My apologies for the double post here. I would like to discuss the MYM program.
This is in reference to the 6 months and older, not the puppies.
As some of you may know, the dog has been assessed and is given a color. The potential adopter then takes a quiz and is given a color also. These colors are matched with each other - its very successful.
The Canine-ality Assessment evaluates the dog's
* Friendliness and sociability
* Playfulness
* Energy level and ability to focus
* Motivation (food, people, toys, internal motivations, etc.)
* “People manners”
Dogs are given a color based on these things —either green, orange or purple.
The Dog Adopter Survey asks you a series of questions...and gives you the following choices (there are 3 levels to every color).
* Green adopters are most successful with pooches who like to be physically and mentally engaged. These dogs love to have fun and are meant to work. They are highly trainable and eager to please...they'll probably keep you on your toes. They need a lot of exercise because they have tons of energy. They go-go-go...They are intelligent, independent, clever, and confident. Sometimes they can be a bit independent, but are quick to listen to direction. - These could be a breed/mix of dogs that fit into the Sporting group, Working group, Herding group, some of the Hound group, and some of the Terrier group. You may not find too many Toys here.
* Orange adopters are a good fit with the dogs who live a relaxed lifestyle...who need a little sweet treatment. These dogs probably naturally trusting and curious who like to play. They need a good walk every day. They love to please and have a good attitude. - These could be a breed/mix of some of the Working group, the Hound group, the Terrier group...probably a few Toys. Maybe some older Herding as well.
* Purple adopters are comfortable with canines who have a laid-back attitude and prefer an easygoing lifestyle. These are the dogs that take life easy, might love to be a lap dog/couch potato, doesn't need long walks. These dogs might also just want to sit by your feet and be a devoted companion to you. You'll also run into the people pleasing dogs here, the ones who loooove to learn -
This could include some Hounds, some Terriers, and the Toy group. Also, there are quite a few in the Working group (probably the XL dogs) who would probably be glad to be a part of the Purple group! Not just that, but quite a few Senior dogs would probably be a part of this group.
Now I'm not saying this is EXACTLY how its going to be, but a majority of the breeds you're going to find associated with these colors fit in with breed groups. This could really vary if the dog is now a Senior...and with some of the XL breeds. I repeat, I am not saying that these breeds are only restricted to these groups, it all depends on the age and the training and the personality, but more often than not you'll find these breeds in these groups.
When you go off to pick a dog you don’t have to choose one whose color matches yours—love at first sight does happen, but being informed at least prepares you for the way the dog you pick will respond when you bring it home.