The Dog Breed Quiz - Which breed is right for you?

There are so many factors that go into choosing a new furry family member and you might be wondering... Which dog breed is right for me? Which pooch suits my lifestyle? All these questions can seem overwhelming!

But don't worry, we're here to help you with this Dog Breed Quiz. Answer 10 simple questions about your life and personality, critical to choosing the right dog breed. We'll match you up with the perfect pup in no time!

Of course, all dogs have a totally unique personality. However, some instincts and behaviors tend to be similar across particular breeds. If you and your dog have a similar mindset, you will be more likely to live a happy, fulfilling life together.

Here’s how the ‘choosing a dog breed test’ works. Answer each question by selecting one of the options listed below, and make a note of your answers. We’ll provide an analysis based on your answers, with some examples of the dog breeds that suit you.

Pen at the ready? Let’s go!

1) Which best describes your living situation?

A cute little studio apartment
A medium-sized pad with parks nearby
A semi-rural house with some outdoor space
A big house with lots of outdoor space

2) How active are you?

Self-professed couch potato - I will walk to the store, that’s about it!
I enjoy a few long walks here and there, but nothing extreme
I’m an outdoorsy person, hiking at the weekend is my idea of fun
I’m a bonafide energizer bunny, running partner and trail rider extraordinaire

Pen at the ready? Let’s go!

1) Which best describes your living situation?

A cute little studio apartment
A medium-sized pad with parks nearby
A semi-rural house with some outdoor space
A big house with lots of outdoor space

2) How active are you?

Self-professed couch potato - I will walk to the store, that’s about it!
I enjoy a few long walks here and there, but nothing extreme
I’m an outdoorsy person, hiking at the weekend is my idea of fun
I’m a bonafide energizer bunny, running partner and trail rider extraordinaire

3) Who do you live with?

I’m solo!
It’s just me and one other
I’ve got plans for a family, or have one already
I’ve got another dog already, or several older children

4) How long do you leave the house for?

I’m a full-time worker, so I’ll need a walker to help me out
I’m part-time/flexible, so I’ll be out some days
I am usually at home, occasionally popping out
I’m always at home, or I’m usually somewhere dog friendly

5) Which phrase best describes what you're looking for in a dog?

I want a snuggle partner who's up for snoozing
I want a walking partner to get me out of the house
I want a family addition who is up for lots of playtime
I want an agile, intelligent sports dog or running partner, with plenty of go!

6) How do you feel about dog hair?

I’m allergic! No thanks!
I really don’t fancy sweeping up heaps of hair
The occasional trip to the groomers wouldn’t bother me
Not fussed - the more the merrier!

7) How experienced are you with dogs?

I’ve never had any experience, this will be my first time being around them
My friends have owned them, and I’ve been around them a little
I grew up with a dog, but haven’t owned my own
I live and breathe dogs and already own one (or more!)

8) How vocal would you want your dog to be?

My neighbors wouldn’t like me if I had a chatty dog
I’d prefer some quiet time, but I’m not too bothered
I don’t mind, it’s not important
I love a chatty dog that speaks to me

9) Are you looking for added security from your dog?

No thanks
Perhaps, I wouldn’t mind it
Yes, that would be useful
Definitely - I want a dog that will be a deterrent to burglars

10) How much time would you want to spend exercising, playing with, or training your dog each day?

Not very much!
Maybe 30 minutes
About an hour
Anywhere from one hour to several hours

7) How experienced are you with dogs?

I’ve never had any experience, this will be my first time being around them
My friends have owned them, and I’ve been around them a little
I grew up with a dog, but haven’t owned my own
I live and breathe dogs and already own one (or more!)

8) How vocal would you want your dog to be?

My neighbors wouldn’t like me if I had a chatty dog
I’d prefer some quiet time, but I’m not too bothered
I don’t mind, it’s not important
I love a chatty dog that speaks to me

9) Are you looking for added security from your dog?

No thanks
Perhaps, I wouldn’t mind it
Yes, that would be useful
Definitely - I want a dog that will be a deterrent to burglars

10) How much time would you want to spend exercising, playing with, or training your dog each day?

Not very much!
Maybe 30 minutes
About an hour
Anywhere from one hour to several hours

Mostly A’s: You Need A Chilled Out Sofa Buddy

You are after a friend to cuddle and play with, but don’t need any excess energy in the tank.

Toy breeds would be a great option for you. Generally small, and ideal for apartments or smaller houses, the toy breeds have always been companions first and foremost. Easily portable and generally low maintenance, these dogs can be most often found sitting on their human’s lap. Considered to be affectionate and easily adaptable, with the ability to leave alone for appropriate periods of time with the right training. Often identified as perfect for first-time owners or city dwellers - Pugs, French Bulldogs, King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahua & Pekingese are just some of the options available in the toy category.

