A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes over the last few years – Kennel Club figures show dog ownership has soared to record levels.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
Our lifestyle has a huge bearing on which type of dog will work best for us – if you have limited space you might want to look at small dogs, while the more elderly pet owner should place certain breeds at the top of their wishlist.
Meanwhile, certain breeds have particular attributes or temperaments which mean that they simply aren’t suitable for households with young children.
Here are the 10 breeds of dogs that should be avoided by young families, according to the American Kennel Club.
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5. Weimaraner
A large and beautiful dog bred to hunt big game, the Weimaraner sometimes doesn't know its own strength and can enjoy playing rough with its human family. This is no problem when it comes to adults, but can be a problem with youngsters. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Australian Shepherd
As the name suggests, Australian Shepherds were originally bred to herd sheep. One way they did this was to nip at the feet of the sheep, and its behaviour that they can now exhibit when young children are running around. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Greyhound
Greyhounds are a breed that like plentyh of peace and quiet. The constant noise and activity of children can cause them to become anxious. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Akita
Akitas are great family protectors but respond badly to being prodded and teased by young children. They can also perceive a new baby to be a threat to their household Photo: Canva/Getty Images