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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5. Cavapoo
A cross between the Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cavapoos have become increasingly popular since they started being deliberately bred in the 1990s. The result is a very cute hypoallergenic lap dog. | Contributed
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6. Goldendoodle
One of the larger crossbreeds, the Goldendoodle is a mix of Poodle and Golden Retriever and can be one of three different sizes - depending on whether the parent is a Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodle. Combining two of the most intelligent dog breeds, some Goldendoodles are used as service dogs. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Bernedoodle
Known for their sociability and loveable goofiness, the Bernedoodle is mix of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. The Standard Poodle is most commonly used, but a Miniature Poodle can be substituted to create a smaller dog. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Sheepadoodle
If you've ever fancied welcoming a cuddly canine-panda into your home then the Sheepadoodle is the dog for you. A cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog, these pups often grow quite large and make for intelligent and playful pets. | Canva/Getty Images