Breed Matching Quizzes: Why they are only part of the Equation

 As not only someone who teaches dogs and their humans, but as a straight up, card-carrying canine addiction sufferer, I decided to take Five of those online Dog Breed Matching Quizzes.  I did this because recently, I began working with a well-meaning Human who had chosen his dog based on the results of those tests.  To put it lightly, it is not an ideal set-up for Dog, or Human.

Now, I do have a preferred breed.  Three of them in fact.  I know what I like in a dog.  I was raised in a home that bred, and showed St. Bernards (in case you're wondering, I am not excessively “in” to them), and have been exposed to many, many different dogs in the course of my career.  I am familiar with a LOT of different breeds, and characteristics.  Both the Good, and the Bad.

So, in this vein, I decided to approach this little experiment as someone who was “searching” for the “right kind of dog” to suit my lifestyle.  I went at this with the steps I feel anyone should take, if looking for a purebred animal. 

 First, I took 5 Breed Matching Tests from five different websites.  I answered the questions about grooming, my home size, the existence of children, time available for play and training, etc.  These are the results.

Dogtime.com presented me with these as Top 5 candidates:

1. Kuvasz
2. Newfoundland
3. Brittany
4. English Cocker Spaniel
5. English Setter

Purina.com

1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
2. Dogue de Bordeaux
3. Doberman
4. Chinese Shar-Pei
5. Chinook

AnimalPlanet.com

1. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
2. Australian Cattle Dog
3. Australian Shepherd
4. Belgian Tervuren
5. Border Collie

DogBreedInfo.com

Uh, they came up with 499 options for me....

Optimum.com (a European Veterinary Site)

1. Boston Terrier
2. Border Terrier
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
4. Welsh Corgi
5. Australian Terrier

Guess what...Only 1 of my preferred dogs appeared, and on only one site.   Ok, moving on.  Next, I did some research on a few of the dogs “recommended” for me.  The information coming up was mostly good things.  Having worked with many of the breeds up there, it was beginning to worry me that most of the sites appearing, said nothing of “problem potential.” 

The AKC's website, as long as you examine the 'official breed standard' came the closest to honestly representing temperament disqualifications.  If you just type the breed name in their search, however, the summary version of the dog's description does not mention anything negative.

So now what? 

Well, then I began looking at some breeder websites for a few of those top 3's from the recommended dog breeds.  Naturally, as most of these breeders (unfortunately) are looking for money over quality, I stumbled upon sites that praised their dogs mercilessly!  They are beautiful!  Smart!  Easy to Train!  Great with Family!  Protective!  Loyal!  Or what-have-you....The number of sites presenting any information about potential issues, was appallingly low. 

There were some, in my opinion, who were obviously not interested in ever getting any of their dogs back; meaning, they were warning you.  Presenting both the good and the “bad” about their dogs temperaments, in a way to ensure you knew what you were getting into.  Kudos.

Ok Google... “What are the bad qualities of the ____(insert dog breed here)___?”

Ok Google... “Aggression in the _____(dog breed of choice)____?”

….........wow...........now I'm seeing a side of these dogs they chose for me that the other sites weren't presenting.  To be fair, not all of this is truth.  But if I look at this from the perspective of someone who knows nothing about these dogs, this might be a good warning.  If you are unprepared to deal with some of the behaviors that your “chosen” breed might present, perhaps that might not be a good match after all.  Any dog can show you a side of him you don't want to see, and most behavioral issues can be prevented, or helped with proper handling.  But if you aren't the sort of person who wants to fight something that may be a “breed trait,” choose wisely.

Now, if I were really looking for any of these dogs, the next step would be to start calling some of the more thorough breeder sites.  Begin talking to these breeders, talk with them about myself, and my life, and the time I have to give to my new dog, and see if they still agree with those Matcher Quizzes.  If they actually do, now I need to go meet some of this breed.

I have to take time out of my life to locate clubs, or go to dog shows.  But wait, isn't there a dog park near my house?  I can just go there and see if there are any of these dogs attending...Wouldn't that suffice?

Not entirely.  Remember, you are only going to meet one or two, if you're lucky.  Dogs, just like Humans, are not going to fit the mold of their family heritage every time. 

Take for example, the Bernese Mountain Dog I work with.  Usually, you can count on these dogs to not be stubborn, and be pretty easy to work with.  They are loyal, sweet babies who really and truly cannot live without their families close by....This guy?  He checks out into la-la land and ignores everything and everyone, to exert his independence.  Not something you see in their breed too often, but there it is.  His family even said that the breeder they got him from, warned them that he'd give them trouble.  Well, at least the breeder knew what they were about to saddle themselves with.

Ok, so now that I've talked to breeders, I've weighed the behavioral consequences, I've met dogs, and I've decided to give it a go with one of those dogs.  To the Pet Store!

NOOOOOOOO!

