Most Popular Dog Breeds In Australia
Dog Breed Quiz: What Dog Should I Get?
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It's not often in life that you get to carefully choose a best friend based on handpicked traits that match your wish list. But our dog breed quiz can help you find the best pooch for you. Our dog breed selector will ask questions about your preferences, home, daily lifestyle and more to help you narrow down the best dog breeds for you and your family.
What Kind of Dog Should I Get?Some folks who are looking for a dog know exactly what breed they want, while others have no clue. One of the first things to know is the main reason you want to get a dog in the first place, such as:
Look for a breed that matches your lifestyle and availability. For example, if you live in a small apartment and you're busy working all day, an energetic dog that needs lots of exercise, like a Labrador retriever, may not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you're an adventurous type who does a lot of hiking, a non-athletic breed like a bulldog won't be your ideal hiking partner.
Here are some things to consider when you're deciding what kind of dog you should get.
LifestyleSome dogs require a lot more exercise than others. Consider how much time per day you can devote to exercising and playing with the dog, such as indoor playtime, short walks or daily jogs.
For example, a border collie may require lots of running to burn off some energy, while pugs tend to be ideal house dogs who are content to lounge around with their people.
Consider your work and social life. How long will your dog be alone on a regular day? If you work long hours away from home and have an energetic dog, you're probably going to need to hire a dog walker to help the canine burn off some energy.
If you have a very active social life and plan to bring your dog along on social activities, you'll want to consider a breed that's friendly with other pets and people. For example, German shepherds are known to be protective and not as open to strangers as other breeds.
Your homeDo you live in a single family home with a big yard? Or are you in an apartment with no yard? Consider whether or not your home is adequate for the dog breeds you're considering. For example, a high-energy dog such as a border collie might not be very happy if it's cooped up in a one-bedroom apartment with no yard to burn off steam.
You'll also want to be considerate of your neighbors. If you live in an apartment building or your next door neighbors live nearby, a barking dog is unlikely to be everyone's best friend. For example, a Chihuahua is known to be a very vocal breed.
Some apartment buildings might have dog weight or breed restrictions. It's not uncommon for landlords to restrict the weight of a dog to under 30 pounds. If you have a weight restriction in your lease, bringing home a Saint Bernard isn't going to go over very well. And be sure to check if there are breed restrictions in your lease before you settle on a new dog.
Think about your home insurance.Some homeowners insurance companies have a banned dog breed list, such as Akitas, chow chows, Doberman pinschers, pit bulls and Rottweilers.
Health concernsCertain types of dogs are more prone to hereditary problems such as hip dysplasia. For example, hip dysplasia is common in larger dog breeds such as German shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Saint Bernards.
Getting a dog that is predisposed to health problems shouldn't be a deal breaker. And you can offset the cost of veterinary expenses with the best pet insurance. But you'll want to buy pet insurance as soon as possible and before your dog develops any health problems. Pet insurance companies won't cover incurable pre-existing conditions such as hip dysplasia, cancer and diabetes.
TemperamentTemperament refers to a dog's personality, disposition, makeup or nature. Each dog breed is known for having its own temperament. For example, Labrador retrievers are known for being outgoing, intelligent, eager to please and nonaggressive, while boxers are known to be affectionate and self-assured but wary of strangers.
Desirable traits for dogs often include:
Undesirable traits for dogs include:
How much time and money are you willing to spend on grooming your dog? Certain types of breeds, such as Yorkshire terriers, require daily grooming.
Conversely, other types of dogs are known for shedding, which means lots of vacuuming. For example, golden retrievers are likely to leave golden locks behind everywhere they go.
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Dog Breed Quiz FAQ Which dog breeds are good with kids? The best dog breed for kids and families is a Labrador retriever, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Other dog breeds that are good with kids include bulldogs, golden retrievers, beagles, pugs and Irish setters.
What is the easiest dog to take care of?The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the easiest dog breeds to take care of, according to the AKC. That's because of its adaptability, friendliness and trainability. Other dog breeds that are among the easiest to take care of include boxers, English springer spaniels, papillons, poodles and Shih Tzus.
Can all dog breeds be trained?All dogs can be trained, but some breeds are more easily trained than others, according to the AKC. The most trainable dog is the border collie. Other dogs that are more trainable include poodles, German shepherds, golden retrievers, Doberman pinschers and Shetland sheepdogs.
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New Quiz Reveals What Breed Of Dog You Should Get – And Why They'll Become A Key Part Of Your Family
WONDERING which breed of dog best suits your family?
A new tool has been created to match you to your perfect pet breed – based on your lifestyle, home, personality and hobbies.
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A new quiz reveals what dog you should get, as new research shows how instantly you will bond with your pet poochCredit: GettyDeveloped alongside veterinary surgeon and TV presenter Dr Paul Manktelow, the quiz will ask questions about where you live, who you live with, how active you are and what you are looking for in a dog, before matching you to your ideal doggy companion.
It comes after a study revealed dogs are such an integral part of the family that one in five has been thrown a birthday party.
A poll of 2,000 dog owners found that four in 10 dogs have their own spot on the sofa, a third sleep in their owners' bed and 35 per cent plans holidays around them.
Another 20 per cent admitted they have turned down nights out with friends because they couldn't bear to leave their pet.
But 68 per cent see their family as a stronger unit, thanks to their dog, and think their pet brings them all closer together.
