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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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5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies can be challenging to housebreak because of a combination of their teeny-tiny bladders and 'independent' personalities. If it's cold or rainy there's a chance they just won't bother going outside. | Getty Images
6. Pomeranian
The trick with toilet training the Pomeranian is to assert your dominance early on - letting your pet know who the boss is. If you miss this narrow window of opportunity, well, you only have yourself to blame. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Afghan Hound
Training the gorgeous Afghan Hound to do anything is pretty tricky. It's not that they don't understand, it's just that more often than not they just don't care. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is so lazy it can be hard to persuade them to expend the energy to go outside. Gentle coaxing is the preferred method, as getting angry with a sensitive Basset will just make matters worse. | AFP via Getty Images