Finding the right dog

[SRUAlmn]

Hi everyone My fiance and I are going to make the move and get our first puppy. My family has always had cocker spaniels, and that is what I really want, but I know they LOVE to run and we live in a small condo. Does anyone know if there is a quiz or something online where you can answer questions and it will tell you which dog best matches your personality, family, and living situation? Thanks so much!!!

 

[3princesses4us]

You sound like me! DH and I were married 3 weeks when we got our first puppy, a beautiful blond cocker named Mallory. We lived in a 2 bedroom apartment in Dallas and both worked and she seemed very happy there. Unfortunately she died when she was just 3 1/2 (they think cancer).
We now live out in the woods and didn't want a longer haired dog that would want to run out here so I bought the book "How to choose a dog for dummies" (since like you I had only had cockers). I read through it looking for a short haired dog with little shedding who wanted to be inside and was excellent with children and I ended up with a Boston terrier who I love so much.
In short, you could get a book like that but it's hard to deter anyone from picking up a sweet little cocker spaniel. I'm sure she'll love it there. They're such sweet natured dogs. Just remember to take her out for her walks.

 

[SRUAlmn]

They are such sweet natured dogs and that's why it's my first choice. Especially since we will be married and having children within the next 3-4 years and will want a dog that will be ok with a baby. They also aren't chewers and seem very obedient and protective. However, the shedding and 'accidents' when getting excited are concerning my neat freak fiance hahaha I told him once he sees her face he won't care!

However, I would like to see what some other options may be. Maybe I will look for that book at Barnes and Noble. Thanks!

 

[mickeysaver]

We were in a similar situation a few years ago. We ended up buying a Chihuahua based on the results of an online test. I grew up with labs, weenie dogs, beagles, miniature schnausers, spitz, boykin spaniels, bassett hounds, poms, jack russell terriers, chows, and several great mutts. Chihuahuas have become my favorite breed. We have 4 now and I wouldn't trade any of them away for a different breed. The best book that I have read about them is the Chihuahuas for Dummies book. It was a great resource of information on these tiny dogs with big hearts. Maggie

 

[SRUAlmn]

Any chance you remember where you took the online test? Sounds like it worked out great for you

 

[mickeysaver]

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectadog.html

Both of these tests are similar to the one that I took years ago. The test that I took back then was on the AKC website, but it doesn't seem to be offered there anymore. Good luck! Maggie

 

[SRUAlmn]

Thank you SO MUCH! That is exactly what I was looking for

 

[soccerfreak_08]

This is going to sound really corny but I believe if you are meant to have a pet it will find you. We were looking for a dog and it came to us and it is a once in a life time dog. The neighbors down the street bought two dogs and both the dogs and people are miserable.

 

[Aimeedyan]

The dogbreedinfo selector quiz is TERRIBLE and not reputable or accurate at all.

Here is one that has been very accurate: http://aolsvc.decisionguides.aol.com/dogs/start.jsp

Just click on the Q&A =)

(and don't forget the pound is full of great puppies looking for a home!)

 

[SRUAlmn]

Thanks That site is exactly what I was looking for!