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If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
And one thing you might like to consider is that some dogs are naturally better guard dogs than others.
Labrador Retrievers may be affectionate and popular, but they’re likely to welcome a burglar like a long lost friend - particularly if they come armed with a few tasty sausages.
On the other hand, other breeds are naturally suspicious of strangers, ever-vigilant and have the potential to be ferocious if challenged or confronted. It also helps if they look a bit scary.
Here are the 14 worst breeds of guard dog.
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5. Havanese
Many small dogs are quite effective at guarding homes, being vocal and potentially aggressive. That's not the case with the Havanese which is one of the least yappy small dogs. It often seems their sole aim in life is to find a lap - any lap - to curl up in. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the UK 's favourite breed of dog - partly due to their friendly disposition. This counts against them as a guard dog though, while their innate greed means that it tends to only take a couple of treats to get around them. | AFP via Getty Images
7. 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. | AFP via Getty Images
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8. Whippet
Whippets are typically gentle, quiet, and reserved rather than territorial. Their streamlined build is designed for speed, not confrontation, making them substantially less suitable for conventional guarding duties. | Getty Images