Dogs and owners can do so much together - go for walks, play games or simply share a quiet snooze in the sun. Research has also shown that owning a pet can have measurable health benefits.International research has shown that adults and children are more relaxed in the presence of a friendly dog and that pet owners suffer less minor health problems such as headaches, backaches, colds and flue, insomnia and general tiredness than non pet owners.

Medical research in Australia has found that pet owners have a lower risk of heart attack, having lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and lower triglyceride fats in their blood than non pet owners.

When obtaining a dog particular attention should be paid to the type of dog with respect to the size of your yard, the amount of exercise the dog will receive and the amount of time available for grooming.

If you wish to look at breeds, the organisations listed below will be able to give you a list of breeders and also dates and venues for dog shows which are a good place to see over 170 breeds.

Alternatively your local animal welfare or rescue centre will have puppies and dogs requiring new homes