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.
Away from the world of pedigree pups, crossbreeds have become increasingly popular in recent years, many of whom command high puppy prices.
These ‘designer dogs’ aim to combine positive attributes from two different breeds, and the undisputed champion when it comes to crossing canines is the Poodle.
Combining intelligence, an easy-going nature and, crucially, a hypoallergenic coat, the Poodle has been used to create some of today’s most in-demand dogs.
Love Labradors but can’t cope with the shedding hair? No problem – get a Labradoodle.
These are the 12 most popular Poodle crossbreeds.
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1. Cockapoo
One of the first 'designer dogs' to become popular in the 1990s, the Cockapoo is a mix of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. The crossbreed is a great family pet, and are very playful. | Contributed
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2. Labradoodle
Combining two of the most popular dog breeds in the UK - the Poodle and the Labrador - the Labradoodle has the Labrador Retriever's winning personality and the Poodle's hypoallergenic coat. Labradoodles have been around since the 1950s but only recently became popular - particularly with families. | Getty Images
3. Schnoodle
It's hard to think of a more adorably-named small crossbreed than the Schnoodle - a mix of a Poodle and a Miniature Schnauzer. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Whoodle
Created by crossing a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with a Poodle, Whoodles are cheerful, intelligent energetic, and affectionate. Those coats can be a bit of a handful though - best get the groomer on speed dial. | Canva/Getty Images