Fantasy poochball: nation chooses face of a golden retriever for favourite dog

It has cocker spaniel ears, the face and body of a golden retriever and the legs of a greyhound.

Images have been created of what would be the nation’s favourite dog – if the “cutest” body parts of any breed could be put together.

The traditional golden retriever won in multiple categories as the breed received the most votes for the cutest face, tail, fur and body, whereas cocker spaniels have the best ears, according to those surveyed. Greyhounds take first place in the leg department.

Half of those quizzed by Direct Line Pet Insurance said they had a favourite dog breed, but only a third of people own their preferred pooch, the study found. Meanwhile a quarter of people do not own their favourite breed as it does not suit their lifestyle and one in six of those surveyed have found their favourite breed is too expensive.

Ryan O’meara, co-founder of dogsblog.com, said: “Over the years, our dog adoption website has noticed a distinct increase in dog lovers actively choosing to adopt cross-breed dogs. There has been a noticeable rise in people searching to adopt a golden retriever crossbreed for their health and longevity. People are rightly searching for breeds with personalities and traits that will suit their lifestyle.”