Table 1 Multivariable logistic regression modelling of reasons why owners wanted to purchase a dog (n = 6281), with comparisons between designer crossbreed puppy owners (n = 1568) and purebred puppy owners (n = 4713) in the UK. Significant associations (p <  0.05) are emboldened. ^aFootnote

Companionship for myself

68.1

63.5

1.23

1.06-1.42

0.006

To encourage myself/my family to walk and exercise

63.3

48.1

1.52

1.32-1.74

<  0.001

To improve my/my family’s mental health

55.2

40.6

1.54

1.34-1.77

<  0.001

Companionship for other adult(s) in my household

38.7

35.2

1.06

0.92-1.21

0.421

Companionship for my children

30.7

19.8

1.28

1.02-1.59

0.032

To keep me/my family busy

26.9

21.9

1.16

0.10-1.36

0.052

Due to the loss of a previous dog in my household

20.7

32.4

0.76

0.63-0.91

0.002

Companionship for my other dog(s)

12.4

25.1

0.67

0.55 – 0.82

<  0.001

As a working dog for a specific role (e.g., gundog, security, sniffer/tracking, herding, medical detection, assistance/therapy dog)

3.70

10.4

0.45

0.32-0.61

<  0.001

For a specific non-working role (e.g., dog sports, showing, etc.)

1.02

6.98

0.21

0.12-0.37

<  0.001