Do not buy a pet store puppy, just because it is easy to get.  You cannot see its parents.  You do not know what kind of genetic flaws, in both body and mind, you may be purchasing.  You have no idea where that dog came from.  You don't know if that “reputable” breeder the store clerk swears they buy their dogs from, is a good, well-kept, clean, non-puppy mill situation...You just don't.  There are too many variables.  Not to mention, you are supporting an industry that thrives on ignorance.  Impulsively purchased dogs are never a good idea.

Here's my logic:

If you are willing to shell out $1200 for a puppy, then you may just have the means to save another $1200 to take a mini-vacation and visit the breed you want.  Or better, be patient, find a dog show coming to your town, and go meet some people.  Go meet lots of dogs from your settled upon breed.

Alright, so what if spending upwards of $3000 might feel like quite the investment, and you still want "That" kind of dog? 

Does the thought of shelling out your hard-earned cash to someone who may be only interested in money, and not the lifetime well-being of a thinking, feeling, conscious being sort of makes your stomach hurt? 

You might be prepared to offer a lifetime of good care and proper training, but what about the other 10 puppies in that litter?

Easy:  Adopt.  Literally, save a life.

Did you know that most shelters offer a "Purebreed wait list"?  If something in particular has caught your fancy, and you've spoken with educated Humans who have worked with, or raised that particular type of dog, you can get on a wait list for that kind of animal at your local shelter.  Dogs of pure breeding show up in shelters a lot.  Usually, these are perfectly fine, healthy animals who have wound up there due to the ignorance or impatience of the Human who impulsively purchased them.

Not to mention the savings!!!  A purebred dog from a shelter, or a foster situation might cost between FREE and $400. 

Here's what you get for that:

A vet check and a clean bill of health.

Vaccinations.

Spay or Neuter.

De-worming treatment.

And usually a whole bunch of support for AFTER you bring the dog home.  The adoption packet from our last addition came with a free training class, a 24 hr helpline, a free vet visit from a loooong list of included providers, and a TON of information to help that dog transition into his new home.

"But we want a puppy!  We don't want to 'fix' a dog with issues."

No problem, whole litters show up in shelters.  The sad fact that the United States euthanized more than 2.7 million animals in 2013, should be enough to shift the tide on where we get our animals, but at the present, it isn't.

If picking a dog from a shelter, not knowing anything about it, or what happened to it, or what kind of behavioral "stuff" you might be bringing home doesn't sound like a good plan, there is also the foster option.  There are millions of dogs living in Foster Homes just waiting for you to check them out. 

The great thing about an adoption network that works from foster homes, is that your next best friend is already experiencing what it is like to live in a home.  He is most likely living with other animals, and being exposed to many things that help him learn to be a great member of Your family.  This is usually the route I suggest, if you have intentions to adopt an older dog (Yay!) and have other pets, or children in the house.  A dog's foster family will have a better idea of Who He Is, then the animal shelter might.

Don't get me wrong, I am not discounting choosing a shelter dog.  But if your life includes small people in it (kids), it may be wise to go the foster way. 

Or hire a professional to do shelter shops for you.

You've never heard of a shelter shop?  Well, they are a great way to avoid your sweet kids hearts breaking when an interview dog doesn't quite fit the bill.  Basically, you hire a professional "trainer" to go to the animal shelter; either with you, or without.  You give them the parameters as to what you are seeking, and they go and interview potential candidates.  This is a great plan, if you are a sucker for a cute face, or you are inexperienced with dog behavior, or you just want to get the opinion of someone unbiased.

Dogs that are living in shelters are not "damaged goods."  Most of the time, they are fantastic creatures who fell on unfortunate circumstance *cough-badhumans-cough* and would make amazing family members.

Eddie (a.k.a.Moose) the Jack Russell Terrier from T.V.'s Frasier?  Shelter Dog.

Benji (a.k.a. Higgins)? Rescued from a California shelter.

Xena the pitbull who was found starving and scarred all over, in Dekalb County GA?  Literally skin stretched over bones...I'll spare you the photo.  She is now an assistance dog for a little boy with autism, and just received a Hero Dog award.

Jake the Black Lab who found/rescued people after the September 11th bombings, and then again after Hurricane Katrina, was also a shelter find.

The list is long folks.  There are gems out there.  Don't just let some fancy website talk you into a sight unseen purchase you may not be ready for.  Educate yourself.  Volunteer at adoption centers; you may find the breed that has caught your eye, suddenly is all wrong, and you've fallen madly in love with a wonderful mutt who needs you.

In short, taking the advice of a computer quiz who doesn't really know who you are, or how strong/weak your personality is, or the kinds of people you have in your life, is not the finished equation.....

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was the only one on those lists that actually is one of my preferred breeds.

Reputable? or Backyard.....

So, you think you've finally narrowed the field and have settled on a __(insert dog of choice here)___ to add to your life.  How do you choose where to get said pup?

Well, let's look at the pros of using a Reputable Breeder.

A Reputable Breeder is someone who not only cares a whole damn lot for their animals, but has invested more then just money to create them.  I am talking about Breeders who are investing time to provide proper veterinary care (if the ears/tails/dewclaws are of the cropped/removed variety, are they doing it themselves?! With Scissors?), housing and follow-up on the puppies they sell.  Some of the best even offer on-site training for your new dog.

