Okay, 'fess up. If you took the "What Breed of Dog Are You" quiz that Xeney linked to, what was your result?

I am a German Sheperd.

Oddly enough, that seems about right to me. :-)

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

Answers

I'm a golden retriever puppy. Although the picture they had was far cuter than I could ever hope to be.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

A lot of the questions, I would have answered "none of the above" but that wasn't an option.

So I answered as close as I could to reality, and they said I'm a Bassett Hound.

I *am* pretty laid back, but not that ugly. ;-)

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

German Shepherd, just your basic simple, loyal, stoic, workin' dog.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

Oh, and I'd make a great first date, I'm not gay, and I don't remember the rest of the surveys I took; it's all a blur. Thanks for helping me blow off an entire afternoon, Beth!

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I came up as a Pekingese. I whole-heartedly disagree with this. I am neither high-maintenance nor prissy. Stupid dog test.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

To my immense surprise, a golden retriever. I am no way NEAR that sociable, or cute. Nor have I ever been a "popularity magnet", or however they phrased it.

I admit it was kind of flattering, though--until I realized I was comparing myself to a dog!

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

German Sheppard for me too. It's all true except for the fact that I love to be pampered.

Colleen

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I'm a cocker spaniel. I really wanted to be a Labrador Retriever, of course. Ditto on the "none of the above" bits, but we've got to assume that not all dog and human behaviors corollate.

I could tell which answers were going to make me a poodle or a toy breed and I was extremely glad none of them applied to me. Cocker spaniel. Not too bright, with tangledy ears, a dog few people are either wildy in love with or fiercely opposed to--because it has no personality. That's how I think of them. This is the site's description:

You are probably characterized by a sweet and energetic demeanor. You have a natural ability to attract attention just by being your flirtatious and outgoing self. Most likely, you have a subtle way of charming people by demonstrating your friendly and well-rounded personality. In fact, it is very difficult for people not to take a liking to you. You are a pleasure to be around, and your attractive yet humble ways make you a popular and admired person.

Humble. Yeah, that's me. Heh.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I came up a Golden Retriever. The description is just way, way off, though.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I'm the bassett hound, which really surprised me.

I thought I'd at least be taller.

The bassett hound reminds me of Eyeore.

But, not many people own bassett hounds, and everyone has labs and golden retrievers, so I feel special.

Maybe that's why I had a dream about the journaller Erik of Coffeedog last night?

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I'm a basset hound too. I kind of like this - I agree, they are pretty unusual. Plus I've known a couple of them who were great dogs.

I don't like the way the males' have that dragging penis thing going on, but I'm a girl dog.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

A friggin' yorkshire terrier.

Yappity yap yap.

Gotta go that test again. Ditto on the "none of the above".

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

Standard Poodle...I have one and I love them, but I really don't *think* I am that high maintenance! ;-)

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I was rather surprised to find that I was - a Saint Bernard.

The personality description seemed reasonably accurate, if rather more flattering than I would use to describe myself, but I really don't loom quite so much.

Hmmm. Does this mean I get to carry around a little cask of brandy for emergency use?

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

irish setter.

i don't know that much about dogs, but according to the description i'm friendly, outgoing and a tad on the distracted side. i'll agree with the first too, but the only time i get distracted is if i'm talking - as in i am the *tangent queen*; i tend to go off on some completely different story line and forget what the hell i was talking about in the first place. oh and i get distracted if i'm bored. like say i'm doing something tres dull at work - then i come here :)

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

i'm a cocker spaniel. it was far too accurate for my liking.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I was also a Bassett Hound. It said I'm laid-back (which I took to mean lazy), and that's certainly true. I'd like to think I don't look as sad as a Bassett Hound most of the time, but they are good dogs. I also don't have a tendency towards ear problems, but that's a minor quibble.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I am a golden retreiver.

I'm not sure what the official description was, but social, happy, big, dumb and always ready to goof off doesn't seem too far off the mark.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I'm a Saint Bernard/Yorkshire Terrier crossbreed

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

St. Bernard too - the description seems much less prickly than I think I am. But I do have really big hands and feet ;)

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

Cocker Spaniel. Outgoing, yes. Flirtacious, yes. The whole description was pretty much me.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I came out a Poodle. This completely appalled me--I am not that high maintenance, plus I don't particularly like them!.

So I went back and changed 2 answers--now I'm a German Shepard. That's a LOT more accurate.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

took two tests------ turns out that i am a loony cocker spaniel.....guess the only difference is that i am a biped.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

Nice to see some more St. Bernards! The description fit me very well. Better that than a lapdop!

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I came out as a German Shepherd.

I have a German Shepherd. This worries me..

