
Ask Yourself… A Questionnaire:
Now for the exciting part, picking your breed! I wish I could be there to help you in person, but since I can’t, here’s the next best thing: the questionnaire I give to clients who hire me to help them select the right breed. Don’t worry—it’s fun!
Choosing a Breed: A Questionnaire:
Your name: _____________________________________________________________
Number of adults in family: _________________________________________________
Number and ages of children (under age 18): _________________________________
Your daily schedule (hours at home): ________________________________________
Your leisure activities:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Will you include the dog in these activities?
▢ Yes ▢ No
I have other pets.
▢ Yes ▢ No
If yes, what kind?
______________________________ Age ___________
______________________________ Age ___________
I owned a dog before:
▢ Yes ▢ No
I’ve had success training a dog:
▢ Yes ▢ No
I live in a(n):
▢ Large house ▢ Small house ▢ Apartment
I have:
▢ A large yard ▢ A small yard ▢ No yard
Please enter one of the three following responses to the activities listed below.
Very little Moderate amounts of Extensive
I have time for a dog that needs _______________________ grooming.
I have time for a dog that needs _______________________ training.
I have time for a dog that needs _______________________ attention.
I have time for a dog that needs _______________________ exercise.
Please choose the appropriate response:
I’m getting a dog to be
▢ A family member ▢ A watchdog ▢ Used for work (type of work: _____________)
I’d like a dog who is _______________ of children.
▢ Very accepting ▢ Tolerant, but aloof
I’d like a dog who needs _______________ affection.
▢ Very little ▢ Moderate amounts of ▢ Much
I’d like a dog who _______________
▢ Is naturally active ▢ Enjoys quiet walks ▢ Doesn’t need extensive exercise
I’d like a dog who is _______________
▢ Eager to please ▢ Independent ▢ Strong willed
I’d like a dog who is _______________ with guests.
▢ Enthusiastic ▢ Calm ▢ Reserved ▢ On Guard ▢ Indifferent
I’d like a dog who is _______________ strangers.
▢ Naturally protective around ▢ Accepting of ▢ Aloof toward
When we go on trips, the dog would be _______________
▢ Taken along ▢ Kenneled ▢ Left with friends or family
I’d prefer a dog who sheds _______________
▢ Very little ▢ A couple of times per year ▢ Shedding doesn’t matter
I’d like a dog whose coat is _______________
▢ Long ▢ Short ▢ Thick ▢ Feathery ▢ Curly ▢ Wiry
▢ Any of the above
The Least You Need To Know:
- Think about breed or mixed-breed personalities and what would suit you best.
- Take a good hard look at yourself. What do you like to do for fun? Get a breed or mixed breed who can share your interests.
- How much space and time do you have for your dog? Get a breed or mixed breed who can cope with your lifestyle.
- What’s your lifestyle situation? If you have children or other pets, choose a happy-go-lucky breed that cohabitates well with others. It makes a big difference!