Pet owners will know that having a cat or dog is not always an easy experience. Many are familiar with the chaos that ensues when a furry destroyer is introduced into our homes. Scratched furniture, chewed skirting boards, broken plant pots and stolen food - not to mention the accidents on the carpet.
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Making the decision to introduce a fluffy friend into your home is not one you should take lightly – it's a long-term commitment. So which breed should you choose?
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A study by money.co.uk has analysed social media reactions to reveal which animals are the most loved, the funniest, the naughtiest, and the most destructive.
The study looked at emoji reactions to all pet-related posts online in the past year, to see which breeds are making the most people smile, laugh or cry – and they may surprise you!
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Thanks to the experts, we now know the most loved pet breeds around the country. Coming in first is the Golden Retriever, officially analysed as the most loved pet on the Internet. This loveable breed can function as an emotional support animal for many disabilities, as well as making a loyal and lifelong friend.
So, you might know which breeds are most loveable – but which calamity-causing canines are most likely to leave your home in ruins?
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According to the experts at PetForums, the most destructive pet breeds are more likely to leave your flower beds destroyed, your carpets ruined and your furniture chewed.
Mentions of chewed skirting boards, sofas, and other household items are common from Collie owners, whilst greedy Beagles are the most likely to steal food off your plate and ransack your biscuit cupboards. We still love them, really.
What are the most destructive pet breeds?
Collie – the chewer
Watch out for your skirting boards, table legs and trainers with these naughty pups! Despite being one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Collie is a devilish fiend when bored and is known to chew through just about anything.
Labrador – the urinater
They might be cute, but Labradors are most likely to use your carpet as their toilet, with more mentions of toilet training issues than any other breed.
Beagle – the eater
When it comes to being greedy, Beagles take the top spot. These playful pups have been known to steal the food off your plate, tip over the bin for a rummage, and ransack any cupboard within reach.
Collie – the destroyer
Back on the list for being one of the most destructive dog breeds, Collies may look harmless, but studies show they possess a near-magical ability to destroy things. From gardens to bathrooms, kitchens to flowerbeds, when left untrained, these cheeky canines love to get their paws into just about anything.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers – the breaker
Known for being one of the clumsiest breeds, you might want to take your delicate ornaments off the coffee table before bringing a Staffy into the house. These pups don't rate highly for their spatial awareness, with 1 in 20 mentions of broken phones, plant pots, glasses and more linked to the breed - oops!
Basset Hound - the howler
These lovable hounds can get quite vocal if left to their own devices. Whether they're hungry, bored, distressed or feeling playful, the Basset Hound is known for being one of the most melodious dog breeds. Fun for a howl or two, but these noisy pups typically need lots of attention to avoid an angry call from the neighbours.
Chihuahua – the snapper
Chihuahuas make wonderful dogs and loyal family friends - but they do love to bark. Known for their fierce personality and fiery temper, they do possess a more stubborn nature, and don't always like being told 'no'.
Shih Tzu – the digger
The affectionate Shih Tzu might look cute, but they also love to dig. Don't let this pup outside unsupervised or you might find your flowerbeds in a heap!
Dachshund - the begger
They might be super cute, but Dachshunds are very greedy dogs. Along with their mischievous nature, they're intelligent too. So if you constantly give them treats or sneak food under the dinner table, they're smart enough to know that begging will be met with rewards!
How to stop your dog being naughty
Now that lockdown restrictions have eased and the social calendar fills up, it might be time to consider your pup's naughty behaviour is a result of separation anxiety. Mixing with new faces or having to spend more time alone might take some getting used to for our canine companions.
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This calm dog diffuser contains a synthetic copy of the 'dog appeasing pheromone' which a mother naturally releases to calm and reassure her litter. Plug this in when you're due to leave your naughty dog alone and expect your carpets, skirting boards and table legs to remain intact and chew-free when you get home.
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