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Basenji photo below by Laurie Erickson, courtesy of Wendy Marquardt

SelectSmart.com
Before you decide

DOG BREED SELECTOR (Beta Test Version)

Are you considering getting a dog? Get unbiased decision-making information based on your preferences. The following interactive personalized databases will help to select the dog right for you:

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. SIZE What is the size of dog that you prefer?
The sizes stated are within the "acceptable" range of at least one source. The American Kennel Club generally has narrower ranges of acceptability. Individual dogs may not "make show weight" and still be excellent pets. The weight and height of the parent dogs are the most important size predictors.
Importance: Very Some Little None

2. COAT Which of these coat characteristics do you prefer?
Importance: Very Some Little None

3. Which of these coat characteristics do you prefer?
Importance: Very Some Little None

4. Which of these coat lengths do you prefer?
Importance: Very Some Little None

5. SHEDDING Would you like a dog that does not shed its hair or that sheds minimally?
Importance: Very Some Little None

6. GROOMING Would you prefer a dog that does not require high levels of grooming?
Importance: Very Some Little None

7. ALLERGIES Would you prefer a dog that is among those dogs rated as most easily tolerated by allergy sufferers? (See "Achoo!", an article on dog and allergy compatibility.)
Importance: Very Some Little None


PERSONALITY TRAITS

8. SMART Would you prefer a dog that is rated intelligent and/or easy to train? Intelligence does not necessarily equate to trainability - often intelligent dogs can think of so many more challenges to authority or variations on response to a command. Consider this if you are first time dog owner or have never participated in dog obedience classes
Importance: Very Some Little None

9. WATCH DOG Would you prefer a dog is likely to be a good watchdog? Barks when intruders, strangers approach.
Importance: Very Some Little None

10. GUARD DOG Would you like a protective dog that is suited for security?
Importance: Very Some Little None

11. CITY DOG Would you like a dog that is suited for urban life?
Importance: Very Some Little None

12. ACTIVITY LEVEL Would you like a dog that requires minimal exercise?
Importance: Very Some Little None

13. KID APPROPRIATE Would you like a dog that is good with children?
Importance: Very Some Little None

14. BITERS Would you prefer to avoid the dog breeds that are noted as biters? While newsworthy, fatal dog bites are rare. Training, or lack of it, is the major factor in viciousness in dogs.
Importance: Very Some Little None

15. QUIET Would you prefer a dog breed that is noted as quiet?
Importance: Very Some Little None

After your top dog selections are calculated, see DOG BREEDS AND DESCRIPTIONS

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To email us click here. We appreciate your comments or questions. Did you find any questions that we should have included. We invite you to take part in out survey of dog traits. Survey