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I'm a Bassett Hound. I thought that I'd at least be taller or something. However, the description is surprisingly accurate. Eerie.
-Meghan

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

A bassett hound, no big surprise, but thought i would be a golden retriever, still loyal, but not quite so low-slung

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

Im a basset hound. I guess that came pretty close to being accurate.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

Irish Setter here. That's why I'm setting.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2000

Yorkshire Terrier.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2000

I was, of course, a basset hound.

I often feel like a basset hound.

I'm glad my ears don't drag the ground, though.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2000

I took it once and it told me I was a basset hound. But I was sort of unsure about some of the answers... I fell in between a lot of them.

So I changed a few answers and it came out cocker spaniel. ;) My bf took it and he's apparently a pit bull or a german shepherd. ;D

she's actual size

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2000

I don't find these tests terribly helpful, but I wouldn't have minded if it made me into a breed that I like. But no, I got the bassett hound.

http://www.geocities.com/jgwr/

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2000

Ooh, that's a good quiz. Purina has one, as well.

The top dog on my list was a Curly Coated Retriever. I think they're ugly, though. Next (in order) were Golden Retriever, Lab, English Setter, and then Gordon Setter, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Flatcoated Retriever tied for the next spot. It's pretty much sporting dogs all down my list, although Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Newfoundlands do make an appearance.

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2000

Okay, I just re-took the Purina test. My top dog there was an Australian Cattle Dog. I like them, but none of my top dogs from the other list are represented here. Instead, I get Border Collie, Standard Schnauzer, Belgian Malinois, Brittany, Welsh Springer Spaniel, and German Wirehaired Pointer. The only dog on my top ten list here that was also on my other top ten list is the Weimaraner. I do not have enough energy to own a Weimaraner, thus leading me to the conclusion that both tests are flawed. (But I think Cathy's test was better than the Purina one.)

(One of Doc's favorite dog buddies is a Weimaraner. His personality is very much like Doc's. The difference? Doc is nine months old, that dog is six years old. Ay yi yi.)

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2000

I should own a Curly Coated Retriever: quiet, good with kids, smart, trainable, medium exercise needs (good trick, that, for a retriever).

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I just took Cathy's test - I thought it was very accurate. Eng. Cocker was high on the list which was good as Sue my dog is a cocker. The other breeds that cam higher were all breeds I had looked at but were too large for my house. My only quibble would be with the level of excercise I had selected I would have thought that a Springer, Lab or Retriever would destroy the place.

All in all though I thought it was very good

C.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Eh. All things considered, if I was using this test to screen our foster/adoptive families for dogs we were placing, I like the Purina test better. The Best Dog questions are a little weird - does anyone actively look for a dog that sheds, or rather, as the Purina test asks, how much shedding can you stand?

The Purina test makes a really good starting point for a discussion, and they've put a lot of effort and good information into this newest version. Also, the results page of the Purina test has fantastic information on the dogs, and the Best Dog results page leaves something to be desired.

I took both tests, deliberately trying to skew for a greyhound. Results: Purina put it 10th, 69%, Best Dog (the page expired, crap) put it at 52%, but it was probably 18-20 dogs down the list.

Best Dog gave me a whole lot of fluffy-coated retrievers at the top, where I had specifically indicated I had little tolerance for shedding and wanted a low-energy dog. Purina gave me a Standard Poodle, which truly is one of the most generically pleasant dogs of its size - I'm willing to bet anyone who chooses a Large dog gets that up high on the list.

What, I wonder, is the deal with the Belgian Malinois? I hadn't ever heard of the breed until maybe 3 months ago, and it sounds like lots of people are getting them high on their lists.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I think Jeremy is responsible for all those Belgian Malinois references, Never. He must have hacked into those websites and altered the scripts, because it's his favorite breed of dog and he really, really wanted one. Our ex landlady/realtor has one who was rescued from the pound, and he's a doll -- very sweet dog, and very pretty, too, like a more robust German Shepherd. Kind of a similar personality, too, although he's less high strung than most GSD's I've known.

Jeremy wanted a Malinois and I wanted a Viszla, so we settled on a mutt who is none of the above. Just like I knew we would.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

A lot of the curly coated breeds are very low shedding....american water spaniel, curly coated retriever, portugese water dog, etc...so that may be why you got those re: shedding Belgian Malinois are smart, active, healthy dogs....good with family and friends yet protective if/when necessary...nice size for home and outside activities...excellent obedience breed! This breed is my prediction to go the way of the German Shepherd/Dobermann/Rottweiler... ruined by ignorant breeders and riddled with health and temperament problems.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Okie dokie -- results of the Best Dog test seemed pretty accurate to me. I'm a sucker for medium to big bow wows -- didn't want any yip yaps and I was also interested in smarts, trainability and ease of getting along with children if I ever had any.

