Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog - Answers

Have you taken the Dog-Paw-Print "Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog" yet? If you have, here are the answers.

If you haven't taken the quiz, don't look at the answers yet. (tsk tsk!!)

You can click on the button in the navigation bar or any of the dog bone dividers here to take the "Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog" page now.

Your answers to the quiz will help narrow your choice regarding basic traits to look for in your new dog. This is a great companion to an actual breed selector tool, which will pull specific breed suggestions from a database, based on the information you give it.

But don't go there quite yet, or you won't have the important information that gives you the reasons that those breeds were suggested in the first place.

After you finish looking at the answers for the "Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog" here, you might want to go over to the breed selector tool linked at the bottom of the page to further this research.

OK- Here we go with what your answers to the Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog indicate:

Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog - Answers for Question #1

• For my children
Not only do you want a dog that is extremely social and generally good with kids, you also need to realize that, though you would love for your kids to take responsibility for your new dog and it should be encouraged by you, the primary brunt of the responsibility will always fall to one of the adults in the household. Don't lose sight, that even if your kids promise to be the ones to feed and take the dog out to the bathroom, you will be the primary caregiver of your new dog, and must supplement their care with longer walks, playtime, trips to the vet, etc.
• Companionship
If you checked this as one of your requirements, just make sure that the dog breeds you consider are not "loners" or aloof breeds. Many dog breeds were specifically bred as companion animals, so will have many to choose from in this category.
• Security
Since the focus of this site is on the family dog, I will strongly dissuade you from getting a dog breed that falls into the category of a guard dog. These dogs are bred to be territorial and dominant, and are not a good match for children in general. A watch dog, who will alert you to people coming up your driveway is fine, and perhaps even a good thing, but know that watch dogs tend to bark more than others outside this category, so be sure to research how sensitive the breed you are considering is to outside stimuli.
• Jogging buddy
Choose a mid-size to larger breed, or they'll have trouble keeping up with your pace. Also, you will want a dog that is a more active breed, for example one of the sporting dogs. Women joggers (and most men too) will feel safer jogging alone with a bit larger breed at their side.
• To show in the dog show circuit
You will need to factor in both looks and personality if this is how you answered. The AKC has a breed standard set for each registered breed of dog that they recognize. You can find out more by doing some research at the American Kennel Club site.
• To socialize with other dog lovers
This is an easy one! Just make sure that your dog breed ranks high on the sociability register, since some breeds tend to be more aloof than others. There are dog parks, dog beaches, dog clubs, MySpace pages, forums and groups all designed to bring together dogs and the families who love them.
• Something else not listed
Be sure to research these on the internet or in books. Feel free, also, to contact me directly and ask a question and I will do my best to help you.

Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog - Question #2

• I work full-time:
You will want to select a breed that is not known to have separation anxiety issues. Some close companion animals will actually pine while their people are away. These are also difficult dogs to board, because they can't stand to be apart from their families. You will need to figure out a way to walk your dog mid-day, if you will be gone longer than six hours. Perhaps you can come home during the lunch hour or install a doggy door that will allow your dog to potty in a fenced-in area.
• I am home a good deal of the time:
This is the optimal answer, because few arrangements need to be considered.
• I am a neat freak:
You will want to look for a low-shedding to no-shedding dog, and one that will not likely track a lot of dirt or sand in the house. Avoid dogs with fluffy large paws that trap dirt and bring it inside. If you are too much of a neat freak, you may need to reconsider the idea of getting a dog, because dogs get ill sometimes, and even the best-trained ones can occasionally make a mess somewhere in your house.
• I am OK with some clutter:
You are probably fine with most dog breeds, but might want to steer away from the heaviest shedding breeds, and ones known to drool a lot (ie. bulldogs, bloodhounds, and others).
• I don’t care what my house looks like!:
You will be fine with hairball "tumbleweeds," drool, muddy feet, and more. All breeds are fair game, then, for the "messy" factor.
• I am very active, and would like an active dog
Many dogs will fit the bill in this category. A Siberian Husky, Boxer or Golden Retriever would be great for you, if this is your main objective.
• I would like a companion, but would rather have a calm, quiet dog
If this is your sole objective, you should be looking for a dog with a fairly low activity level. You might look along the lines of a Basset Hound, Clumber Spaniel or a Pug.
• I would enjoy a dog that likes outdoor activity, but is quiet indoors
An English Setter might be a good choice for you.

Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog - Question #3

• Dog must be good with children
The good news is that all dog breeds suggested here on Dog Paw Print are known to be good with children. Although dogs are unique individuals, and you should always proceed with caution when children are involved, if you narrow your choices down to the breeds thought to be the most tolerant with children, you are beginning with a solid list of family dogs to further investigate.
• I want a dog that loves everyone!
A dog with this type of personality has a happy, loving and friendly disposition. Be ready to train your dog to refrain from jumping up and kissing everyone they meet, though!
• I want a dog that loves the entire family, and is friendly with our acquaintances
This is probably the easiest type of personality to have in a family dog. They are loving, but won't be bothering every person that comes to visit for attention, and will not be quite as needy for constant affection from the family.
• I want a dog that loves the entire family, and is tolerant of others
This type of breed is affectionate and loyal with their family, but is a bit aloof toward others, sometimes ignoring friends of the family when they visit. Sometimes this can be a good thing!
• I want a dog that loves our family, but doesn’t warm up quickly to others
This type of dog is affectionate and loyal, but either goes and hides when company comes, or tends to bark and be a bit concerned when others are visiting the household. This can work out OK, but can require some active training to stop the barking behaviors.
• I want more of a “one-person” dog, who will gravitate towards me, but will still enjoy my family and accept others
Some breeds tend to be "one person" breeds. This is a bit different from a happy family dog who favors the person in the household that feeds and takes them places. This is a dog that shows clear favoritism. If you believe that this might make your kids feel a little left out, consider it before you decide to get this type of breed.

Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog - Question #4

• I have a mid-sized to large house and a fenced yard
This is the ideal situation. You wll have easy access for exercising your dog, and any size dog with any indoor activity level requirements will work for you.
• I have a mid-sized to large house, and access to daily outdoor space
This is also a very good situation. You will need to make a bit more of an effort to get your dog to a place where they can be exercised, but it is not difficult if it is close by.
• I have a small house or apartment with access to daily outdoor exercise space
This is a great situation also, but choose a dog that does not have a high indoor activity level, or it might drive you a little crazy in a small space. If your space is extremely small, you will probably not want to select a large breed.
• I have a small house or apartment, and do not have easy access to outdoor exercise space
If this was your answer, think carefully about how you will exercise your dog. If you live in a small apartment in a highly-traveled area, and don't have a park within walking distance, you will have to make a concerted effort to exercise your dog. Is this a realistic option for you? Either think carefully about how you can achieve this, or look for breeds that do not require much exercise.

Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog - Question #5

• Finances are not a problem
You are lucky! You will have enough to cover food costs, routine veterinary care, boarding, health emergencies, annual vaccines, heart worm prevention, monthly flea control prevention, dog beds, toys, etc., etc.
• I will need to budget, but have carefully considered all of the costs
This is great. You are aware of all the financial needs of caring for a dog, and can handle it in your budget.
• My finances fluctuate, so it will be hard to budget. What do I need besides food anyway?
This answer shows that you need a bit more work in the research department! You will need to consider all of the costs listed in the answer above.
• Finances are tight. I am not sure what the total costs might be.
Again, you are not ready to move forward until you learn more about the costs of dog ownership.

Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog - Question #6

• I am interested and able to work with my dog every day, training, grooming and exercising him/her
This is the ideal situation. You can choose almost any family-friendly breed, and be assured that you will have the time to devote to fully train and care for your dog.
• My time is limited, but I am dedicated to spending some time each day training, exercising and/or grooming him/her
You are dedicated to do what it takes for your dog, even if you have a busy lifestyle. You will make time for your dog.
• I am not sure how much time I can dedicate to my dog for training, exercising and grooming, but have some time each week. I can take them out for daily walks, though
Many people fall into this category, and it is just fine, as long as the breed that you choose doesn't require a huge expenditure of energy.
• How much time do I need to devote to my dog? Isn’t taking them out to go to the bathroom enough?
Without proper exercise, most dogs will act out. There are a few breeds that can do well without a place to run, or daily walks, but you should carefully consider whether you will be able to make the time that your dog will need.

Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog - Additional Considerations

• Does your family like to travel? Would you like to take your dog with you or board your dog while you are away?
If you are used to just picking up and leaving, you will need to think about what you will do with your dog when you travel. If you think the idea of taking your dog with you sounds like a fun plan, it is very possible to find many types of terrific accommodations that accept dogs. On the other hand, if you travel for work, or would rather be dog-free on vacation, you will need to find a comfortable boarding facility, and plan for the additional costs of boarding when you plan to be away.
• Have you checked with your landlord or association about their rules regarding dogs?
This is sooooo important! You don't want to be put in a position where "it's you or the dog."
• Is anyone in your family allergic?
I am quite allergic to cats, and slightly allergic to dogs, but I developed a tolerance for my dogs after a week or two. Some hypoallergenic breeds exist. This is an especially important topic to research if someone in your family suffers from athsma.
• What is the age of the youngest child that will be around your dog on a regular basis?
If you are thinking about bringing a new dog into your lives, wait until the child in your life is over the poking and pulling stage. The popular consensus is to wait until your child is age five, but you know your child. It may be earlier or later, but carefully think about this, for the protection of your dog and the child. Some breeds will do better if raised with a child from puppy hood, but that doesn't mean the child should be a baby or toddler. A FAQ page about children and dogs is on the horizon for Dog Paw Print Come back and check for it soon!
• Have you thought about how future lifestyle changes might affect your ability to care for your new dog? (babies, job schedule changes, impending move, etc.)
Although humans can learn to adapt to change fairly easily, dogs are literally "creatures of habit" and big lifestyle changes can create anxiety and behavior problems. You can't possibly plan for everything, but try to refrain from getting a new dog prior to a big change that you know about.

I know it has been a lot of information to digest, but by taking this selection quiz for choosing a dog, you are now much better informed to begin researching the right breeds for you.

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