Analyzing Your List of Traits

You should now have a list of between four and six traits that are the most important for you and your family to have in a dog so that it fits with your lifestyle. You did make that list and dec ide on the amount of each trait you want, didn't you? If you did not do so, go back and make it now because you will need to use that list to start the step-by-step guide to finding your best dog.

Step 1. Look at the Trait Amount column for your list of traits. If there is either a single number of "3" or a range of values that includes "3" for all the traits see (A) immediately below, otherwise go on to Step 2.

(A) A mixed breed dog will probably have most if not all the traits you want. You can start your search for a dog by reading the information about mixed breed dogs unless you definitely want a designer breed or purebred dog, even though they are more expensive and are more likely to suffer from one or more genetic diseases.

If you find a mixed breed dog unacceptable and know you want either a designer breed or a purebred dog, you can start reading those sections now. For your convenience, if you start by reading about Designer Dogs, the discussion will continue with Purebred Dogs.

Step 2. If you have any single value of "1" or "5" for any trait amount see (A) immediately below, otherwise go to Step 3.

(A) A mixed breed dog will be unlikely to have this amount of the trait you want unless it is a physical trait and you are interested in an adult dog. If this is the case, simply examine the dog and see if it has the amount of the physical trait you want.

However, you will most likely need either a purebred or a designer dog to get the mix of traits you are seeking. You can start reading those sections now. For your convenience, if you start reading about Designer Dogs, the discussion will continue with Purebred Dogs.

Step 3. If you have one trait rated either a "4" or a "2" you may be able to find a mixed breed dog with this trait. This approach would be less expensive but likely lead to a more difficult search with a greater chance of error. If you have more than one trait you want in a dog rated at either "2" or "4" you will likely need either a purebred or designer breed to reliably get the traits you would like to have. You can find the link to more information about each immediately below.