And I got exactly what I expected from that: the entire Retriever family, plus a few spaniels right at the top. I was also happy to note that the Border Collie and the Newfoundland showed up halfway through the list, since I've been considering a Border Collie to help me with my daily exercise routine.

But Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and dogs of like breeds have always been my favorites and they came up right on the top of the list so it seems spot on from my POV.

If I do get a dog, I won't be going for a pure breed though -- I have every intention of going to the SPCA or the pound to adopt.

Now for the Purina test ....

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

That's really depressing. Almost as depressing as the fact that three of the four most aggressive, bad-tempered dogs in my neighborhood are golden retrievers (the fourth -- and worst, in my opinion -- is an Australian shepherd).

A friend of a friend just paid $800 for a golden retriever puppy from an allegedly "reliable" breeder ... but she has to pick the puppy up at 5 weeks!!

It makes me infinitely glad that we got a mutt. Of course, you take your chances: it was predicted that he'd max out at 40-50 pounds, and when we weighed and measured him yesterday, he was 75 pounds and 25" at the shoulder. We've got him on a slow-growth diet, so I just hope it's not working.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Hmm. Maybe this test is just heavily weighted towards sporting breeds in general and retrievers in particular?

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Cathy,

I took the best dog quiz and it said I would like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which is really funny since I just saw a program on the breed a few weeks ago and thought "what a nice, little cuddly creature". So if I were going to get a dog (and a particular breed), it would be a good match. It didn't mention the fact that the breed tends to have heart problems though- which I think is an important factor in making the decision.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Oh, now you've hit my guilt button.... I think it's great that you guys would adopt rather then purchase a purebred dog. I hate the fact that there are so many unloved pets out there that need a good home and here I sit, making more dogs! I love to show and trial though (which you need a purebred for) and I only breed because I feel my dogs are of superior health, temperament and conformation compared to what I see out there. I have a litter ONLY when I have a waiting list of at least six approved homes for my puppies AND when I want a dog for myself, NOT simply to have more dogs or to make money (this is usually once every two years). I spay/neuter all my pet quality puppies before they leave my household to avoid backyard breeders getting them and I guarantee my dogs and will take them back at any time, no questions asked, for their entire lives. I also only adopt (versus buying) cats when I want one, but I still feel horribly guilty for being a dog breeder. Is this how people feel when they have their own children VS adopting a needy child?

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Well, here are my top choices: Welsh Springer Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Curly Coated Retreiver, Labrador Retriever, Bearded Collie, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, American Water Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Keeshond.

I answered the test as though I had actual space and time for the kind of dog that I would want. It doesn't reflect my small apartment reality.

I dunno, I've never thought of myself as a Spaniel type...

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

ok, I took this damned glowdog test, and ugh! Am I doomed to own Spaniels for the rest of my life?

My whole list, top down to middle, is spaniels. Now, I own 2 Cocker Spaniels. And I love my dogs, don't get me wrong. But really, I would never, ever purposely go out and get a Spaniel as a pet. Expensive to groom, 'bitey', and not known as terribly obedient dogs.

I wanted a Basset Hound.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Guilt factors in too heavily for me so I'll never buy a dog, but Cathy's description hit all the points I've ever heard about reputable breeders. There are plenty of supposedly good breeders who are no better than puppy mills, but if you can find a breeder like Cathy (and if that breeder approves YOU), then I don't have a problem with someone buying a dog.

Cats are another story altogether.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

The Purina Test

Okay -- the Purina test slanted more towards the "Shepherds" for me -- German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd and the Bouvier of Flanders was top dog, but honestly I'm not interested in a curly-coated dog whose face I can't see.

The Border Collie popped up a bit lower down again but the Retrievers dropped way to the bottom -- and I'm not sure why, except perhaps that I marked the "don't cause injury" box fairly high.

I like the display that you get back on the Purina test better -- it tells you a lot more about the dog in question, but I felt like their questions were a bit sketchy, while the Best Dog one seemed to target in more on specific factors.

This doesn't change the fact that I will probably still go to a shelter of some kind and pick out a mutt.

Actually, the pet store near us has some puppies in that are a Golden Retriever/German Shepher mix and they're absolutely adorable, but we can't afford a dog right now. One of the pups came right up to me and curled up against my hand for the entire time I visited with them and he just _howled_ when I left. *sigh*

Ah well, some day when I have a house and a yard and a neighborhood to walk in, then I will have an oggie-friend.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Maybe you did what I did, Kristin -- I tended to answer in terms of the Evil I Know, i.e., Doc. So I got a bunch of retrievers.

Beth, I doubt it was the "not causing injury" part that kept retrievers off your list. The Purina site uses CDC statistics for serious dog bites on that, and the last I checked, retrievers weren't very high on the list. I think we're seeing more labs and goldens that bite because of bad breeding, etc., but I think the other test is just seriously slanted toward sporting breeds.

