Table 2 Multivariable logistic regression modelling of characteristics sought by owners when selecting a puppy to purchase (n = 6175), with comparisons between designer crossbred puppy owners (n = 1545) and purebred puppy owners (n = 4630) in the UK. Significant associations (p <  0.05) are emboldened. ^aFootnote

Size is suited to my lifestyle

74.8

59.1

1.86

1.60-2.16

<  0.001

Good companion

73.7

69.4

1.15

0.99-1.34

0.062

Generally healthy breed/crossbreed

61.2

42.3

2.05

1.79-2.34

<  0.001

Good with children

56.0

42.5

1.46

1.25-1.69

<  0.001

Easy to train

54.3

36.4

1.92

1.68-2.19

<  0.001

Hypoallergenic

47.1

7.86

9.12

7.70-10.8

<  0.001

Appearance/looks

42.7

38.9

1.11

0.97-1.27

0.138

Exercise encouragement

34.4

31.2

1.06

0.92-1.22

0.405

Friends or family currently own this breed/crossbreed

28.9

21.8

1.23

1.06-1.44

0.006

Long life expectancy

13.5

15.1

0.95

0.78-1.14

0.564

Low grooming needs

13.1

16.5

0.70

0.58-0.85

<  0.001

Affordable purchase cost of puppies

12.9

6.80

1.93

1.55-2.39

<  0.001

I’ve owned this breed/crossbreed before

12.8

42.9

0.22

0.18-0.27

<  0.001

Affordable cost of upkeep

9.45

7.04

1.22

0.97-1.55

0.091

I grew up with or had childhood experiences with this breed/crossbreed

8.61

21.8

0.33

0.27-0.41

<  0.001

Popularity of the breed/crossbreed

6.60

3.76

1.45

1.07-1.95

0.016

Low exercise requirements

5.83

5.33

0.94

0.70-1.26

0.692

Working ability of this breed/crossbreed

4.92

18.1

0.29

0.22-0.39

<  0.001