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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.
One of the trickiest prospects for new owners is ensuring their new pet is quickly toilet trained – knowing to go outside to relieve themselves. Some breeds practically train themselves, while others may continue to do their business inside well into adulthood.
Here are the 13 breeds of dog that are notoriously difficult to house train.
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9. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are notoriously tricky to house-train. Their tiny bladders and hyper-sensitivity to cold weather (they come from Mexico originally, remember) are a carpet-ruining combo. | Getty Images
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10. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are independent-minded dogs that may resist repetitive training. They can learn reliably, but owners often need patience, a predictable schedule and plenty of positive reinforcement. | Getty Images
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11. Bulldog
It's not so much toilet training the Bulldog that's the tricky bit - it's convincing it to get off the couch to do anything. They are as single-minded as they are adorable. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is so adorable it's very hard to get angry with any messy wrongdoing. You need to be firm though, otherwise there will be a pattern of behaviour that can prove impossible to break. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken