The online tool asks people a series of lifestyle questions before providing a recommendation on one of 161 dog breeds.
David Hutchinson, Chief Customer Officer, Petbarn said: “Choosing a puppy is an incredibly exciting decision, but many people make the mistake of choosing a breed because they like its physical attributes, without taking into account different factors such as the temperament of the breed, grooming requirements and energy levels.”
“For example, breeds such as Border Collies are very popular as they’re known to be smart and obedient dogs. However, with that comes a lot of energy – so you need to be sure to have an outdoor area and a willingness to spend time with your pup taking them for walks to keep them happy,” he said.
“Getting a dog is a lifelong commitment. Before choosing a puppy, it’s important to consider what your lifestyle is and try choose a breed that best suits this routine. This will ensure a happier outcome for both you and your pup.”
The new online tool comes as Petbarn typically witnesses an increase in the number of people purchasing puppy products.
David Hutchinson says that many Australian families appear to welcome a puppy into their home in the period between Spring and Christmas. “We’ve decided to launch this dog breed selector tool now to help those that are thinking about welcoming a puppy into their families this year.”
An official figure for the number of different dog breeds in Australia does not exist, however, the Australian National Kennel Council listed 216 breeds for judging in 2015. With so many breeds to choose from it can be a difficult decision for new pet owners. The aim of the new Petbarn tool is to help narrow down the types of dog breeds to help Australians choose the right pooch for them.
Before deciding on a dog, Petbarn encourages people to ask themselves the following five questions:
1. How much space do I have at home for a pet?
2. How much exercise can I commit to do with my dog?
3. How important is it to have a well-trained dog?
4. How much time do I have to manage grooming?
5. How much time will I (or my family) be able to spend with a dog?
By asking these questions, Australians can hone down on certain breeds that will best suited to their individual lifestyle. To find out the best breed for you or to read more about different breeds of dogs visit: https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/landing/
Petbarn has also developed a comprehensive Puppy Guide to help new pet owners with tips and advice for their new pet, and also includes a number of vouchers and offers for puppy products. The guide is available to download for free from the Petbarn website.