Rottweilers take over from labradors as clumsiest canines

ROTTWEILERS are the most accident-prone dogs with nearly three out of five needing to visit the vet during a year, according to researchers.

Around 59% of rottweiler owners in Britain made a claim against their pet insurance during the 12 months to the end of June to cover the cost of accidents or illness, according to Tesco Personal Finance.

The group, which insures 30,000 dogs a year, said rottweilers had overtaken chocolate labradors as Britain's clumsiest canines, after the proportion of labrador owners making claims fell to 52% from 55% the previous year.

Boxers are the next most likely breed to need medical treatment, with 55% of owners claiming on their pet insurance, followed by chocolate Labradors who are now third. Poodles retained their position as least accident-prone dog, with just 21% ending up at the vet's, with border collies and collie crosses a close second with just 23% suffering a mishap during the year.

A third of owners with retriever labradors, Britain's most popular breed, claimed on their insurance.

Paul Baxter, head of insurance at Tesco Personal Finance, said: "The rottweiler has a reputation for being one of the toughest breeds but our statistics show that they are in fact the weakest with a 15% rise in insurance claims this year."