Clever Housewife

AKC Dog Breed Selector – the right dog for you!

by 82 Comments

Doggies

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. 

AKC Dog Breed Selector - the right dog for you!

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.

breed selector - help picking the right dog for you

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 vs Breed

you vs breed comparison

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.

Breed selection

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.

Comments

  7. Karen Glatt says

    I was paired with a Fox Terrier! I love this breed because I do not want a big dog.

  9. Jeanine Chisum says

    I got the iceland sheepdog. I prefer smaller dogs like the poodles I already have.

  17. Linda Szymoniak says

    The top dog I got was the Kuvasz The fun part is, I have four rescued Treeing Walker Coonhounds. There are six different Coonhound breeds. They have two in my “short list” and four in my “long list”, but of those four, none or the Walker. I DO love all Coonhounds, but feel the TWC is the best match for my personality.

  24. Heather says

    I was paired with the PORTUGUESE PODENGO PEQUENO! I have never heard of these dogs!

  29. Margot C says

    I got a CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI (which seems a little random, but is cute); though in our house all pets are rescues – no purebreds.

  31. Bonnie Day says

    I was paired with a Bull Mastiff have had a lot of dogs in my life but never a Bull MAstiff Currently have 8 rescue Chihuahuas, 2 pit bulls and a great pyrennes

  32. Andrea Williams says

    Out of the five given I would choose the Skye Terrier. Three of the five breeds I had never heard of before.

  37. Sarah L says

    I got akita, shar-pei, dinmont terrier, cairn terrier, kuvasz. Not familiar with any, but I’d like a terrier.
    Thanks for the contest.

  46. Betty says

    The first dog on my list was the Dandie Dinmont terrior which I’ve never heard of before. He does look like a dandy

  48. Brooke Owens says

    I was paired with a english springer spaniel….I have an english bulldog lol

  53. Karen Drake says

    I was paired with a Lhasa Apso, I own a yorkie though and she is my perfect pet.

  63. MelissaO says

    Tibetan Mastiff….hahahahaha. Neat tool though as I am making progress in convincing my husband we are ready for another dog after ours passed in December. I am thinking more along the lines of a mutt rescue.

  68. kim keithline says

    The number one dog I was paired with is The Sealyham Terrier I have never heard of this breed

  73. Betty C says

    I was paired with the Chinese Crested. It was a big surprise as the dogs I’ve had before and were very happy with were not even suggested.

  76. Shannon says

    Hmm, the first one in my list is a pointer, the second is a Skye terrier though so there seems to be a big variety.

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