids!” – Janet Lee

“I love the mixed breeds. They cost less, seem to have less medical issues and are so loving. Somebody has to look out for them.” – Kay McGuirk

“I absolutely love the maltese/shih tzu cross. This isn’t a breed in itself but it should be. I’ve owned a couple of these wonderful little fur people and am an incurable devotee. They have the sparkling, cheeky personality of the shih tzu and in combining this breed with the Maltese, they don’t have the nasal difficulties associated with owning a shih tzu. This makes them an easier breed to care for. They’re out to please their human every day, with a good dose of mischief thrown in to keep life interesting.” – Gwenda Kanofski