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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9. Not to be sneezed at
Labradoodles are popular with people with allergies because they don't tend to shed much hair - a trait they inherit from their Poodle parent. In fact, some Labradoodles that inherit more of their other parent's DNA will shed, although still less than a Labrador Retriever and with less of the 'doggy smell' asssociated with that breed. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Television star
The Labradoodle has been around for a while though, even if it didn't have its own name. A Labradoodle (then simply known as a Labrador-Poodle mix) called Fang had a role in American spy spoof television series 'Get Smart' in the 1950s. Photo: Canva/Getty Images