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.
Read more
1. Bassett Hound
The Basset Hound is one of the most sociable breeds of dog, well known for getting on with everybody. Unfortunately that includes complete strangers, such as potential intruders. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
2. 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. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. Old English Sheepdog
Unless your idea of guarding a home is licking intruders into submission, then the Old English Sheepdog just isn't up to the task. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound has the best sense of smell in the canine world so could happily track down a burglar. Just don't ask them to stop the crime in the first place though - they'll welcome all and sundry into their home. Photo: Canva/Getty Images