A Reputable Breeder welcomes you to 'check out' their facility.

note the heated/insulated houses; the clean floors.

A Reputable Breeder is known in their community for their quality dogs, and cleanliness.  Some of the best breeders actually raise the dogs in the house!

Though I am not a huge fan of the child being in with the momma, note the cleanliness and the protective bumpers to keep momma dog from accidentally squishing a pup that wanders too close to the edge.  This is a conscientious set-up.

Reputable Breeders do not "use up" female dogs.  They usually selectively breed a few years apart, to save the health and longevity of their animals.  This practice may mean one litter a year from one particular dog, or fewer.  They also will be careful not to in-breed their animals.  Knowing the lineage of your puppy, and knowing that he is not also his sisters mate, will make for a dog with fewer health problems.

When using a Reputable Breeder, you are making a sound investment in your next canine companion.  The breeder makes themselves available to answer your questions, and may have many more to ask you before they want you to even come to visit their dogs.  You may even find yourself on a waiting list, if this is indeed what dog you want.  Most Reputable Breeders do not have puppies available all the time; that is wasteful.

Most Reputable Breeders are taking the time to socialize, handle, and expose their litters to some of what life will bring them.  This extra care makes your job as a puppy raiser much easier.  Ask the breeder of choice which vet they use, and call that vet clinic.  Inquiring about the breeder will help you choose the right one.

How do you know if you are looking at a Reputable Breeder or someone we refer to as a Backyard Breeder?  I mean, check out that website!!!  Those dogs look happy, healthy and clean.  They are running around in the snow (or a grassy field) and seem to be having a great time.  And wow(!) those 'posted up' shots---Look at his muscle tone; how shiny her fur is!  And look....they have puppies available NOW, with only a $100 (I've seen upwards of $320 deposit for 'designer' mutts) deposit.....

On the other hand, a photo can tell you a lot of bad things too.

 The trouble is, people keep buying puppies from backyard breeders, so backyard breeders keep making dogs.  And yes, I do understand that every "purebred" available, was at one time, considered a 'mutt.' But we're not looking at the "creation" of "new" breeds (at the moment....that's coming soon), we are examining the things you want to look for when choosing a Reputable Breeder.

Do they have older dogs available too?

Do they have a purchase contract?

What is their policy on spaying and neutering if you plan on keeping this animal as a family pet?

Do they offer co-ownership if you plan to show?

If this doesn't work out for you, will the breeder take the dog back?

Are they well-known in their dogs' sport (if the dog is meant to do a sport)?

Have they been inspected by a state approved health agency recently?  What was their score?

If the animals you are looking at require it, do they come with a certificate of passing on any hip/eyes/bone/or cerebral screenings?

Do they have a facility you can meet them at, check out the dogs, meet the parents...Or are they asking you to meet them at some parking lot near it?

Do they want to interview You as a potential candidate for becoming a guardian of one of their animals, or do they just want the money?

These are extremely important things to examine, if you are "shopping" for a puppy online.  Anyone can make a great website.  Anyone can steal photos of someone else's healthy dogs and post them as their own...Even worse:  Anyone can clean a dog who normally may live in squalor, and make him look great for a photograph.  Puppy Mill puppies are adorable!!!

But their parents usually live in conditions that make 3rd world countries look like the Grand Hilton.

Buying a dog, sight unseen, is risky.  Not only do you run the risk of purchasing a poorly bred and potentially sick animal, you also have not the slightest clue about the temperament of its parents. Most puppies get a strong dose of personality from their mother, and without meeting her, you may be in for a hurricane of issues.

Nor does the AKC (American Kennel Club) registration paperwork prove anything about the condition of the dogs.  The AKC is simply a registry for purebred dogs.  Yes, they have certain standards to uphold, but those can (and unfortunately do) get bent to suit the greedy all the time.
The person may have started with two dogs they purchased from a Reputable Breeder, but that investment, for them, was piddly.  They can take two healthy dogs, boast about their pedigree, breed them indiscriminately over and over and over again, and make some money because they've cut costs in care and treatment.

The AKC does have a "Breeder of Merit" program, which helps a little.  The program requires that the breeder participate in conformation or companion shows, and perform all the necessary health screenings and such.  But meeting the 'merit' standards is not required in order to register puppies.

There are good breeders out there.  Lots of them.  Breeders who actually DO care about the betterment of their chosen breed, and are doing their level best to ensure their puppies go to loving, lifetime homes.  If you cannot afford to visit the breeder you are looking at, to get a real feel for how your new dog was made, and how its parents are kept, then you should most likely be looking at breeders closer to home....Or considering a different option. *cough-adoption-cough*

Buying from a Reputable Breeder means you are getting a guarantee on that dog's future.  A Breeder who asks for "updates" on their pups, cares about them.  A Breeder who talks about what a great Deal the dog is.....well, I'm just sayin.