Dog Biography Format

Format for Bios

How you format the bio and how thorough you make it will have a big impact on how much adoptive interest your dog receives.  The bio should including the following information: age, breed, gender, weight, likes, dislikes, personality, temperament, energy level, favorite activities, all of the adorable and amusing things she does, the sort of affection she likes to give and receive, history of aggression or destructiveness, a description of the challenges or problem behaviors of your dog, how your dog is with kids, cats, and other dogs, your dog’s medical issues, what kind of home situation your dog is used to, and the kind of home in which you think your dog would fit and be happy. We ask that you write the bio in the first person, as if your dog is speaking (e.g., “Hi! My name is Spot, and I am a wonderful, affectionate, loving Black Lab!”).

Here is the format that we require that you use. It organizes the material well for readers and it makes it easy for our webmasters to work with. Please follow it exactly, including using all of the below listed headings.


Hello! My name is [just put one sentence stating name and something positive, like “My name is Yoda, and I am the most adorable, smart, playful dog around!”]

Quick Facts:
  • Breed:  (e.g. Lab mix)
  • Gender:  (e.g., Female, spayed)
  • Age:  (e.g., 4 years old)
  • Size:  (e.g., 65 pounds)
  • Good with…
  • Dogs? (e.g., Yes!)
  • Cats?  (e.g., No)
  • Kids?  (e.g., 12+ years)
History

Just a paragraph or two about where the dog came from, how long you’ve had him/her, what they’ve been through.

Personality

This should be the biggest section, and cover personality features, adorable things they do, energy level, if they are affectionate (and if so, in what ways), things they love to do, any training they have, favorite pastimes, any funny things they do, etc.). When we write our bios, this section is usually 3-6 paragraphs long! The more specific info you give, the more people will get a feel for your dog and the better response you will get.

Giving specifics is very important. For instance, don’t just say, “I’m super affectionate!” and leave it at that. If your dog is super affectionate, give examples of him being that way, such as “I’m super affectionate! I love to lay my head on your lap, give kisses, and snuggle next to you on the couch when allowed.” Or, rather than saying “I’m really smart!” say, “I’m really smart, I learn commands really quickly (as long as you have treats for rewards!), and thus far know “Sit,” “Wait”, and “High-five!” Or, rather than saying, “I’m pretty independent,” say “I’m pretty independent, so though I like a little bit of affection and attention, I prefer to be hanging out on my own on a dog bed, chewing on a bone, than snuggled up next to you while you watch TV or read.”

Cohabitation

How are they with people?  With kids?  With other dogs?  With cats?

Favorite Activities

A half dozen bullet points of their favorite things to do (e.g., cuddling, chasing balls, going for walks).

Why I am looking for a new home

Explain the circumstances leading to you needing to find a new home for your dog (e.g, we had a baby and the dog is very stressed about it and growling at the baby; we are moving to a city and the dog would be miserable; this dog is fighting with our other dog; we are unable to financially provide for the dog any longer).

Medical

A brief description of any relevant medical issues.

Summary

Summarize how great your dog is and mention some things about what they are hoping for in an adopter or adoptive home.

Once you have this fully completed bio, please send it (along with 4-6 digital photos and 1-2 YouTube video links) to cayugadogrescue@gmail.com. We’ll get back to you quickly with any questions or suggestions we have to make the bio more complete or clear, and then we will get your dog posted on all of our sites!

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