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Dog Breed Selector Quiz
Considering getting a dog, but just can't decide which one best suits you? Get some help making this important decision with this personalized guide. It's simple: You provide us with some answers about your preferences, and in return we'll match you with a list of dog breeds, in ranked order, that best meet your requirements.
APPEARANCE
1. SIZE: What size dog do you prefer? The amount of space and food that a dog needs is often proportionate to size. A one-bedroom apartment, for instance, is probably a less than ideal place to raise a Great Dane or St. Bernard. Although small dogs can be less expensive to care for, large ones can be great when you're in the mood for a little roughhousing or want a pet that will protect you.
2. COAT: Which of these coat characteristics do you prefer? The coat length and texture may determine how much time you'll be grooming your dog, as well as how much hair you'll be cleaning up.
(Texture) No preference Soft Bristly Silky
(Type) No preference Straight Wiry Curly/Corded
(Length) No preference Short Medium Long/Double coated

CARE & CONCERNS
3. GROOMING: What are your grooming preferences?
Easy, low-maintenance Neutral High-maintenance
Strongly Prefer Prefer No Preference Prefer Strongly Prefer

4. SHEDDING: Would you like a dog that does not shed or that sheds minimally? The more a dog sheds, the more you'll be picking up loose hair around the house. (Luckily, there are plenty of products to help you out; plus, regular grooming can make a big difference.)
No preference Yes Yes, strongly preferred

5. ALLERGIES: Would you like a dog rated as more easily tolerated by allergy sufferers?
No preference Yes Yes, strongly preferred

6. ACTIVITY LEVEL: What energy level is most appropriate for your lifestyle? Will your dog be a jogging partner or TV watching buddy?

Calm demeanor Neutral Higher activity level
Strongly Prefer Prefer No Preference Prefer Strongly Prefer

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CANNY CANINES
7. INTELLIGENCE: "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?
No preference Yes Yes, strongly preferred

8. TRAINABILITY: Do you prefer a dog that's easy to train?

No preference Yes Yes, strongly preferred

COMPATIBILITY

9. PET TOLERANT: Would you prefer a dog that tolerates other pets?

   No preference Yes Yes, strongly preferred
10. STRANGER TOLERANT: Would you prefer a dog that tolerates strangers? This is an important consideration if people are frequently visiting or passing by.
   No preference Yes Yes, strongly preferred
11. KID APPROPRIATE Would you like a dog that is good with children?
   No preference Yes, kids are 3 years and under Yes, kids are 4 years and over
    Exclude all dogs not appropriate for kids.
12. SOCIAL OR INDEPENDENT: 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?

Friendly Neutral Independent
Strongly Prefer Prefer No Preference Prefer Strongly Prefer

TEMPERAMENT
13. QUIET/WATCH DOG: Would you prefer a dog breed that is noted as quiet, or one that is likely to be a good watchdog?
Quiet Dog Neutral Watch Dog Type
Strongly Prefer Prefer No Preference Prefer Strongly Prefer

14. GUARD DOG Would you like a protective dog that is suited for security?

No preference Yes Yes, strongly preferred

15. 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.
No preference.   Avoid all dogs that are more likely to be aggressive.

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