If you do get a dog, please, GO TO A GOOD BREEDER like Cathy or adopt one. Pet stores are the absolute worst choice of all. No good breeder would ever let their puppies go to a pet store, so the dogs are always from puppy mills, no matter how someone wants to define that.

It's not just for feel-good political reasons, either -- pet store dogs are notoriously hard to housebreak (they get used to peeing in their crates or sleeping spaces), and they sometimes have truly horrendous health problems.

The only good reason I can think of to buy a dog from a pet store is to get the poor thing out of there, but the dogs at the pound need rescuing, too, and that way you don't encourage puppy mills.

Off soapbox!

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Oh, yeah, and no one should be deliberately breeding or selling mixed breed dogs. I'm not a dog racist -- I think my favorite dogs have all been mixed breeds -- but all the reasons that make deliberate, responsible breeding an acceptable practice aren't present with mixed breed dogs: i.e., there's no market for them so you're just breeding dogs for the pound; you can't breed for specific desirable traits like temperament and good health; the dogs can't be shown and thus have no value over a mutt from the pound.

I won't even buy cat litter from a pet store that sells dogs and cats, especially mixed breeds. It ought to be against the law.

NOW I'm off my soapbox. I swear.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Totally agree with Beth re: the pet store thing! I know you feel sorry for the little tykes, but think of it like drugs: no market, no production. For every puppy you purchase from a pet store you actually *encourage* puppy mills to produce more cause their product is selling... I just spent two months ragging on my mother about my brother and his GF who bought what is supposed to be a Bichon at a pet store! No papers, no pedigree, no health checks on the parents, no instructions, no aftersale support, NOTHING!! Boy did they get a piece of my mind (that I can't really afford to be giving away .

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

"I won't even buy cat litter from a pet store that sells dogs and cats, especially mixed breeds. It ought to be against the law."

OK just put me down as in agreement with everything Beth has to say about pet stores from here on in... :-)

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Don't worry Beth -- I'm an anti-pet store person too usually, but the pet store I'm talking about, also takes in rescues -- half of the animals in there are overflow from the pound, or lost/abandoned pets that people have picked up off of the street.

However, I tend to avoid it, _because_ they do also get batches of animals from mills and well the little 'uns in those cages are heartbreaking.

I prefer to go to the PetSmart down by the mall, because they only sell birds and reptiles, and they host an adoption clinic -- all strays and rescued litters and the like, plus they have a vet's office that is open late, for emergencies.

Of late though, we've been picking up our cat food at Fresh Fields, which carries a line of non-preservative, non-food-colored cat and dog foods and we get litter at Trader Joe's 'cos they have the cheapest Feline Pine around -- $2.99/medium sized bag, as opposed to $4.99 at Fresh Fields and _$7.99_ at PetSmart.

But yeah -- I'm with you on the pet store thing too Beth -- I'm just a sucker for a sweet face. I also won't get a dog now because I know it wouldn't be fair to the oggie -- we can't come home at lunch to walk a pup, we don't have a yard and we don't want an "apartment-sized" dog. So we're being good little people and waiting until we have the right environment for a nice big bow-wow ... like Doc -- who actually looks and mostly sounds, like my ideal kind of dog.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I didn't like the Glow Dog test as well as the Purina because it didn't let you choose the length of coat, and I ended up with a bunch of long haired dogs. I know they may not shed as much, but I just don't like the way they look.

Here are my top ten dogs from Glow Papillon, Bichon Frise, Cav. K. Chas. Span., Brittany, Shar-pei, Curly Coated Retr., Toy Poodle, Welsh Corgi, Miniature Poodle, Eng. Cocker Spaniel

I don't like any of those dogs except maybe a Welsh Corgi. Maybe.

Here's what I got from Purina:

Toy Fox Terrier, Boston Terrier, Norwegian Lundehund, Welsh Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Border Terrier, French Bulldog, Welsh Corgi - Cardigan, Pembroke, Fox Terrier - Smooth hair, Pug, Toy Manchester Terrier, Shiba Inu

That's more like it. I've seriously considered a Boston Terrier or a Pug.

If I ever got a dog, I'd probably get a pound dog, though, just cause of the money. The dog we had when I was a child came from there and was a great terrier mix mutt. On the other hand, I'd worry about getting a psycho dog, like some friends did. I'm not very motivated to get a dog, anyway.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I got a curly coated retriever and a Labrador Retriver.

I own a lab, but he sheds like there's no tomorrow and I specifically said I wanted a low shedding dog and it was extremely important.

Of course, Nook has a thyroid problem, and he's mixed breed, so I suppose a pure lab wouldn't shed like that.

