Is this man’s greatest friend of all? AI creates Britain’s idea of the perfect designer dog

Floppy ears, a curly tail and thick, brown fur… meet Bernie, the ultimate dog created by AI.

This adorable four-legged friend is the perfect pal for every UK household—a crossbreed combining the favourite canine features of a nation of dog-lovers.

From nose to tail, researchers from Burns Pet Nutrition quizzed 2,000 dog owners on every aspect of Fido's physique then fed the findings into an AI-powered image maker.

Respondents were shown dozens of pooch pics spanning a variety of breeds from Huskies to Chihuahuas and Poodles. The results gave birth to Bernie – man's ultimate best friend.

And, the study suggest Brits may be slowly losing their love for so-called designer dogs like Frenchies, Pugs and Dachshunds that often suffer a variety of congenital health problems.

Bernie's big brown eyes – like those of a Spaniel – were the favourite for half (50%) the respondents. A recent study showed dogs with dark eyes appear more approachable [1].

One in three Brits [36%] prefer blue eyes, commonly associated with Huskies, and one in 10 (14%) like heterochromia iridis or different colours, a quirk seen mostly in Border Collies.

Bernie has a long, thin nose like a Border Collie, the favourite of more than a third (37%) of Brits. Jack Russells (20%) and Labradors (26%) were also popular.

Flat-faced pooches are no longer in vogue. French Bulldogs, the most popular breed in Britain six years ago, was chosen by only around one in 10 (16%) of respondents.

The results may also reflect a shift in awareness around canine health. Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, while still beloved by many, have come under increasing scrutiny for the health challenges they face.

Often suffering from overheating, dental problems, and even eye conditions due to the structure of their skulls.

The preference for longer-nosed breeds like Border Collies suggests a growing public understanding of how facial structure can impact a dog's well-being.

When it comes to his coat, Bernie's has thick fur like a Siberian Husky or Newfoundland, favoured by (35%) of Brits. Smooth hair like a Basenji was marginally less popular (33%).

Bernie's thick, glossy fur mirrors that of dogs with nutrient-rich diets—a testament to the importance of high-quality food.

Just like humans, dogs benefit from a balanced intake of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and proteins. A well-fed dog not only feels better on the inside but also looks healthier on the outside, with a shinier, thicker coat and less skin irritation.

Bernie's upturned curly ‘sickle tail' is similar to that of a long-haired chihuahua. It was the overwhelming favourite picked by two-fifths (42%) of respondents in the survey.

Another big pooch preference was for floppy ears like a Labrador, chosen by close to two-fifths (39%) of people. Less than a quarter (23%) opted for the ‘button' ears of a Jack Russell.

Medium-sized dogs are the stand-out favourite from the survey, voted for by two-fifths (43%) of Brits. Bernie is the same height as an Australian Sheepdog.

And, his general body shape is more closely linked to a Labrador, which was chosen by a third (33%) of Brits. Followed closely by Cockerpoos, chosen by just over a quarter (27%).

The study highlighted a slight generational divide. Gen Z and Millennials would prefer a medium-sized Labrador type dog, with husky blue eyes and short-hair like a Dachshund.

The ideal dog for older age groups would be a similar size to an Airedale with brown eyes and a shorter coat.

Laura Crotch Harvey, Nutrition Manager at Burns Pet Nutrition, said: ‘Dogs have changed so much over the past few centuries, and this gives an insight into how they continue to change.'

Hopefully, health and well-being will be front of mind alongside appearance, helping future generations of dogs to live a happy and healthy life'