If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
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.
But even when you’ve settled on a type of dog, there’s still the tricky task of choosing a name.
If you’ve opted for an adorable Miniature Schnauzer then personalised gift site yappy.com can help – they’ve surveyed thousands of their customers to come up with the most popular names people choose for their lovable pup.
Here are their top 10 Miniature Schnauzer names.
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5. Bertie
Completing the five most common Miniature Schnauzer names is Bertie. It's an Old German name meaning 'noble and bright'. | Getty Images
6. Lola
A less cheery name for Miniature Schnauzers, but still popular with owners, is Lola. It's a Spanish name, meaning 'sorrows'. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Mabel
Mabel is popular enough to land seventh spot for Miniature Schnauzer names. It's a great Biblical name for the adorable dog - meaning 'lovable and dear'. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Luna
Luna is one of the most popular names for all breeds of dog - and Miniature Schnauzer owners are no different. It's a Latin name that means 'moon'. | Getty Images