My favorite dogs are golden retrivers and that was about 15th down on the list, but I said I didn't care if they were good with children or not, and that's the big selling point for goldens.

I thought it was a pretty accurate tes

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I'm pretty sure all labs shed like crazy. It's one of their big drawbacks -- they eat remote controls, and they shed like crazy.

(Doc hasn't eaten a remote, but he did eat a flashlight recently.)

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

The emode test said I'm most like a Bassett Hound, but the Purina test said that I'm suited to own a poodle. Then it occured to me: doesn't that make me something of a dog slaver? Is there a black market for doggie sin and porno... dogs chaining each other up and lashing each other with whips? Dogs gambling, and lending each other money at unusually high interest rates? How close are we to finding lost works of Dog Rennaissance art? Bosch's Garden of Earthly Dog Delights. Dante's Divine Dog Comedy, including his Doggie Inferno. How close was Planet of the Apes to becoming Planet of the Dogs... Keep your stinking paws off me you Damn Dirty Dog! (...uh, I guess I really do have too much free time.)

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

My top five dogs were Golden Retriever, Flat Coated Retriever, Curly Coated Retreiver, Labrador Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, and Newfoundland. So I'd say the test is reliable. The flat- and curly- coated retrievers I think are pretty ugly, but their temperaments are about the same as Golden and Labrador retrievers (I think), so it's okay that the test ranked three dogs over the Best Breed Ever for me.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I'd say it's fairly accurate. My top five were: Flat Coat Retriever, Lab, Curly Coated Retr., Brittany, and Golden Retr. I've owned a Brittany in the past and we got along fairly well. Currently I have two English Springer Spaniels, and while that breed wasn't in my top five it was in my top fifteen.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I think the test asks very good questions for people trying to best suit their needs to a breed's characteristics. However, I don't think it matched my preferences well. My dog, who seems to impress people and trainers alike and is a great companion, is rescued stray mutt -- german shepard, border collie, australian cattle dog and, I think, bull terrier. All of these breeds appeared lower on the list.

Then again, my last dog, also a pound puppy, was a cocker spaniel, which is pretty much the antithesis to my current breed.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Beth K., you might want to revise your description of your ideal dog. Eesh. My dog is being such a brat. You don't want one like him. He's at my feet right now acting contrite because he got in Really Big Trouble, but I don't buy it. He's still in trouble.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Top 5 dogs from that test:

1.) Labrador Retr. (the one i had decided on years ago that i wanted when it was time)
2.) Amer. Water Spaniel
3.) English Springer Spaniel
4.) Standard Poodle
5.) Welsh Spr. Spaniel

The dogs that should never live with me, lowest 5:

Basset Hound
Afghan Hound
Chow Chow
Pekingese
Italian Greyhound

This test is very very much on the money.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I forgot:

The purina test gave me:

1.) Irish Water Spaniel
2.) Bernese Mountain Dog
3.) WireHaired Pointing Griffon
4.) Golden Retriever
5.) Gordon Setter

I dislike herding dogs, toy dogs, and terriers to that knocked out a lot of choices.

Also. Please tell me what variety a dog a Fice is. I've been seeing it advertised in local papers and someone told me it's like a TacoBell dog but hairy like a rat. Exact quote there.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

I firmly believe that every dog breed in existence, and quite a few that they just made up, is listed here. I couldn't find a "fice," but I found a "feist," which is a rat terrier. A toy rat terrier is almost as small as a Chihuahua, so that could be what you're thinking of.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Thank you to all who answered re: the dog test, and thanks to Beth for putting it onto the front page. I am going to pass both the links onto my clients in our next newsletter and, hopefully, prevent some mistakes before they happen.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2000

Hey Cathy -- what kind of dogs do you breed, by the way? Or did I miss that in the flurry of responses?

*grin*

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

I think the best dog test nailed me on the head, picking all the retrivers first. All of my three dogs are part retriever. I'm also partial to beagles, but it only ranked them 52%. Probably because I picked large dog. The other top choices were Newfoundland, Bern. Mountain Dog, Bloodhound, Vizsla and English Setter.

I did think the questions were a little better worded at Purina. Although one question made it kind of easy to skew the test by letting you choose between breed groups. But it picked completely different dogs for me : Belgian Shepard, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, Bouvier des Flandres, Schnauzer - Giant, German Wirehaird Pointer, Weimaraner, Standard Poodle, German Shorthaired Pointer. None of these are dogs I've considered owning.

And I'm a pound puppy lover, myself. My first dog I took from a shelter, the second I found on the streets (skin and bones) and the third I took from my father when his dog had puppies unexpectedly. Well, he should have known it was going to happen, but I helped him out by taking her. I love all three of them more than anything.

