There is no end to the different stereotypes when it comes to dog breeds and perceived behaviour traits - from docile labradors through to flame-snorting Chihuahuas.
However, recent research suggests traits may have less to do with breeds than previously thought.
Dr Elinor Karlsson of the University of Massachusetts Umass Chan medical school is a co-author of a new study published in the journal Science that revealed a huge diversity of behaviours within each breed. The study analysed survey responses from nearly 20,000 dog owners about their dog's behaviour and sequenced the DNA of over 2000 dogs, including a couple of dogs from this country who have special ties to the researcher.
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