The last couple of years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club has seen dog ownership soar to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Labradoodle – they are one of the UK’s most popular crossbreeds and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. Named and shamed
Australian Wally Conron has taken credit for coming up with the name 'Labradoodle' in 1989. He wasn't a fan of the crossbreed though, being of the opinion that healthy Labradoodles were "few and far between". Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. All colours and sizes
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, but this can lead to a wide range of different-looking dogs. Depending on the size of Poodle (toy, miniature or standard) and the colour of the Labrador Retreiver (black, yellow, chocolate, or red), the resulting puppy can come in a large number of sizes and shades. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Clever dogs
Labradoodles are very clever dogs - thanks to the Poodle being the world's second brainiest pooch (after the Border Collie), with the Labrador Retriever ranked 7th. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Famous fans
Celebrity fans of the Labradoodle include Christie Brinkley, Jennifer Aniston, Tiger Woods and Neil Young. Photo: Canva/Getty Images