What dog is right for my family quiz

Choosing a dog can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. After all, you're committing to care for a living, breathing being who will depend on you his entire life! When choosing a new dog, so many questions run through your mind: "What kind of dog should I get?" "What's the best dog breed for me?" "Will he be a good fit with my family?"

Índice Show

What dog is best for my family?
How do I choose the right dog for my home?
What is the calmest dog breed?
What is the easiest dog breed for families?

The first step to being a responsible dog owner begins before you even bring home a dog. Thoughtfully and seriously assess your needs before making a decision, and you'll live long, happy lives together. Using our Dog Breed Selector, just answer a series of questions, and we'll find the right breed of dog for you.

What is your experience with dogs?

How much time can you put into training your dog?

A little time:

1–5 hours per week

Some time:

6–10 hours per week

A lot of time:

10+ hours per week

What is your home like?

A house with a

small yard

A house with a

large yard

Do you prefer only to see dogs that are suitable for apartments?

Do you have kids under age 10?

What is your noise tolerance for barking?

Only barks when necessary

Likes to be Vocal

What is your tolerance for shedding?

What’s your activity level?

Walking around

the neighborhood

1. Which phrase best describes what you're looking for in a dog?

People tend to pick dogs who look like them - but only when selecting a purebred, according to a study from UC San Diego. Apparently people choose mutts for other reasons.

A cuddle friend who doesn't need tons of exercise

Sporty, high-energy dog

Family-friendly dog

A loyal companion

An agility wiz

None of these apply/not sure yet

2. What size dog are you considering?

I prefer small dogs

I prefer small or medium

I prefer medium dogs

I prefer medium or large

I prefer large dogs

Any size is fine

3. What comes closest to your ideal way to spend an hour with your dog?

Tossing a Frisbee or ball at the beach

Meeting up with others in a dog park

Hanging with friends at a cafe

Taking a walk together

Snuggled up on the couch

4. How smart would you like your dog to be?

Smart dogs can be fun, or challenging — depending on how you look at it. The ability to pick up signals can lead to powerfully close relationships with their awed humans. But really smart dogs are also more likely to become bored if not sufficiently challenged.

Smart enough to keep me on my toes

Responsive, but no smarter than I am!

Doesn't matter

5. How much do you exercise?

People who like to be on the move and walk fast do best with high-energy dogs who can keep up with them.

Frequently

Occasionally

For me, it's a walk to the fridge

6. Are you looking for your dog to be a jogging companion?

Jogging is very hard on dogs with flat faces, like Pugs and Bulldogs, who are prone to respiratory problems.

Yes

Now and then

I'm just looking for a companion

7. How do you tend to react when a good friend starts telling you a story you've already heard?

Interrupt and beat her to the punchline

Smile and nod, smile and nod

8. How do you react when another driver cuts you off while you're on the highway?

Accelerate and try to cut him off

Lean on the horn but stay out of his way

Slow down to give him some space

9. What kind of home do you have?

Little kids require supervision around almost every dog — even ones considered kid-friendly.

Small apartment, no yard

Medium-sized apartment, house, or duplex — no yard

Standalone house, with yard

10. What kind of amusement park ride best describes the energy in your home?

Carousel (not many surprises)

Ferris wheel (ups and downs but fairly predictable)

Log ride (boisterous and noisy but not out of control)

Roller coaster (sometimes a little too exciting and unpredictable)

11. Are you planning to bring a new baby into your home within the next few years?

12. How old are the children in your home?

7 and under

8 and older

I have children in both of the above categories

I don't have children at home

13. Are you or is someone in your household allergic to dogs?

There's no such thing as a non-allergenic dog. What makes people allergic to dogs is not fur, but dander, or skin cells. In short, the connection between shedding and allergies is a loose one at best.

14. Plenty of mental and physical exercise is essential for a happy dog. What arrangements are you planning to make for your dog during a typical week day?

Dogs like company — and benefit from a mid-day bathroom break — so if you can't be around during the day try to find daycare or a dog walker who can be.

I'll make sure he's walked when I can't be there.

I'll do my best to make sure he's walked, schedule permitting.

I'm planning to leave him alone until dinnertime, when I get home.

15. How would you rate your health?

Dogs born with a natural exuberance can be a great option for people who appreciate a vigorous companion. But for people who aren't that strong themselves, all that gusto can become a chore to contain.

16. When it comes to spiffing up your dog, you:

Think nothing of giving him a haircut or bath as needed

Don't mind giving him a bath, but I draw the line at haircuts

17. How much does fur bother you?

All dogs shed, including the ones with short hair.

I'm oblivious to it

I don't mind a little fur

I hate the idea of hair on my clothes or furniture

18. How much training would you like to do?

Training your dog with a "do what I say, or I'll hurt you" approach is considered old-fashioned and harmful to your dog.

Teach my dog the basics but once that's done I'd like to be done

I consider training an ongoing process

19. What's your best guess at describing your future dog parenting style?

Forty-two percent of dogs sleep in the same bed as their humans, according to the latest research.

I'm more comfortable being a buddy than a parent

I'm prepared to set boundaries as needed but want to spend time playing with my dog, too

20. Are you willing to train your dog to walk without a leash?

Yes

I'd like to walk off-leash but don't want to spend much time training him

It doesn't matter to me whether I can walk my dog off-leash

21. How much does drooling bother you?

Not a bit.

Not my favorite, but I can deal with a little. Especially if it's the right dog.

I really don't like it.

What dog is best for my family?

List of Top Family Dogs.

Labrador Retriever. ... .

Poodle. ... .

Irish Setter. ... .

Vizsla. ... .

Newfoundland. ... .

Bull Terrier. ... .

Beagle. ... .

Bulldog. For a devoted, patient pup that's sure to act affectionately towards kids, the Bulldog is your go-to breed..

How do I choose the right dog for my home?

There are many considerations when bringing a new dog into your home. As a responsible pet owner, you'll want to consider variables and options before making a final decision: care and training, cost, size, temperament, lifespan and appearance. Another important choice is the source of your dog.

What is the calmest dog breed?

These adorable and lovable calm dog breeds fit right in with singles, couples, or families who are looking for a mellow and chill furry family member..

The calmest dog breeds you'll want to bring home. ... .

English cocker spaniel. ... .

Whippet. ... .

Golden retriever. ... .

Tibetan spaniel. ... .

St. Bernard. ... .

Pug. ... .

Newfoundland..

What is the easiest dog breed for families?

Top 10 family friendly dog breeds.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Cavalier is a truly sweet-natured, gentle breed making a wonderful addition to the family home, particularly with young children. ... .

Labrador Retriever. ... .

Poodle. ... .

Beagle. ... .

Bichon Frise. ... .

Shih Tzu. ... .

Boxer. ... .

Border Terrier..