If small dogs aren't your thing, some larger breeds like the Greyhound, Beagle, or Basset Hound are known for their sweet and nap-loving temperament.

These laid-back breeds are usually not too vocal either. Generally short-haired, grooming won’t be a huge issue either. Crossing these breeds with a poodle mix can reduce their shedding and help with any hypoallergenic households too.

Mostly A’s: You Need A Chilled Out Sofa Buddy

You are after a friend to cuddle and play with, but don’t need any excess energy in the tank.

If small dogs aren't your thing, some larger breeds like the Greyhound, Beagle, or Basset Hound are known for their sweet and nap-loving temperament.

Mostly B’s: You Need The Laidback Companion

If you enjoy a turn around the park, are elderly and looking for a way to stay active, or simply want an affectionate companion who won’t run you off your feet - then you might suit the Hound Group. These include the Afghan Hound, the Irish Wolfhound, the Italian Greyhound, the Saluki, and many more.

Originally used for hunting, this group is often considered to be charming, extremely loyal, and affectionate. They will make good companions and have notable potential to be family pets. Some will require more vigorous exercise than others and most usually respond well to retrieving, so a few rounds of fetch in the park can burn any excess energy.

Although many of these breeds love the chance to gallop at full stretch and may need more than a studio apartment, they are also more than happy to relax all day on the sofa - especially in their adult years. Plus, there are some smaller options, such as the Daschund, for those wanting a little less leg stretching.

Generally obedient and willing to be trained, any barking could be reduced with the use of training, or humane aids like a TrueBark sonic device if needed.

Mostly C’s: You Need The Family Friendly All-Rounder

For the bustling family or a pretty active adult, dogs in the Sporting Group could make an excellent addition to your life. Characterized by their naturally active and alert personalities, balanced with a stable temperament, and their love for play - sporting dogs make lovable, well-rounded pets. A range of Spaniels fit this group, as do Retrievers, Setters, Labradors, and the Vizsla too.

Most of these dogs generally make good house dogs and watchdogs, enjoy being part of a family unit, and are easily adaptable to family life. They will excel when spending extended time outdoors and given adequate mental and physical stimulation.

Ranging from the springy Boxer to the agile Dalmatian - there’s plenty of energetic family breeds that you can choose from outside the Sporting Group, who haven’t yet been classified as “sporty” but make just as good family companions. You may also want to keep mixed-breeds in mind, as they are often the easiest to care for, longest-living, and most happy-go-lucky pups around!

Mostly C’s: You Need The Family Friendly All-Rounder

Some of these dogs might require a little extra work in the grooming department, often appearing a little more rugged, but if crossed with a poodle, or naturally short-haired, you should find this to be much more manageable.

Mostly D’s: You Need The Go-Go-Go Pooch

Need a dog that can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle? Then you’ll be interested in the Working Group. This includes the nimble Siberian Husky and strong Alaskan Malamute, as well as herding breeds like Shepherds and Collies.

These dogs tend not to make the most perfect home pets and certainly wouldn’t suit apartment living. Nevertheless, if you are able to provide them with a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation, they can be the greatest adventure companions going.

These breeds, especially Collies, are incredibly intelligent and must be given plenty of mental stimulation to keep their brains going too. If you’ve ever been intrigued by dog sports or canine agility - these are your ideal partners. Vocal, inquisitive, brave, and alert, they will be by your side no matter what.

Providing their needs are met, these dogs are extremely loyal and make great family pets. However, herding breeds have been known to herd small children, so be aware they may need an adjustment period! If a guard dog is your primary goal, these breeds have an instinct for protection too, being extremely loyal to their ‘pack’.

Some breeds have, however, been bred for their physical strength, loyalty, and courage when it comes to protecting humans. Breeds often used for security include the Bullmastiff, the Doberman Pinscher, the German Shepherd, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and the Rottweiler. These breeds are not ideal for first-time owners; instead, an experienced trainer is required, to help keep them calm and gentle, whilst employing strong training techniques if needed. These breeds are not always recommended for families with children, however this could be manageable if this dog is loved and trained correctly. Given the chance, these amazing dogs will travel the world with you and loyally follow you every step of the way.

Often a little on the hairy side, especially those bred for colder weather, prepare for shedding season with more frequent trips to the groomers!

Did this quiz help you identify what breed is right for you?

Remember, all dogs are as unique as their owners, but as a general rule, these guidelines can be really useful in finding a good ‘fit’.

Good luck in finding your fur-ever friend!

Often a little on the hairy side, especially those bred for colder weather, prepare for shedding season with more frequent trips to the groomers!

Did this quiz help you identify what breed is right for you?

Remember, all dogs are as unique as their owners, but as a general rule, these guidelines can be really useful in finding a good ‘fit’.

Good luck in finding your fur-ever friend!