Since dog lovers seem to choose their dogs the same way they like to swipe right on dating apps, MyDogMatch.com has launched today to help dog lovers find their perfect furry companion.
When it comes to finding the perfect match of the furry kind, only half of dog owners picked their dog because the personality traits suited their family and lifestyle, and 31% admitted they chose their dog purely because of looks.
And it seems that this has led to regret for some as 42% admit that based on the dog they have, they would do things differently next time, according to research by leading healthy pet food brand Burns Pet Nutrition.
More than one in 10 (12%) saying they wouldn’t get the same breed again, almost one in five (19%) saying they would do their research next time and five per cent said they are put off ever getting a dog again.
Burns Pet Nutrition has created MyDogMatch.com
Those looking for a new puppy or dog can first choose the dog based on looks and then read all the information they need, from the health tests the parent should have, how much exercise they need, the grooming requirements and the pros and cons of the breed.
Dog lover Ollie Ollerton who is supporting the campaign commented: “I did my research when I got my dog, but many don’t. I made sure to look at the pros and cons of the breeds I liked. I urge others to use MyDogMatch.com to help them find their perfect match.”
John Burns MBE, founder of Burns Pet Nutrition added: “It is important to do your research not only on the breed to make sure you have the right dog for you. Your dog will be with you for anything between 10-15 years of your life, and some can have expensive insurance costs and vet bills that you need to be prepared for. There are so many amazing breeds, there is a dog for everyone, it’s just a matter of finding the perfect one for you and your family.”
It is also important to make sure once you know the breed for you, to find the right breeder. A responsible breeder will interview you to make sure that you are going to offer the right home to their puppy and ensure you take your puppy home with all the information you need to know to have a happy life together. Yet despite this, 35 per cent of dog owners don’t think they got all the information they needed from their breeder.
| Top things new puppy owners weren’t told by their breeder | Percentage of puppy owners that weren’t told the information |
| 1. How female dog seasons work and when they need to be kept away from male dogs | 83% |
| 2. When to reduce their meals | 79% |
| 3. When to check their weight | 77% |
| 4. How to train their puppy | 76% |
| 5. Any breed specific things to be aware of, e.g. potential health problems, training issues, barking, etc. | 73% |
| 6. Shown the health tests of the parents | 69% |
| 7. Told them that the parents were health tested | 68% |
| 8. How much exercise the puppy needs | 66% |
| 9. When to spay/neuter the dog | 58% |
| 10. How often to feed them | 55% |
Mrs Doreen MCGugan breeder of Golden Retrievers added: “I always want to know that my puppies are going to a loving home, with an owner who is prepared for all that comes with the breed. Any decent breeder will be happy to tell you everything you need to know and help you decide if that breed is right for you. They should always show the puppies with the mum, show you the health tests and will be there for lifetime guidance and advice, and many. If you don’t get any of these things then I would question if that person is the best breeder and if they are sending you home with a happy, healthy puppy.”
