1. Which phrase best describes what you're looking for in a dog?

• A cuddle friend who doesn't need tons of exercise

• Sporty, high-energy dog

• Family-friendly dog

• A loyal companion

• An agility wiz

• None of these apply/not sure yet

2. What size dog are you considering?

• I prefer small dogs

• I prefer small or medium

• I prefer medium dogs

• I prefer medium or large

• I prefer large dogs

• Any size is fine

3. What comes closest to your ideal way to spend an hour with your dog?

• Tossing a Frisbee or ball at the beach

• Meeting up with others in a dog park

• Hanging with friends at a cafe

• Taking a walk together

• Snuggled up on the couch

4. How smart would you like your dog to be?

Smart dogs can be fun, or challenging — depending on how you look at it. The ability to pick up signals can lead to powerfully close relationships with their awed humans. But really smart dogs are also more likely to become bored if not sufficiently challenged.

• Smart enough to keep me on my toes

• Responsive, but no smarter than I am!

• Doesn't matter

5. How much do you exercise?

• People who like to be on the move and walk fast do best with high-energy dogs who can keep up with them.

• Frequently

• Occasionally

• For me, it's a walk to the fridge

6. Are you looking for your dog to be a jogging companion?

Jogging is very hard on dogs with flat faces, like Pugs and Bulldogs, who are prone to respiratory problems.

• Yes

• Now and then

• I'm just looking for a companion

7. How do you tend to react when a good friend starts telling you a story you've already heard?

• Interrupt and beat her to the punchline

• Smile and nod, smile and nod

8. What kind of home do you have?

Little kids require supervision around almost every dog — even ones considered kid-friendly.

• Small apartment, no yard

• Medium-sized apartment, house, or duplex — no yard

• Standalone house, with yard

9. What kind of amusement park ride best describes the energy in your home?

• Carousel (not many surprises)

• Ferris wheel (ups and downs but fairly predictable)

• Log ride (boisterous and noisy but not out of control)

• Roller coaster (sometimes a little too exciting and unpredictable)

10. Are you planning to bring a new baby into your home within the next few years?

• Yes

• No

11. How old are the children in your home?

• 7 and under

• 8 and older

• I have children in both of the above categories

• I don't have children at home

13. Are you or is someone in your household allergic to dogs?

There's no such thing as a non-allergenic dog. What makes people allergic to dogs is not fur, but dander, or skin cells. In short, the connection between shedding and allergies is a loose one at best.

• Yes

• I don't know

• No

14. Plenty of mental and physical exercise is essential for a happy dog. What arrangements are you planning to make for your dog during a typical week day?

• Dogs like company — and benefit from a mid-day bathroom break — so if you can't be around during the day try to find daycare or a dog walker who can be.

• I'll make sure he's walked when I can't be there.

• I'll do my best to make sure he's walked, schedule permitting.

• I'm planning to leave him alone until dinnertime, when I get home.

15. How would you rate your health?

Dogs born with a natural exuberance can be a great option for people who appreciate a vigorous companion. But for people who aren't that strong themselves, all that gusto can become a chore to contain.

• Excellent

• Good

• Fair

• Poor

16. When it comes to spiffing up your dog, you:

• Think nothing of giving him a haircut or bath as needed

• Don't mind giving him a bath, but I draw the line at haircuts

17. How much does fur bother you?

All dogs shed, including the ones with short hair.

• I'm oblivious to it

• I don't mind a little fur

• I hate the idea of hair on my clothes or furniture

18. How much training would you like to do?

Training your dog with a "do what I say, or I'll hurt you" approach is considered old-fashioned and harmful to your dog.

• Teach my dog the basics but once that's done I'd like to be done

• I consider training an ongoing process

19. What's your best guess at describing your future dog parenting style?

Forty-two percent of dogs sleep in the same bed as their humans, according to the latest research.

• I'm more comfortable being a buddy than a parent

• I'm prepared to set boundaries as needed but want to spend time playing with my dog, too

20. Are you willing to train your dog to walk without a leash?

• Yes

• I'd like to walk off-leash but don't want to spend much time training him

• It doesn't matter to me whether I can walk my dog off-leash

21. How much does drooling bother you?

• Not a bit.

• Not my favorite, but I can deal with a little. Especially if it's the right dog.

• I really don't like it.