If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels in the last couple of years, with around one-in-three UK households now including a four-legged friend.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, 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 crossbreed.
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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 to consider before choosing a breed is that some dogs are far more demanding than others – with a number of breeds perfect for first time owners.
Other pedigrees, however, have more demanding natures that mean that they should only be considered by experienced owners who have experience of training and keeping dogs.
Here are 10 breeds that newbies should avoid.
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9. Weimaraner
With some dogs, such as Labradors, once you've trained them the habits instilled last a lifetime. Then there are breeds like the Weimaraner where training is a process that is ongoing for their entire lives. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Siberian Husky
Like many of the dogs on this list the Siberian Husky can be tricky to train as a puppy. The demands of this breed continue into adulthood, with large amounts of exercise and stimulating mental tasks required every day to greatly reduce the risk of the dog becoming destructive. Photo: Canva/Getty Images