Reading your results: what each quiz factor really means
8 min read
The lifestyle quiz asks 15 questions and turns them into a compatibility score. Below is the full breakdown of each factor: what we ask, how different answers change the recommendation, and — most importantly — what happens if you get it wrong.
| Factor | Question we ask | One end of the spectrum | The other end | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours home alone | How many hours per day will the dog be alone? | Under 4 hrs → most breeds fine with enrichment | 8+ hrs → needs independent temperament, doggy daycare, or a second dog | Why it matters Separation-related behaviour problems scale with alone-time and breed sensitivity. |
| Experience level | Have you owned or trained a dog before? | First-time owner → easy-to-train, forgiving temperaments or a calm adult rescue | Experienced/previous trainer → can consider strong-willed or working breeds | Why it matters Mismatched experience vs. breed difficulty is a leading cause of re-homing. |
| Household composition | Young children, elderly members, or other pets at home? | Young kids/other pets → prioritise breeds temperament-tested as good with kids/animals | Adults only, no other pets → wider range of temperaments suitable | Why it matters Safety and compatibility screening prevents bites and pet conflict. |
| Budget | What's your realistic monthly budget for food, vet, and incidentals? | Under $150/month → smaller breed, budget for basic insurance | $250+/month → any size, room for premium food, insurance, training | Why it matters Cost is the top reason owners under-invest in preventative vet care. |
| Grooming tolerance | How much time and money can you commit to grooming? | Low tolerance → short-coat, low-shed breed | High tolerance/budget for pro groomer → any coat type, incl. poodle crosses | Why it matters Coat type drives ongoing time and cost commitment — often underestimated. |
| Travel frequency | How often do you travel or need pet-sitting/boarding? | Frequent traveller → calmer, boarding-tolerant temperament; factor in boarding costs | Rarely travel → wider range of temperaments suitable | Why it matters Travel patterns affect suitability and add a hidden cost (boarding/sitting). |
| Noise/barking tolerance | How much barking can you and your neighbours tolerate? | Low tolerance/strata rules → quieter breeds, avoid known vocal breeds | High tolerance/standalone house → wider range acceptable | Why it matters Noise complaints are a major driver of council issues and re-homing in units. |
| Time horizon | Are you ready for a 10-15+ year commitment (life changes, moves, kids)? | Uncertain → consider fostering first, or an older rescue with a shorter remaining lifespan | Certain/stable long-term → puppy or any age acceptable | Why it matters Life-stage mismatch with an owner's future plans is the top cause of relinquishment. |
| Local rules | Does your council, strata, or lease restrict breed, size, or number of dogs? | Restrictions apply → we filter the breed list automatically | No restrictions → full breed list available | Why it matters Prevents you falling in love with a dog you legally cannot keep. |
| Allergies | Does anyone in the household have dog allergies? | Allergy present → we suggest lower-shedding breeds; also consult an allergist | No allergies → no restriction | Why it matters Undisclosed allergies are a common, avoidable cause of surrender. |
Hours home alone
Question we ask
How many hours per day will the dog be alone?
One end of the spectrum
Under 4 hrs → most breeds fine with enrichment
The other end
8+ hrs → needs independent temperament, doggy daycare, or a second dog
Why it matters
Separation-related behaviour problems scale with alone-time and breed sensitivity.
Experience level
Question we ask
Have you owned or trained a dog before?
One end of the spectrum
First-time owner → easy-to-train, forgiving temperaments or a calm adult rescue
The other end
Experienced/previous trainer → can consider strong-willed or working breeds
Why it matters
Mismatched experience vs. breed difficulty is a leading cause of re-homing.
Household composition
Question we ask
Young children, elderly members, or other pets at home?
One end of the spectrum
Young kids/other pets → prioritise breeds temperament-tested as good with kids/animals
The other end
Adults only, no other pets → wider range of temperaments suitable
Why it matters
Safety and compatibility screening prevents bites and pet conflict.
Budget
Question we ask
What's your realistic monthly budget for food, vet, and incidentals?
One end of the spectrum
Under $150/month → smaller breed, budget for basic insurance
The other end
$250+/month → any size, room for premium food, insurance, training
Why it matters
Cost is the top reason owners under-invest in preventative vet care.
Grooming tolerance
Question we ask
How much time and money can you commit to grooming?
One end of the spectrum
Low tolerance → short-coat, low-shed breed
The other end
High tolerance/budget for pro groomer → any coat type, incl. poodle crosses
Why it matters
Coat type drives ongoing time and cost commitment — often underestimated.
Travel frequency
Question we ask
How often do you travel or need pet-sitting/boarding?
One end of the spectrum
Frequent traveller → calmer, boarding-tolerant temperament; factor in boarding costs
The other end
Rarely travel → wider range of temperaments suitable
Why it matters
Travel patterns affect suitability and add a hidden cost (boarding/sitting).
Noise/barking tolerance
Question we ask
How much barking can you and your neighbours tolerate?
One end of the spectrum
Low tolerance/strata rules → quieter breeds, avoid known vocal breeds
The other end
High tolerance/standalone house → wider range acceptable
Why it matters
Noise complaints are a major driver of council issues and re-homing in units.
Time horizon
Question we ask
Are you ready for a 10-15+ year commitment (life changes, moves, kids)?
One end of the spectrum
Uncertain → consider fostering first, or an older rescue with a shorter remaining lifespan
The other end
Certain/stable long-term → puppy or any age acceptable
Why it matters
Life-stage mismatch with an owner's future plans is the top cause of relinquishment.
Local rules
Question we ask
Does your council, strata, or lease restrict breed, size, or number of dogs?
One end of the spectrum
Restrictions apply → we filter the breed list automatically
The other end
No restrictions → full breed list available
Why it matters
Prevents you falling in love with a dog you legally cannot keep.
Allergies
Question we ask
Does anyone in the household have dog allergies?
One end of the spectrum
Allergy present → we suggest lower-shedding breeds; also consult an allergist
The other end
No allergies → no restriction
Why it matters
Undisclosed allergies are a common, avoidable cause of surrender.
The single most important tip
Answer honestly. The quiz is only as good as the truth you put in. If you're borderline on any factor — budget, alone time, experience — assume the harder end of the spectrum. It's better to end up with a slightly-easier dog than one that ends up back in a shelter.
Ready? Take the quiz →