As Ant McPartlin adopts two adorable maltipoo puppies, we reveal how the designer crossbreed has become so popular
The TV presenter, 43, has fallen for the teddy bear face, moult-free coat and butter-wouldn’t-melt expression that has made poodle-crosses the mutts-have dog of the moment
EVERYBODY is desperate for a poo, Ant McPartlin included. We revealed yesterday that the TV presenter, 43, and girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett, 42, have adopted two maltipoos, Milo and Bumble.
It is said the dogs — a Maltese terrier and poodle cross — will help with Ant’s recovery from alcohol addiction and mental health issues. But by plumping for a pair of popular poos, Ant has also ensured that he is bang-on trend with other celebs.
Cockapoos were recently voted the most popular crossbreed in Britain, while the number of other hybrid designer dogs has increased EIGHT-FOLD in a decade.
So why do these mutts-have pets we used to refer to as mongrels — which can cost up to £4,000 each — outprice even pedigree breeds? We take a closer look.
Instagrrrram
POOS lap up the likes on Instagram – and some even rival celebrities in terms of follower numbers.
Reagan, a labradoodle from Australia, has 453,000. Peaches, a cavoodle from New York, has 72,000 and Marley, a cockapoo from Liverpool, has 45,500.
Social media expert Tim Gibbon, director at communications consultancy Elemental Communications, said: “Certain types of pictures will trend on social media, which means you can see a rise in the popularity of certain breeds if more people are sharing pictures of them.
"Historically, pictures of cute animals are really popular. It is a trend which seems to have unlimited legs.”
The pros
POO devotees will tell you they make ideal family dogs, having inherited the best traits of their breeding pairs, and are mostly hypoallergenic, meaning allergy sufferers can own them.
The first designer poodle cross was bred in Australia in 1988 by Wally Conron who, as breeding manager of the country’s Royal Guide Dog Association, was trying to help a blind woman in need of a guide dog which would not aggravate her husband’s allergies.
These dogs have substance as well as style too. Poodles are the second most intelligent breed, so their offspring tend to be smart and easy to train. Poos and doodles also tend to be very friendly and good with children.
...and the cons
WALLY says he now regrets his creation, which he believes has caused health problems in the new breeds.
For example, labradors are prone to hip problems and poodles eye disorders, so breeding the two together can potentially create puppies with both issues.
They are also very variable, so you cannot count on a poo being hypoallergenic. Considering they are not pedigree breeds, their £850 to £4,000 price range is a lot when you do not know exactly what you are getting.
Some experts are concerned that the pups’ sudden popularity will tempt more people unprepared for ownership into getting one, only to abandon it down the line.
Vary of the dog
WAUNLIKE pedigrees, these dogs are individuals. No two poos are exactly the same and even puppies from the same litter may inherit different traits from their parents.
Doodles and poos can come in almost infinite varieties simply by pairing another breed with a poodle. As poodles come in a range of colours and sizes, breeders can tweak the variables to create ever cuter versions.
Most of us have heard of cockapoos and labradoodles, but what about a Pomapoos – a pomeranian cross – or the basset-hound cross, bassetoodle? Triple-cross breeds, such as cavapoochons (Cavalier King Charles/poodle/bichon frise) are becoming increasingly popular too.
Celebrity fans
UNLIKE pedigrees, these dogs are individuals. No two poos are exactly the same and even puppies from the same litter may inherit different traits from their parents.
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Doodles and poos can come in almost infinite varieties simply by pairing another breed with a poodle. As poodles come in a range of colours and sizes, breeders can tweak the variables to create ever cuter versions.
Most of us have heard of cockapoos and labradoodles, but what about a Pomapoos – a pomeranian cross – or the basset-hound cross, bassetoodle? Triple-cross breeds, such as cavapoochons (Cavalier King Charles/poodle/bichon frise) are becoming increasingly popular too.
Which poo is for you?
OWNING your own poo is no walk in the park. To help sniff out the most suitable for you and your family, here are some of the favourites . . .
Cockapoo
Voted the most popular crossbreed in Britain, these cocker spaniel crosses are incredibly friendly. They also have expressive faces designed for Instagram. Can be naughty if left alone.
Cavapoo
A mix between Cavalier King Charles spaniels and poodles, they are usually a bit more chilled out than cockapoos. They make great family pets and are happy with just one short walk a day.
Labradoodle
World’s first hybrid designer dog, a cross between a poodle and a labrador. Affectionate, sociable and excitable. Bred to be hypoallergenic, but some inherit more labrador genes and end up shedding.
Goldendoodle
One parent is golden retriever. The first person to breed one was none other than Monica Dickens, great granddaughter of novelist Charles, in 1969. Loyal, loving and popular as service animals.
Poochon
A mix between a Bichon Frise and a miniature or toy poodle, these have sweet personalities and soft, non-shedding coats. Very energetic despite size and have bursts of zooming around manically.
Maltipoo
Extremely popular with celebs, Ant McPartlin’s choice of pup is charming, affectionate and adaptable, making them great for first-time owners. They stay playful and puppylike well into their senior years.
Bernedoodle
If you want a larger poodle cross, go for one of these, bred from a Bernese Mountain Dog. They are laid-back and loyal as well as being great companions for active owners and good with kids.
Yorkipoo
These tiny but confident dogs, descended from Yorkshire terriers, think they are bigger than they are. But because of their size, Yorkipoos prefer households with adults and older children.
Schnoodle
Bred from schnauzers, this cross is often known as the “teddy bear schnoodle” for obvious reasons. Playful but makes a surprisingly good watchdog. Loves to be the centre of attention.
Pomapoo
Get their fluffiness from their Pomeranian side. These tiny dogs are attention-cravers so should not be left at home alone for too long. They’re also known to be brainy – and tend to bark a lot.
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