While dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, our four-legged companions don’t always behave as we’d like. Tales of canines gnawing on shoes, socks and furniture are common among dog owners, but new research has sought to definitively determine which breeds are the most mischievous.
The team at The Insurance Emporium has gathered responses from 2,000 dog owners to compile first-hand experiences on the breeds to avoid for those seeking a stress-free life – with some surprising results.
In third place, somewhat dishonourably earning the bronze medal, is the cockapoo. This cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle is known for being intelligent, playful and adventurous, but all that energy may not always be well-directed.
The breed is particularly high-energy and requires a lot of mental stimulation, with owners very much aware when they need to be taken out for a walk to burn off some energy.
These traits are also found in the second most mischievous breed, the cocker spaniel. Responsible for the lively gene found in cockapoos, the cocker spaniel takes the energy level up a notch.
They are infamous for being active and needing a lot of exercise – at least an hour a day according to some experts. The breed has a strong dog working instinct so they’re likely to chase after other animals, leading to some frustrating walks for their owners.
The popular yet mischievous Labrador has ironically clinched the title of the nation’s worst-behaved dog. Despite their charming disposition, Labradors require substantial exercise which is considerably more than many other breeds – a factor not deterring the 44,000 devotees who registered their retrievers in the UK during 2022.
Without daily walks, labs can quickly become bored, with cabin fever sinking in, where they can turn to destruction for entertainment.
Dog owners shared amusing tales of canine shenanigans with one stating: “I left him unattended in the garden when he was around nine months old while t I was working from home.
“When I checked on him, he was just lying in the sun. I came back 15 minutes later, and he had ripped out over £300 worth of flowers from the beds and was running around the garden with them.”
Another recounted a tale of a dietary escapade: “We have a camera indoors. He got out of his crate while we were out. Did multiple trips from the kitchen to the sofa and ate a bunch of bananas, a watermelon, and six apples.
“Then emptied the contents of a stuffed toy. At five months old he could reach the kitchen worktops. Ended up having to build a crate he couldn’t break out of.”
