Instructions
Consider your reasons for getting a dog. This will help you answer some of the questions that appear on most assessments. For example, consider whether you want a guard dog, a running companion, a family pet or all of the above. Assess the type of environment you can provide for the dog. If you live in a small apartment, a small- to medium-sized dog with a low level of exercise needs will be a better match than a large or energetic breed. If you have children, consider child-friendly breeds such as pugs and boxers. Ask yourself how much maintenance your schedule will realistically allow you to provide for your dog. Some dogs require vigorous daily exercise, and other dogs have high-maintenance coats that need daily brushing and frequent trims.
Locate a reputable website with a dog breed selector quiz. Several dog food and product companies, as well as a popular animal-focused television station, offer assessment quizzes on their websites. Keep in mind that because just about anyone can register a domain name, some websites contain ill-informed, misleading or false information. Avoid these types of websites by only using assessment quizzes on the websites of nationally recognized businesses or institutions.
Answer assessment questions honestly. You are not doing yourself or the dog any favors by getting a breed that you cannot adequately care for. Consider the foreseeable future as well as the present, including factors such as whether you plan to move or have children. Most assessments ask questions about your lifestyle, living environment, family members, budget and personal preferences. Questions regarding the type of dog you want usually include size, activity level and grooming requirements. Take more than one assessment test. Most assessments provide several options for possible breed matches. Look for the breeds that appear consistently in your results.
How to Choose a Breed of a Dog Using an Assessment
Choosing the right dog breed is an important decision. Dogs represent a 10- to 18-year commitment. Although you may be interested in a particular breed for aesthetic or nostalgic reasons, this may not always be the best breed match for your situation and environment. Unfortunately, many would-be dog owners choose their pet on an impulse or because the puppy is "cute," only to later find that they cannot meet its energetic needs or control its behavior. Sadly, many of these dogs end up in shelters and not all of them find a permanent home or a happy ending.