If you were wondering which dog breed suits your lifestyle and personality best, then look no further - there's a tool for that!
A new test has been created in order to match people with their perfect dog breed, and it is based on things like your personality, hobbies, lifestyle and home, reports Wales Online. The tool was developed with the knowledge of veterinary surgeon and TV host Dr Paul Manktelow, and will ask various questions.
These questions include who you live with, how active you are, where you are located, and what you are looking for in a forever friend. The test will then match you to your ideal puppy friend, using all this information.
This tool has come after a new study revealed that dogs have become such an integral part of family life, that one in five pooches have a birthday party thrown for them. A poll of 2,000 dog owners found that four in ten dogs have their own spot on the sofa, and 35 per cent plan their holidays around their pooch.
A third of dog owners allow their pet to sleep in their bed, and 20 per cent even admitted they have turned out a night out to spend time with their animal. Also, 68 per cent see their family grow a stronger bond due to their pet.
A spokesman for Vitabiotics SuperDog, which developed the quiz with Dr Paul Manktelow, and commissioned the research, said: "To dog owners, a pooch is far more than just a pet. It can be hard for non-dog-people to “get”, but within a remarkably short space of time, dogs really do become part of the family.
"Ask any dog owner and they’ll tell you they’d do anything to keep their hound from harm, and want them to live the best life possible. This is why keeping your dog fit and healthy is so important. Nutritional support and regular exercise should stay top of mind for dog owners."
One in ten have also created a social media profile to post updates from their dog’s life, according to the OnePoll.com figures. Nearly half of pet owners admit that they greet their dogs before other members of the family after getting home.
And 46 per cent of people have even admitted they felt more concerned for their dog's health than their own. As a result, 36 per cent even think their four-legged friend eats a healthier and more varied diet than they do.
Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) said that taking care of their pooches health and wellbeing is their number one priority. 61 per cent have went as far as to say that they would do anything for their dog.
Vitabiotics SuperDog’s spokesman added: "Picking the right dog for you and your family, based on personal interests and other contextual factors, is crucial to finding happiness. Making sure you’ve got a pet whose lifestyle matches your own can have a huge impact on your happiness, and theirs.
"Of course, you don’t necessarily know this until your new pet is home with you – but research into different breeds’ personalities before making a purchase is an absolute must. Selecting a compatible dog type, and ensuring he/she is kept healthy and happy, makes families stronger together."
The top 20 signs that a dog is a part of the family
- You celebrate their birthday
- You give them a nickname as well as their actual name
- You've got pictures of them around your house
- You can't imagine life with any other dog
- You include them in your Christmas family photos
- They sleep on the bed with you
- You're always showing people pictures of them
- They have their own space on the sofa
- You're happier staying in with them than going on a night out with friends
- You pack a bag for your dog when you go away
- You refer to them as your child or “fur baby”
- They are the lock screen photo on your phone
- You have a whole album on your phone dedicated to pictures of them
- You only go to dog-friendly pubs or restaurants
- You've gone on holiday somewhere just because your dog would enjoy it
- You tell them you love them more than your partner
- You've dedicated a whole area of your house or garden to their wellbeing
- You have the vet's number on speed dial
- You make more effort feeding them than you do your own partner or kids
- You bought a house only after considering their needs
To take the dog breed test, visit the Vitabiotics website here.
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