The RSPCA says that despite people thinking that pedigree dogs are healthier, they may have many health and behavioural problems.

The RSPCa said that this is because are bred to look a certain way, not to be healthy.

They said that they are worried that people are not doing enough research before they buy a pedigree dog.

In the survey commissioned by the RSPCA, people were asked what they associate with pure-breed or pedigree dogs. The top six responses were:

1. Expensive

2. Well bred

3. From good breeding stock

4. Quality

5. Responsibly bred

6. Healthy

But these aren’t always true.

RSPCA senior scientist Claire Calder said: "Everyone needs to be aware of the serious health and welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs. 

"A cute-looking puppy or dog can be hard to resist, but the result of not looking beyond this can be thousands of pounds spent on vets bills and a pet with long lasting health and welfare problems.

"This is one of the biggest challenges facing dog welfare in the UK today."

The RSPCA is launching a new campaign, Bred for looks, born to suffer, in order to raise awareness of the issue. The charity is asking members of the public to show their support by signing up at: www.rspca.org.uk/borntosuffer where they will also find further information about the campaign.