What Is Puppy-ality™?
Eeeny, meeny, miney, moe… No, that’s not how we recommend that new puppy parents pick their perfect pooch! But we do know how hard it is choose a puppy who’ll be compatible with your lifestyle—and even professionals agree that it’s difficult to predict how puppies less than six months old will behave with their new families. That’s why ASPCA experts have developed the Meet Your Match™ Puppy-ality™ Adoption Program (MYM), a fun color-coding method that sets adopters up for success from the moment they get their puppy home.

How Does Puppy-ality work?
If people have distinct personalities, then puppies have distinct puppy-alities! The Puppy-ality Adoption program helps you figure out what your true colors are so you can choose a pup whose personality best fits with yours.

The two components of Puppy-ality:
* The Puppy-ality™ Assessment
* The Dog Adopter Survey

The Puppy-ality Assessment: The folks at shelters using the Meet Your Match system will evaluate a pup to determine many aspects of his or her behavior, including:
* Comfort level in a new environment
* Social responses
* Interest in play
* Ease of handling
* Tendency to guard food
Once they’ve been assessed, pups are given a color—either green, orange or purple—that tells potential adopters the kind of training and attention they’ll likely need.

Meet the Puppy-alities
Does the King of the Mountain sound perfect for you? Or would you rather watch the Detective? How ‘bout if the Class Clown comes to town?

There are nine Puppy-alities in all. Here’s a taste of who’s out there:
* A canine classified as a Kindergartner (1 of 3 different purple pups) may feel like it’s the first day of school..and he’s not quite sure where to sit or where to eat. All he needs is a person to show him the ropes and be his mentor!
* Rookie pups (1 of 3 different orange puppies) have got the whole package—brains, good looks and raw talent—and are looking for an inspirational coach to take them to the top.
* The Super Hero (1 of 3 green puppy types) is ready to commit 110 percent! When there’s a crumb dropped, he’ll be there to pick it up. When there’s a hole that needs digging, he’s there with all four paws…get the idea?!

You can read all nine profiles here:

Puppy-ality chart
Day Dreamer (purple)
Easy-going, relaxed pup seeks laid-back human for mutually low stress relationship. Must see the bowl as half-full, enjoy leisurely games of fetch followed by a quick snack and two-hour nap, and be willing to explore the joys of relaxing together. (Internally motivated)

Kindergartner (purple)
It’s the first day of school and, boy oh boy, am I nervous! I'm not sure where to sit, when we eat or even where the bathroom is. All I need is a person I can trust to show me the ropes. Will you be my mentor and show me around? (Socially motivated)

The Detective (purple)
It’s elementary, my dear assistant … let’s unravel the mysteries of the world together. I simply use my trusty nose and my natural taste for details. You simply offer any leads you might have. Together we’ll solve every mystery that comes our way. (Externally motivated)

Bashful Tourist (orange)
So this is my first time on my own and, jeez, did you know the world is a really big and kind of scary place (especially when you don’t speak the language)? With the right translator, I know I can learn my way around. Until I get familiar with the place, let me stay right by your side … or maybe just a little behind you. (Internally motivated)

Class Clown (orange)
Class clown seeks good-humored soul mate ready to let the good times roll. My playful jokes, love of all things chewable and slapstick comedy will keep you and your friends doubled over laughing for hours. When I hog the spotlight, just let me know the joke’s over and I’ll settle down. (Socially motivated)

The Rookie (orange)
Young self-starter looking for an inspirational coach to take us to the top. I’ve got the whole package — brains, good looks, and loads of raw talent — and I’m ready to use them. Teach me, praise me and I guarantee I’ll make you proud at home, on walks, or competing in the field. (Externally motivated)

King of the Mountain (green)
I’m self-educated with a splash of ambition. As canine royalty, I like to set the rules. Explain a better way though, and I’ll give you due consideration. I’m really looking to share my throne with a hard working, confident, and full-of-pep human. (Internally motivated)

Super Hero (green)
I’m an all-purpose pup ready to commit 110 percent. When there’s a crumb dropped, I’ll be there to pick it up for you. When there’s a hole that needs to be dug, I’ll be there with all four feet. When someone needs a buddy to run miles with, I’ll be there with leash in tow. Commit 110 percent to me, and I’ll be yours forever. (Socially motivated)

Thrill Seeker (green)
WOO-HOO! This is so cool! Have you tried this ride called LIFE yet? It’s got all these great twists and turns and so many neat things to play with like balls, fleece toys, rawhides, socks, pant legs, fingers — and so many neat people to meet — you, your friends, your friends’ friends and the friends of your friends’ friends. Jump on board and we’ll have a blast together! (Externally motivated)