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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9. Shihpoo
Created by mixing two perfect companion dogs - the Miniature Poodle and the Shih Tzu - the Shihpoo is an affectionate crossbreed that makes a surprisingly good guard dog. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Yorkiepoo
Created by crossing a Poodle with a Yorkshire Terrier, the Yorkiepoo is a tiny dog with a big personality. Ideal for owners who live in a flat, they don't need much space and rarely bark. | Contributed
11. Poochon
The Poochon, a mixture of a Poodle and a Bichon Frise, makes a great family pet. The small crossbreed are known to be happy and intelligent animals which shed very little hair. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a mix of Poodle and Maltese, creating a gentle, sweet-natured, playful and highly-intelligent dog. Depending on which parent it takes after, the Maltipoo can have either a curly or wavy coat. | Canva/Getty Images