Help finding a puppy?

Question

I was wondering if there was a web page that will help me find the right dog/puppy that fits my house size, work schedule, and personality. I know of someone who took this quiz like test to help them. I just don't know what it is. Thanks

Answer 1

First relying upon some computer programmer to create a reliable enough questionaire to select a 4 footed 'person' who is going to be part of your household for years to come is NOT the way to go about it.

I wouldn't let a website pick a car for me, le alone a dog. Interestingly when I have tried a "Find My Car" website - they ALWAYS get it wrong - not even close to what I chose after researching it for myself

Second, you need to read about the different breeds, their size, their care , their temperments and personalities, their "trainability', their health problems (not something some website program will mention), their exercise neeeds,......

You are the best judge of what will the breed of choice for you.

No breed is the 'perfect' breed for everyone.

First, start with the list of breeds on the AKC

http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm

You can search by Group, Breed name or all of them at once.

Now, when you click on the picture of the dog and go to the page for that breed, on the left is a column. At the bottom of the column, is a link captioned "National Breed Club". Click on it - that takes you to the link to the National Club for that breed that sets the breed standards.

The Clubs' websites will give you an ENORMOUS amount of information about the breed - the good, the bad, and the why or why not to get that breed. The clubs websites also have:

(1) a breeders list - all of whom have agreed to abide by the breeders code of ethics (which you can read)

(2) a link to the breed rescue for their breed


Do give serious thought to adopting from an adult from a breed rescue. The clubs' breed rescues go to a great deal of trouble to determine the dog's temperrment, personality, likes and dislikes (particularly kids and cats and other dogs in the household), health, and level of training. They make a huge effort to match the right dog to the right home - and if they don't have one they think will be suitable for your home, they won't place it. Great way to avoid the puppy training, newspapers, chewing.......They have dogs that are purebred and part-bred (1/2 or so of their breed.) Dogs that come through rescue are so thrilled to have a forever loving home having once been abandoned to a shelter or rescue that they are typically extra devoted and loving. Dogs lose their homes for reason that are not their fault: death, divorce, a move and they couldn’t keep them, financial problems….

If you decide to get a puppy , please use one of the breeders who are members of the breed club. A well-bred pet puppy may not be a candidate for the show ring (that nose being 1/8th of an inch to long or something else very picky) but they will be very healthy, the parents carefully screened for hereditary health problems, and from a breeder who has devoted a great deal of time to understanding the breed and bloodlines. A responsible breeder will have a written contract with a health guarantee for hereditary problems; require that if for any reason you ever have to give up the dog that it comes back to them; and always be available for help, assistance and advice about your dog. Such a breeder will tell you if they don't think their breed is right for you based upon your needs. They want a perfect forever home for the puppies - not the money. (In 43 years in the dog show world, I have never known a breeder of that caliber who has made a profit on their dogs - it is labor of love.)

A puppy from such a breeder costs no more - and often less as poorly bred dogs tend to have very large vet bills over the years - than from a backyard breeder who doesn't do the health checks, knows nothing about the breed or bloodlines, doesn't give a guarantee, never wants to hear about the puppy again and has breed from mediocre or poor quality dogs.

NEVER EVER buy from a pet shop. Those puppies came from puppy mills where the parents are locked in cages, bred until they literally die from it, never vaccinated, never wormed, fed jsut enough so they don't quite die of starvation, live in filth, never bathed or groomed or cared for, are typically of very poor genetic stock both physically and often mentally. The puppies are shoved off to pet stores with no vaccinations, no wormng, no socialization or handling... You are buying nothing but heartbreak at a price higher than what a responsible breeder charged for a pet puppy.

IF A SERIOUS BREEDER OR RESCUE TELLS YOU THAT THE BREED IS NOT SUITED FOR YOUR SITUATION - BELIEVE THEM - NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU LIKE THE WAY THE DOG LOOKS

Now once you know what the tendencies and traits of the breeds are, you are prepared to think about adopting a mixed breed. Now you know when they say "mastiff/collie" cross, what you are geting into. PLEASE consider adopting from your shelter. They make just as wonderful pets as those with a pedigree. They are often more loyal and bond more closely when they know that they can trust you not to leave them having already been abandoned and deserted in their lives, and thankful for a loving home. You can go to your local shelter.


GOOD LUCK! I hope you find the perfect companion.

Answer 2

This site has a questionnaire that helps match your perfect puppy. Traits, size, habits etc.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Also you can find great dogs full blooded dogs that have been rescued. About all types have a rescue organization strictly for that breed these days. Some are from bad homes, owner dies, just found on the road, Puppy mill rescues etc. Just figure our which breed you like and do a yahoo or google search under for example I like the French Bulldog, type French Bulldog rescue etc. The are all over the USA. Or search the Humane Society site for mixed breeds that have great dogs too. some of the full breeds have an adoption process (you have to be approved) and a fee. They have pictures of the available dogs on most sites. Thats how I found my Boston Terrier "Idgie"... Good Luck!


puppyfinder.com is a good search.

Answer 3

read up on the different breeds and see what fits your lifestyle, living conditions, amount of time you have to play with him, and cost of caring for the dog. Some dogs required grooming often. Border collies are wonderful pets. Before buying one go to your local shelter, mixed breeds make great pets and you will be saving a life. Alot of the pet stores get their puppies from puppies mills and they are ofter sick and not pure bred.

Answer 4

Yes the link below has links to your local ASPCA.
Save a dog...lol
You and the pup will adapt. you have to decide on the size you want. A good dog to adopt is a lab mix, Female.
females are easier to train and they are sooo loving and loyal. Just remember you have to make time for them too!

Answer 5

the akc website has a thingy you fill out...or you can google breed selectors. i think yahoo even had one...
do not get your pup from a petshop, inless its from a rescure group. most pet shop pups come from puppy mills.
check out petfinder.com and you will be saveing a life.

Answer 6

go to pet shop and ask them

Answer 7

u shoul go to pet shops

Answer 8

i think you should get a weiner dog

Answer 9

not sure.