Picking the right dog questions?

Question

I wrote a website segment that can be used to pick the right dog breed based on 9 criteria. Can you guys order the criteria in what is the most important when picking a dog. I already have it done but maybe some questions should be asked earlier. Also if you think something else should be added, it'll have to replace one that is already there, if you want you can put that too. Anyway here is the list, you guys arrange it from most important to least important

1) Breed Size (Small, Medium, Large)
2) Breed Grooming Requirement (Least difficult to most difficult)
3) Breed Exercise Requirement (Couch Potato to on speed)
4) Breed Affection Level (From Totally in love to roommates)
5) Good With Children (Yes, doesn't matter)
6) Urban Dog (Loves cities, ok in cities, doesn't matter)
7) Breed Temp requirements (Prefers cold, likes cold and heat equally, prefers heat, doesn't matter)
8) Good for 1st time dog owner (Yes, doesn't matter)
9) Good Watchdog

Answer 1

1. Good with Children
2. Breed Affection Level
3. Breed Size
4. Breed Temp Requirements
5. Breed Exercise Requirements
6. Breed Grooming Requirements
7. Urban Dog
8. Good Watch dog
9. Good for 1st time dog owner

Keep in mind that anyone with children will automatically put good with children first. After that it really depends on your location. If you live in the country, security may not be as important as it would be say in the suburbs. Exercise, size and temperature also are based on location. I know an idiot who has a great dane...in a one bedroom apartment in the city! Where we live it would be cruel to have a sheep dog or a husky with all that fur in 110 degrees. Mountain people usually don't go out and get Chihuahuas. It happens, but reality is that location is a huge factor in what type of dog you have.

Answer 2

I think the term could be changed to "indoor, outdoor or both" for #7. I recently bought a St. Bernard who I would love to have in the house. I didn't realize until later that she prefers to be outside. Even though the breed is suited for either or some breeds just prefer the outdoors. My Lab and Siberian Husky definitally like it better outside. Where as my Dachshund and Yorkie would die if I even thought about leaving them outside.

Also, how about training ease? Hounds are more stubborn while let's say Terriers are more willing to learn. I have had Dachshunds since I was 8 years old and they are a bugger to housetrain.

The only other thing that I thought of was to pair someone living in close quarters, whether it be in an apartment or close neighbors to a dog that is known to be more quiet. I am not sure a Beagle would do that well in an apartment even though they are the perfect size, short hair, easy to walk. Yet, they are louder than loud when they want to be.

Okay, that is all I can think of for now.

Answer 3

I would say first thing to consider is Exercise Requirement. I own a Vizsla (I knew what I was getting into) and their exercise level is crazy high. I would probably strike Breed Temp Requirements as most dogs are kept indoors now days anyhow and add what is the purpose of a particular breed (maybe it goes along with #9 on your list?). Some breeds are meant to work, and some are meant to sit around your house and do nothing. Getting a working dog and expecting him to sit around your house is unfair and bad for the dog.

Answer 4

To me, the most important aspect of getting a dog is that it comes from a shelter. I love adopting Heinz 57 type mutts because I'm saving a life, and I find their uniqueness and their inability to be categorized to be the most endearing quality they have.

Answer 5

Erm....why don't you decide what is most important to you, and judge the breed by your top criteria??

Makes sense to me.