I absolutely would never buy a dog from a pet store. Never EVER Do it. They are all from puppy mills and it only encourages them, like veryone else said. But I do go into the pet stores and look at the dogs because I really feel bad for them. It's not those poor puppies faults and I wish I could save every pet store dog out there.

But I really think Cathy is a very responsible breeder. The world needs more breeders like her and then maybe we wouldn't have such a pet population problem.

Please, if you're going to get a dog -- Pay attention to what breed is best for you and then save a life from the SPCA. They have pure bred dogs in there too. I've known far too many irresponsible pet owners. Everyone who comes to my house says I have the most well behaved dogs they've ever met. I smother them with love, but I also make sure they are obedient.

I've got a soapbox about pets too, but I promise not to get on it!

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

What do you get if you cross a whippet and a staffordshire terrier? A really fast, smart, jittery, aggressive dog which doesn't shed much. Sort of the Ferrari of dogs. I feel sorry for all the slow rats and rabbits of the world.

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

To answer Beth K...I have owned, trained, bred and shown the best breed in the universe , Rottweilers, since 1987. I also have two Pugs and a Std Poodle.

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

I just went to those two puppy mill links, and I still don't really get it. I thought a puppy mill was a place where they bred hundreds of dogs and didn't give them proper care, water, etc. The second link made it seem like any wholesale breeder is a puppy mill and should be avoided. If I just want a dog as a pet, rather than a show dog, and someone is breeding large numbers of dogs under humane conditions, why wouldn't a wholesale breeder or pet store be okay for that kind of dog?

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

I, too, refuse to patronize pet stores who sell puppies. I think it's great that Petsmart,etc., refuse to sell dogs and cats, and have a lovely sign at the door proclaiming this fact. Now, if only they'd do the same thing with iguanas. People buy them for their children at a cost of about ten dollars. Then, a year later, they turn them over to rescue people such as myself, with all sorts of health/temperament problems. Iguanas are probably about THE highest maintenance reptile pet there is. Many pet stores also keep their reptiles in atrocious conditions. It's not uncommon to see dead animals in enclosures, or no water, moldy food, whatever. Now, if you were to find a dead puppy in a cage, or pups with no food/water, all hell would break loose. I realize I've gone off on a tangent, so, on with the dog stuff. I, too, am a dog breeder. I've never bred more than one litter a year. I used to work at a large breeding kennel, run by a very highly respected person in the dog show world. She never had less than two litters at any given time, nor did she even know the names of half the dogs in her kennel. She finally fired me when I refused to breed a nine year old bitch, who wasn't in the best of health, and had had litters on her three previous heats. She'd also take money out of my paycheque for every puppy that died in a litter. Eh. I'm just ranting. I tend to do that.

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

Know The Difference in Breeders Before You Buy

Reputable Hobby Breeder

1. Breeds only to improve the breed. Dedicated to producing quality dogs. Has sincere desire to create something beautiful, functional and lasting. Plans to keep a puppy closer to ideal specimen to show and continue line

2. Recognizes that screening by breeder is greatest protection dog has Will screen buyers and sell pups only to approved home. Makes sure buyers know the negatives of the breed as well as the good. Asks many questions to determine the suitability of buyer, do you: live in an apartment? have a fence yard? have children? have other pets? have money for premium food, medical bills, grooming, training and emergencies? intend to keep dog inside or outside your house? have a vacation without the dog planned soon? How much time will you spend with the dog each day? Does your whole family: want the responsibility of a new dog? lifestyle agree with the size and temperament of this breed?

Refuses to sell to middlemen including pet shops, dealers, auctions or laboratories; or for holiday or birthday gifts when the house is disrupted

May donate animals to police or service organizations.

Signs Breeder9s Code of Ethics and can provide you with copy. Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement or AKC Limited Registration. Provides to buyer AKC registration papers, 3-generation pedigree, vaccination schedule, medical records, some dog food and instructions on general care, grooming, feeding and training of puppy.

Sells puppies with a contract so that buyer9s rights are secured. Willingly provides contact with others who have their pups. Sale is subject to good match between buyer and puppy.

3. Breeder recognizes that they are link between past and future of breed. Breeds only healthy mature adults that have been checked for and found clear of inheritable disease.

Can produce certificates to verify testing by clinical exam, X- rays, bloodwork.

Breeds only when has money, energy, time and no pressure to sell the pups. Can explain how planned breeding to emphasize specific qualities through line breeding, outcrossing or more rarely, inbreeding.

4. Knows that puppies didn9t ask to be born and therefore are the breeder9s responsibility. Offers lifetime commitment to replace any dog with disabling genetic fault. Helps owner deal with any problems for the lifetime of the dog. Will take back dog owner can9t keep rather than see it disposed of badly. Welcomes being in touch with owner and hearing progress reports.

