Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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 12 breeds of dog you shouldn’t trust to guard your house.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
9. 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
10. 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. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Beagle
Beagles are many things - curious, fun-filled, gentle and adorable - but they simply aren't territorial. Add in their default setting of 'friendly' and they barely even guard their own food. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Irish Setter
Your best hope with the playful Irish Setter is that it might tire out an intruder with constant demands for games. It's a wonderful family-friendly breed but has incredibly low levels of aggression. | Canva/Getty Images