Bookmark and Share
SelectSmart.com SelectSmart.com®
Before you decide
Over 20,000 selectors

Dog Breed Selector Quiz
Are you considering bringing a dog into your home, but just can't decide which one best suits you? Get some help making this important decision, choosing the right dog breed, with this personalized guide. It's simple: Tell us your preferences, and we'll match them with a list of dog breeds, in ranked order, that best meet your desires.
Member Name:
Password:
NEW! Join now it's FREE! Everyone sees their selector results, but only "4me" members may post comments & save their results on their page.

1. YOUR SPACE: Many large dogs and especially high energy dogs probably won't be happy if cooped up in a small space. You won't be happy either. Unless you can provide your pooch with plenty of daily outdoor time and excercise, consider the size of the home you can provide when determining dog breeds.
My dog will be living in an apartment or other smaller space.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



2. SIZE: What size dog do you prefer?
Pocket: Under 5 lbs/2.3 kg.
Tiny: 5 to 12 lbs./2.3 to 5.4 kg.
Miniature: 13 to 25 lbs/5.9 to 11.3 kg.
Small: 26 to 39 lbs/11.8 to 17.7 kg.
Medium: 40 to 59 lbs/18.1 to 26.8 kg.
Large: 60 to 89 lbs/27.2 to 40.4 kg.
Very large: 90 to 105 lbs/40.8 to 47.6 kg.
Enormous: 105 lbs./47.6 kg. & up
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



3. COAT (Texture)
Soft
Bristly
Silky
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



4. COAT (Type)
Straight
Wavy/Wiry
Curly/Corded
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



5. COAT (Length)
Short
Medium
Long/Double coated
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



6. GROOMING: What are your grooming preferences?
Easy, low-maintenance
High-maintenance
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



7. DROOLING:
I want to avoid those dogs that slobber.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



8. SHEDDING:
I would like a dog that sheds minimally, perhaps not at all.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



9. DOG ALLERGIES:
I would like a dog rated as more easily tolerated by allergy sufferers.
(There are no genuinely hypoallergenic dog breeds.)
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



10. ACTIVITY LEVEL: What energy level is more appropriate for your lifestyle? Are you looking for a pal to join you on walks and jogs? Maybe you'd like a TV watching buddy. Regardless of the amount of activity, dogs thrive on interaction with humans; it's cruel to tether or chain your dog in the backyard. The Humane Society of the United States advises that "a dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive."
I prefer a breed with a lower activity level.
I prefer a breed with a higher activity level.
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



11. SWIMMING:
I would like a dog that enjoys swimming.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



12. HUNTING DOGS: Many dog breeds were bred specifically for hunting. For example, some retrieve ducks, some flush out pheasants, others are adept at treeing raccoons.
I would like a dog that enjoys hunting game birds with me.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High

I would like a dog that enjoys hunting game animals with me.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



13. CANNY CANINES: "Intelligence does not necessarily equate to trainability," notes Dr. Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. "Often intelligent dogs can think of so many more challenges to authority or variations on response to a command." With this explanation in mind, would you prefer a dog breed that Dr. Coren would deem intelligent, trainable or both?
Intelligent
Easily Trainable
Intelligent & Easily Trainable
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



14. COMPATIBILITY:
Pet tolerant. Some breeds have the potential to injure or even kill other pets.
Stranger tolerant. This is an important consideration if people are frequently visiting or passing by.
Pet & Stranger tolerant.
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



15. KID APPROPRIATE Would you like a dog that is good with children? Some breeds are inappropriate because they might hurt children, others are inappropriate because children might hurt them.
Yes, and the kids are 3 years and under.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High

Yes, and the kids are 4 years and over.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



16. SOCIAL OR INDEPENDENT: Some breeds are by nature more social and affectionate than others. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, independent dogs are less likely to be despondent if left alone. Considering this description and the level of interaction you'll be able to provide, would you prefer a dog breed that is social and friendly, or one that is more independent?
Social
Independent
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



17. QUIET/WATCH DOG: Would you like a silent partner or one that is likely to warn you of intruders?
I'd prefer a dog breed that is noted as quiet (no dog is entirely quiet).
I'd prefer a dog breed that is likely to warn me of intruders.
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



18. GUARD DOG: Would you like a protective dog that is suited for security?
Yes, I want a dog capable of attacking or restraining the intruder.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



19. BITERS: Would you be concerned about owning a dog that may be aggressive? Keep in mind that socialization directly affects a dog's aggression level. With the proper training, even dogs that have a bad reputation can be wonderful pets.
Avoid dogs that are more likely to be aggressive.
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



20. LONGEVITY: The lifespan of your dog can vary by a few years depending upon the breed. The average lifespan of a dog is about 12 years. If you know that your situation is likely to change in change in few years, you might opt for the shorter lifespan.
I prefer a dog with longevity.
I prefer a dog with a shorter lifespan.
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High



21. POPULARITY/RARITY: Do you prefer your dog be a common breed or do you you prefer a dog that is out of the ordinary? Popularity affects availability. An unusual dog can be a conversation starter.
Popular
Unusual
Not a consideration
  What priority do you place on your selection above?
Low
 
 
High