When British couple Laura McFarlane and Jamie Griffiths decided to adopt a dog together, they spent several weeks researching the characteristics of various popular breeds.

Eventually, they settled on a cockapoo, believing its typically small size would be ideal for their home. During a visit to a nearby animal rescue in November 2022, McFarlane, 43, and Griffiths, 51, encountered Bobby.

The staff at the facility informed the Pontypridd, South Wales couple that he was one of the well-liked cocker spaniel-poodle mixes, and assured them he wouldn't exceed two stone in weight. Having already fallen for their new furry friend, they happily welcomed Bobby into their home.

However, it was only several months later that they realized a significant mistake had been made.

Bobby was a tiny puppy (Kennedy News & Media)

"We were told he was a cockapoo," McFarlane recently told the press. "We expected him to grow to a maximum of 12kg.

"Once he'd had his injections, we began taking him to cockapoo socials. He was the largest dog there and just kept getting bigger.

"Everyone kept suggesting to us that he might be a labradoodle."

Bobby had grown to nearly four times the size the couple had anticipated, reaching an impressive seven stone.

Puzzled by how this could have happened, McFarlane and Griffiths eventually decided to have their pet genetically tested.

To their astonishment, the couple later found out that Bobby had no trace of Cocker Spaniel in him. Instead, they discovered Bobby was actually a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle.

The couple adopted Bobby in 2022 (Kennedy News & Media)

For those unfamiliar with the latter breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs are massive canines that originated in the Swiss Alps, bred for physically demanding tasks like cart-pulling due to their strength.

"He was so much larger by that point than what we thought he would be," McFarlane explained.

The regional sales manager added, however, that she has no regrets about adopting him.

"There's just more of him to love," she continued. "He's my best friend. He's a lot of fun, incredibly cheeky, and has many doggy friends."

Currently, Bobby weighs an astounding 45kgs - approximately the same as a 13-year-old child - and consumes three full meals per day, including the occasional full English breakfast and Sunday roast.

"He's always hungry, but we're quite strict with his diet because he has a sensitive stomach," McFarlane continued.

Bobby never stopped growing (Kennedy News & Media)

"He has three meals a day, so if we can make him a Sunday dinner or breakfast, we'll prepare a small one for him because he likes to join in."

She added: "We don't like leaving him at home on our days off, as one of us is always working from home.

"We take him everywhere with us. He's experienced everything - from speed boat rides to camping. He lives the life of Riley."

Despite being surprised by Bobby's breed, McFarlane and Griffiths insist they wouldn't have him any other way and have since used their experience to encourage other dog lovers to adopt.

Bobby now weighs the same as a 13-year-old child (Kennedy News & Media)

"Ask as many questions as possible - if you're visiting a breeder, get their backstory," she continued. "I would always advocate for adoption over buying a puppy from a breeder.

"This is the second dog we've adopted from a rescue. Our first dog was with us for 10 years, and we've had Bobby for three, so I would [recommend adoption] because there are just so many dogs in need of homes.

"We can't imagine living without a dog. Bobby is no trouble at all."