5. Loves the breed and is knowledgeable about its background, uses, history, problems and ideal type. Raises only one or two breeds and stays with them regardless of general popularity and prices.

6. Belongs to a local and/or national breed club indicating a love for the sport of dogs, a desire to educate oneself about the breed by sharing information with peers and a willingness to protect the breed.

Exhibits own dogs at Dog Shows as an objective test of how stock measure up to the ideal Standard. Recognizes that a "pedigree" only means that parents of the dog are known, not their quality.

May be involved in breed rescue - that is finding new owners for individuals of their breed which have become homeless.

7. Displays litter and dam in a clean environment near where people are present so puppies can be properly socialized. Although mother of pups may be losing hair, she looks in good condition.

Breeder has serious investment in dog equipment, such as whelping box, puppy pens, crates and grooming tables and uses them.

Helps buyer evaluate temperament and structure and to chose the right pup for them and their lifestyle. Explains criteria for "show picks" versus "pet picks".

8. Prices may be at high end of local range but still won9t reflect all that is invested in pups. Has so much invested in dogs that struggles to break even, NOT make a profit. Rewards are intangible, not financial. Sells pups only after they have had shots and wormings and at no earlier than 10-14 weeks. Rarely advertises pups because has referrals from others and may have waiting list.

Irresponsible Breeder

1. Motive for breeding "to make money", "good learning experience for the kids", "fun", "want another pet just like the dog we have regardless of faults", "want one litter before we spay her", "lots of people want this breed right now".

2. Doesn9t screen buyer and sells to most anyone even if buyer is unsuitable. Sells to pet shops, dealers, auctions and laboratories to get rid of pups. Allows purchase of puppy as gift for someone else, or during hectic times in your household like divorce, new baby, new job, holidays.

Doesn9t use AKC Limited Registration option nor ask for spay/neuter contract to guard against breeding of substandard pets. Unlikely to provide contact with others who have their puppies. Pushes buyer to make decision quickly. "All sales are final".

3. No concern for the future of breed as a whole or the individual pups. No concern for genetics, bloodlines, breed standard or improvement of breed. Breeds family pet to any convenient pet of same breed just to have pups. Parents not checked for inheritable diseases, such as hip dysplasia, blood clotting or eye problems etc. Sells "just pets". Offers no health guarantees beyond proof of shots, if that.

4. Seller has little knowledge of breed history or AKC breed standard. May claim that this doesn9t matter for "just pets". Berates "show dogs" rather than realizing the function of Dog Shows is to determine the best animals to breed.

Interest in pup ends with its sale. Unqualified and unwilling to give help if problems do develop. If you can9t keep the pup at a later date, tells you to sell it or take it to the pound.

5. May jump from breed to breed according to current fashion or puppy prices.

6. Seller doesn9t increase own knowledge through participation in national or local breed clubs. Doesn9t show own dogs in Dog Shows to prove their quality. May have pedigree with Champions way back in ancestry, or papers from registries other than the American Kennel Club, may have fraudulent papers or may not have proof that puppy is purebred at all.

7. May be unwilling to show buyer the parents or where the pups were raised. Mother of pups may look very skinny, may act shy or aggressive. Pups raised in makeshift accommodations indicating lack of long- term investment. Rather than being raised in the house where they can be around people, pups may be raised in a garage or barn. May have shirked nutrition or medical care because of ignorance or cost.

Can9t or won9t compare/critique pups or pups9 ancestors.

8. Price may be at low end of local scale to sell pups quickly and because expensive testing on the parents wasn9t done.

Moves pups out at an early age (6-8 weeks) so doesn9t have more feeding and medical expenses.

Usually advertises pups in newspapers, pet shops and supermarkets. Doesn9t tell you that is is better to pay a fair price up front and obtain a healthy, socialized puppy than to buy something cheap and totally untested that requires great financial expenditure and much heartbreak through its shorted lifetime.

by Gail S. Alenick ) 8/99 and 11/99. With thanks to Chris Halvorson, Edy Sammon, Peggy Adamson and Linda Lewin

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

It's about supply and demand, Lizzie. If you are only breeding animals to sell them and make money, and if you don't take steps to insure that those animals will not be used for breeding themselves, then you're contributing to animal overpopulation and horrendous breeding practices.

Responsible breeding (see Cathy's description of her own practices) is for continuation and IMPROVEMENT of the breed. Irresponsible breeding, i.e., breeding for money rather than for the best interests of the dogs, has resulted in animals that suffer terribly from inherited diseases, due to bad luck, random inbreeding, random line-breeding, and greed. Dogs are bred for appearances only, and wind up having health problems or heart problems or hip problems or terrible temperaments.

