Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last few years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One thing worth considering before making a decision is that some breeds of dog can be very useful to protect your family and home, as well as being a great pets and companions.
Meanwhile, other types of canine are just no good at being guard dogs – lacking the territorialism, courage and alertness required.
Of course there are always exceptions, but in general these are the 10 breeds of dog you shouldn’t trust to guard your house.
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5. Saint Bernard
A classic gentle giant, the enormous Saint Bernard may look intimidating but they have less aggression than a tiny Chihuahua (who make surprisingly good guard dogs). Maybe an unwanted visitor might slip up on this dog's drool, but that's about the only resistance they'll typically put up. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Pug
Pugs are easy to train because their sole aim is to please everybody they meet - even those they really shouldn't. Their love of a quiet life means they'll avoid drama at almost any cost. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Golden Retriever
What's true of the Labrador Retriever also usually applies to their close cousin the Golden Retriever - including their lack of guard dog attributes. If they think there's a snack in it for them, they'll probably happily share the location of your valuables. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog's forebears would have been superb guard dogs, but this is a breed that has long since had their aggression bred out of them. Now they are unlikely to even stir from napping on the couch should something untoward be happening. Photo: Canva/Getty Images