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, with several of the so-called ‘designer dogs’ commanding high puppy prices.
With wonderful portmanteux names, great personalities, and often boasting coats that shed very little hair, they can make the perfect family pets.
Here are 13 of the most popular and adorable crossbreed dogs.
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1. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodle owners get the best of both worlds, with the lovable and playful nature of a Golden Retriever and the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Labradoodle
A cross of the UK's favourite dog, the Labrador Retriever, and the Poodle - the Labradoodle combines the former's wonderful personality with the latter's soft, hypoallergenic coat. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Maltese Shih Tzu
The result of crossing a Shih Tzu with a Maltese, the Maltese Shih Tzu is a small crossbreed that is also known as the 'friendly toy' due to their well-rounded temperament. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is another crossbreed that has the Poodle's beautiful low-shedding coat, this time mixed with a playful Cocker Spaniel. | Canva/Getty Images