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We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
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.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
One thing you might like to consider when it comes to picking a pup is what roles you want them to carry out.
While some potential owners are happy just to have a friendly pet that will curl up next to them on the couch, some want them to help make themselves feel safe in their own home (although the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive).
Certain dogs have literally been bred to guard humans and their properties from threats - while others will easily be distracted by a sausage.
Here are 18 of the best - and worst - guard dog breeds.
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9. Rottweiler
A breed that have, at time, got a bad reputation for being aggressive, a well-bred and trained Rottie will only demonstrate aggression when it, its home or its family are at risk. When not on duty they are calm, confident, loving and playful animals that make great family pets. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. 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. | Canva/Getty Images
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11. Basset 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. | Canva/Getty Images
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12. 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. | Canva/Getty Images