Not sure which dog breed is best for you?Use OPTIMUM's dog breed selector to find the perfect dog breed to suit your lifestyle. 1. What sort of residence do you have? Flat or ApartmentSmall House or UnitHouse Why are we asking this? Your home environment will have an impact on the most suitable breed of dog for you. 2. What type of area do you live in? Inner CitySuburbRural Why are we asking this? Some dogs take readily to the life in cities and towns. On the other hand some dogs just have to have lots of open space to keep them happy. 3. What size is your garden (Yard)? NoneSmallMediumLarge Why are we asking this? It is a bit like the question on the size of your residence - some larger dogs may require more space. But, again, it is not just a question of size - some dogs need access to a garden for more freedom whilst others are more content to stay inside the house. 4. Are you able to keep a dog secure? YesNoUsually Why are we asking this? Watch out - some dogs are 'wanderers' by nature, while others are protective of their territory. Keeping your dog secure is important when selecting the most suitable breed. 5. How much daily exercise would you give your dog? None30 MinutesOne hourMore than one hour Why are we asking this? This is VERY important - and, again, it is not just a matter of size. Some dogs need LOTS of exercise for fitness and happiness. Never underestimate these needs. On the other hand there are many breeds that are quite content with less exercise. 6. For how long would your dog be alone each week? Not at all10-20 Hours20-40 HoursMore than 40 Hours Why are we asking this? Some dogs are happy to be left on their own - but remember, dogs are by nature pack animals, and when we bring them into our lives they think of us as their pack. Some breeds are naturally very social and need a lot of 'pack' contact. 7. Do elderly or disabled people stay with you? NoSometimesOftenPermanently Why are we asking this? If you do have older or invalid people staying with you it might be appropriate to choose a breed of dog that is not too boisterous! 8. What age group will the owner of the dog be in? 5-18 Years19-39 Years40-59 YearsOver 60 Years Why are we asking this? In most cases the age of the owner should not make too much difference in the choice of dog. But there are a few exceptions. Very young people might not be able to look after a new dog that needs a lot of training. Older people might have some problems with a very energetic dog. 9. What is the age of the youngest child living in or regularly visiting the house? No ChildrenUnder 5 years6-11 YearsOver 12 Years Why are we asking this? Some dogs are just great with children! But there are some that might be more of a problem, so take care when selecting the best breed for your situation. 10. How active is the owner? InactiveNot VeryQuiteVery Why are we asking this? All dogs need exercise - from very little to an awful lot! As the owner you must be able to give the dog the exercise they need to remain happy and healthy. 11. How energetic should your dog be? QuietModerateLivelyVery Energetic How important is this feature to me? Extremely ImportantVery ImportantAverageLess Important Why are we asking this? It is best to try and match the level of the dog's activity with your own. However, you might want a more energetic dog so you get more exercise! But do make sure you can cope with the dog's exercise needs for life. 12. What size of dog would you prefer? Very Small or SmallSmall or MediumMedium or LargeLarge or Giant How important is this feature to me? Extremely ImportantVery ImportantAverageLess Important Why are we asking this? To a certain extent your choice of size of dog will be governed by what you like and don't like. But there are other considerations - particularly the size of your home and garden and the amount of exercise you can give your dog each day. 13. How much are you willing to spend weekly to feed your dog? Up to AU$10Up to AU$25Up to AU$35More than AU$35 How important is this feature to me? Extremely ImportantVery ImportantAverageLess Important Why are we asking this? Usually, bigger dogs eat more than little dogs and over the year the food bill can mount up. So make sure you can afford to feed your dog properly. 14. What length of coat would you prefer? Smooth or ShortShort or MediumMedium or LongDo not mind How important is this feature to me? Extremely ImportantVery ImportantAverageLess Important Why are we asking this? You may have preferences when it comes to the sort of coat you like, however, don't forget to take the dog's grooming needs into account. 15. How much grooming would your dog receive each week? NoneOne session per weekTwo-three sessions per weekDaily Why are we asking this? The amount of grooming your dog needs will depend on the length and type of coat as well as the activities your dog is involved in. 16. Do you want a dog that will protect your property? NoBark warningsDefend property How important is this feature to me? Extremely ImportantVery ImportantAverageLess Important Why are we asking this? Some dogs naturally have the 'guard dog' instinct whereas others will greet all visitors - friend or foe alike - with a wag and a lick! 17. Have you owned a dog before? YesNo Why are we asking this? If you are getting your first dog there are lots of things to consider, like training, diet and exercise. If you currently have a dog then you might consider how to introduce a new dog into the family.