Wholesale breeders have resulted in a whole lot of vicious Cocker Spaniels, and that's a breed that's supposed to be a loving family pet. But when you breed for numbers and money and (secondarily) looks, you don't worry about stuff like that, and you get inbred animals with terrible problems.

If you buy from a responsible breeder who breeds for good health and good temperament, you have a very good idea of what you're going to get in a dog. You can (and should!!) meet the parents and get records showing that the parents and grandparents were free of hip displasia.

A wholesale commercial breeder is not going to give you those guarantees. There is no way you can breed lots and lots of dogs and still make sure that every dog that's bred is a beautiful genetic specimen of health and temperament. It just can't be done.

If you buy from a pet store, you are absolutely NOT buying from a responsible breeder, because no responsible breeder would send their pups out blind like that. The breeder should require you to agree to bring the dog back to them if it doesn't work out. If the puppy you adopt is not of breeding quality (i.e, so bloody perfect in appearance, temperament, health, and lineage that breeding it will improve the breed as a whole), the breeder should require you to spay it, lest you use that dog's good pedigree to start a little puppy mill of your own. A breeder who doesn't do those things is contributing to the pet overpopulation problem, and so is anyone who buys from them.

If you absolutely need or want the guarantees of health and good temperament that a breeder can give you, then by all means, buy a good dog from a responsible breeder, and then have it neutered, because unless you've done a lot of research, you are NOT qualified to breed the dog yourself. If you don't need those guarantees, then adopt a dog from a shelter. You're not taking any bigger crap shoot than you'd be taking at a pet store, and that way you're helping the problem, not being a part of it.

(Besides, if you can find me a pet store that sells animals that does NOT let them crap in their cages, I'll be very surprised. If they've learned to crap in their cages, good luck ever housebreaking them.)

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

Oh, yeah, two more things:

1. If you adopt a mutt from the pound, you probably have a better chance of getting a good temperament and good health than you have buying a poorly bred purebred -- even one with a pedigree.

2. Here's a good story about a very stupid family that bought a dog from a bad breeder and then did everything wrong. The breeder here doesn't fit the classic image of a puppy mill, but it's a good example of why you shouldn't buy from an irresonsible breeder.

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

Links for those who are *still* interested......

http://www.virtualtheater.com/mpets/canine.html

http://www.virtualtheater.com/mpets/canine.html

http://magpage.com/~kdee/letter.html

http://www.frii.com/~phouka/puppy/bdr_ethics.html

http://members.aol.com/RottnMary/Breeding.html

http://www.golden-retriever.com/inquire2.html

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

I had to post to this one, because this is a subject that is very near and dear to my heart. For another doggy resource, if you have your heart set on a certain type of dog, look to your local rescue organizations. The ones that I have dealt with are pretty careful about screening you- they want to ensure that just because you decided you want a, say, Lab, that you are informed of what exactly owning a Labrador means. What you are typically in for, what to expect. For a small donation, they usually ensure that the dog is spayed/neutered, has a clean bill of health, and they also usually have a return policy if something comes up and you are unable to care for the dog. Most offer trial periods so that you can get to know the dog and ensure that he/she is a good match with your family, kids, other animals, lifestyle, etc.

My yellow Lab, Paige, was rescued from a puppy mill. She lived her entire life (2 years, best guess) in a 2 foot wide concrete kennel. Her bark was cut, as were all the other labs there (25 or so), so as not to make noise and draw attention to the mill. She had no name, no social skills, no obedience training, and obviously no bath! But she probably has papers. For a "pure bred" Lab however, she will never win any beauty contest. But she sure has a huge ability for love! Potty training was the hardest- it took about a full year to convince her that just because she used to go potty where she lived, that was now changed. This was after months of trying to convince her to actually have a bowel movement. She had a bad habit of holding it, for a day or longer, because I'm sure she used to have to stand in it when she finally did go. So she would just hold it. And the crinkled forehead and distressed look when something new would happen that she was not sure about. Those were definitely the hardest times. But the joys: Watching her learn to play like a lab, and yes, she had to actually learn. The excitement over a new chew toy. Chasing and returning a tennis ball in the backyard. The lightbulb that would go off in her eyes when she would learn something new, and really understand it. The frolicking and tail wagging and kisses when you come home after even the shortest separation. The hugs, she will literally throw herself in your lap just for a hug and a kiss and a chance to be just that close. Those makes all the potty-training woes all worth it. She is so beautiful, to us, and makes our family complete.

Just something to think about, the next time those puppies in the pet store window look so cute. Thanks for reading.

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2000

Pitt Bull

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Well I took the quiz an it said i was a pit bull cuz i am aggressive an never attack unprovoked an everthing it said bout me was true an it fit me exactly well thats all.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2001

i think id be a lab/doberman cause i just think so!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2001