A spokesman for Vitabiotics SuperDog, which developed the quiz with Dr Paul Manktelow and commissioned the research, said: "To dog owners, a pooch is far more than just a pet.
"It can be hard for non-dog-people to 'get', but within a remarkably short space of time, dogs really do become part of the family.
"Ask any dog owner and they'll tell you they'd do anything to keep their hound from harm and want them to live the best life possible.
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Trolls call me a 'paedophile' for breastfeeding my 'grown woman' daughter"This is why keeping your dog fit and healthy is so important. Nutritional support and regular exercise should stay top of mind for dog owners."
Other ways dog owners believe a mutt is truly part of the family include them having their birthday celebrated (39 per cent) or having their pictures up around the house (36 per cent).
While 29 per cent think a pet is well and truly bedded in – literally - once it gets a space in bed at night, and 22 per cent say it's when a dog is someone's phone lock screen picture.
Nearly half (47 per cent) admit they've said hello to their dog before other members of their family, after arriving home.
One in 10 have also created a social media profile to post updates from their dog's life, according to the OnePoll.Com figures.
But the love for their animals means 46 per cent have even felt more concerned for their dog's health and diet than their own.
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As a result, 36 per cent even think their four-legged friend eats a healthier and more varied diet than they do.
Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) said taking care of their dog's health and wellbeing is their top priority, with 61 per cent going as far as to say they would do anything for their pet.
A quarter also admitted they spend time worrying about their dog's health, with 27 per cent concerned about whether they are getting the nutritional support they need.
It also emerged 86 per cent feel the dog they picked is the right fit for their family, and 84 per cent can't imagine life without their furry companion.
Vitabiotics SuperDog's spokesperson added: "Picking the right dog for you and your family based on personal interests and other contextual factors is crucial to finding happiness.
"Making sure you've got a pet whose lifestyle matches your own can have a huge impact on your happiness, and theirs.
"Of course, you don't necessarily know this until your new pet is home with you, but research into different breeds' personalities before making a purchase is an absolute must. Selecting a compatible dog type and ensuring he/she is kept healthy and happy makes families stronger together."
TOP 20 SIGNS A DOG IS PART OF THE FAMILY
1. You celebrate their birthday
2. You give them a nickname as well as their actual name
3. You've got pictures of them in your house
4. You can't imagine life with another dog
5. You include them in your Christmas family photos
6. They sleep on the bed with you
7. You're always showing people pictures of them
8. They have their own space on the sofa
9. You're happier staying in with them than going on a night with friends
10. You pack a bag for your dog when you go away
11. You refer to them as your child or 'fur baby'
12. They're your phone's lock screen picture
13. You have a whole album on your phone dedicated to pictures of them
14. You only go to dog-friendly pubs or restaurants
15. You've gone on holiday somewhere just because your dog would enjoy it
16. You tell them you love them more than your partner
17. You've dedicated a whole area of your house or garden to their wellbeing
18. You have the vet's number on speed dial
19. You make more effort feeding them than you do your own partner or kids
20. You bought a house only after considering their needs
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The quiz will help match you with your perfect breedChoosing The Best Dog For Your Family
Selecting a breed of dog that suits you and your family can be daunting.
There are many breeds and mixes, and numerous individuals and shelters selling dogs. Raising a puppy can be a challenge, as people are not often aware of how much exercise and stimulation a young dog needs. But the consensus is that once the dog reaches adulthood, it settles down and is easy to live with. This is not the case, however, when the dog in question is a working dog.
As a dog trainer, I work with many clients who are overwhelmed by their dog's need for exercise and stimulation. In-depth discussions with these owners reveal that their dogs were purchased from a breeder with a focus on working, meaning that their dogs were bred to do a job.
Most commonly, I encounter Labrador retrievers and German shepherds that fit this description. Pet owners often find out too late that these dogs behave much differently than other dogs they've encountered of the same breed.
The Labrador retriever that the average pet owner is looking for is a friendly, biddable, rather calm and sedate dog. A Labrador that is specifically bred to retrieve in the field must have more energy and stamina to be of use to a hunter. Both can be great dogs, but place the high-energy Labrador into a home where the expectation is to have a dog that is calm and relaxed and you have a mismatch that can result in great frustration for both dog and owner.
Dogs that are bred to be strong workers come with boundless energy, which can't be turned off like a switch. Working-bred German shepherds have inherited traits that make them well-suited for long, active days catching bad guys and fearlessly guarding stock. After a full day of work, they can relax, too, but if those needs are not met — as is likely to be the case in a pet home — these chronic, understimulated dogs can be quite frustrated, and difficult to handle.
In a perfect world, breeders would take care to match puppies and their temperament with the right family unit — working dogs would be placed in working homes. But the reality is that purchasing a puppy is a lot more like buying a car — you need to know what questions to ask and do your research, and it's always "buyer beware."
Carefully selecting a dog that suits your lifestyle should be done with great thought, because most dogs live 10 to 15 years. Prospective puppy buyers would benefit greatly from consulting with veterinarians and dog trainers, who can give them an unbiased opinion of specific dog breeds.
Sometimes the best first step toward attaining that perfect dog for your family is to seek out a knowledgeable dog professional to help you make the right choice.
Lisa Moore's pet-behavior column appears once a month on the weekly Pet Page. Write to her in care of LifeStyles, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto CA 95352.
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