AKC Dog Breed Selector – the right dog for you!

It’s a known fact, I’m a dog lover. I grew up with dogs, and I want my children to have the same experiences of bonding with a dog as I did. After all – dogs are man’s best friend. And it’s true! There’s nothing better than coming home and receiving a greeting from your dog who is ever so glad to see you and willingly displays that emotion. My partners over at AKC want to help people make that special bond by helping you know how to pick the right dog for you, with the AKC Dog Breed Selector. 

When thinking about getting a dog for yourself, or your family, the most important thing to consider is the right breed for the right situation. It can make all the difference in the world. There’s many factors to consider when choosing your pet. You have to know yourself and your circumstances before making the all important decision that effects not only you, but the dog you plan to integrate into your family. You should only consider getting a dog if you’re willing to make the long-term commitment of having a pet for 10+ years – they depend on you to make the right decision, because they have no choice in the matter.

We had some of our dogs for over 12 years. I have a friend who has an 18 year old Dachshund! That’s the same commitment as raising a child for 18 years.
The American Kennel Club wants you to make an informed decision, as well, and they are there to help with your choice. By visiting AKC.org, you can learn all about the various breeds, use the Breed Selector and You vs. Breed to find your breed compatibility. Having the right breed makes all the difference in the world. Breed rescue organizations are full of dogs who went to the wrong family. AKC wants to help you avoid that.

With the Breed Selector, you get a jump start on your research with an interactive questionnaire that defines your location, living situation, household habits and then based on your answers, it provides you with 5 possible breeds that will fit well in your environment. Believe me, if you live in an apartment, are at work all day, plan to sit when you get home, you would not want to select a Border Collie. You must also consider whether you’re willing to keep up with grooming, or have allergies to consider. I already know I love Dachshunds. They are lively, yet cuddly, smart, friendly, clean and low-maintenance with just enough bark to let you know when an intruder is around. You should also then have a look into these cool facts about the Teacup Pomeranian dog, as it just shows what a wonderful dog that they are.

With the AKC You vs. Breed you can explore what your animal spirit would be. You’ll find out if you’re more like a laid-back bull dog, or a high energy retriever. This feature allows you to pick a breed, then based on your social media habits, the algorithm evaluates energy, cleanliness, sociability, playfulness and much more to help you find your breed. I’m not sure if they pegged me completely accurately, but it’s fun none-the-less.

I used the Breed Selector, and I don’t think I’m too far off with my dog. Dachshunds are typically yappy dogs, but mine isn’t at all, so she makes for a great fit. I was paired with the Coton De Tulear, Silky Terrier, English Springer Spaniel, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and American Water Spaniel. My current dog is a mix breed of Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier. Then I found out lots of stuff about myself from the You vs Breed tool. It was fun to see how spot on my personality was pegged, then it compared me with my favorite breed’s characteristics to see how well we matched up. Very enlightening!

So, if you’re considering a dog in your near future, it’s worth the time to do your homework and find the right breed. AKC.org is there to help. By engaging with their interactive site, you’ll gain a mountain of information about dog breeds and yourself, plus enter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift card. The giveaway will end at 11:59pm PT on 7/13/15. To enter, fill out the form below.