Pampered pooches prejudice purchasers vehicle preferences [8.6.7]

[T Mac]

Women may make 60 per cent of car purchases and influence 85 per cent of consumer decisions, but the latest research suggests the real power lies with the one who wears the paws in the family.

According to a survey by the American Kennel Club, nearly half of dog owners (47 per cent) are swayed by the needs of their four-legged friends when choosing a new vehicle. Among those who have owned their dogs 10 years or more, the number climbs to 52 per cent.

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According to DogCars.com, a site whose founders test drive and review vehicles for canine-friendliness, the best "dogmobiles" (for reasons that include everything from windows that help prevent puppy nose-prints and recessed cup holders that "deter a paw in the latte") are the Honda Element, Nissan Xterra, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Fit Sport (for smaller dogs), Jeep Compass, Kia Sedona, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, Subaru Forester (more than 60 per cent of Subaru drivers are pet owners), Suzuki Forenza Wagon, Toyota Rav4 and Volvo's XC90.

By Misty Harris, CanWest News Service

Click here (http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=dba514ab-75d4-4e7d-9ac7-797288eae843&k=67629) to read the entire story

[CRVPiggy]

I have to agree that my puppy definetly influenced my choice in vehicles. My last vehicle, a Toyota Tacoma, was only an extra cab, with little space in the back. So whenever my husband and I went somewhere in it Trevor (our Boston Bulldog) had to sit in someone's lap. When I was looking for something new, I wanted to make sure that I got something bigger so that Trev could have plenty of room to move around. I also wanted something where he could reach the windows easier and that it wasn't so high so that he could get in easier. The armrests are high enough he can reach them without me having to roll the window down too much for him to stick his head out (he has a habit of jumping out of the windows while the car is still moving if he sees something that excites him, so its good that I don't have to roll the windows down too much!) He also loves riding in the back because he can look out of any of the three windows whenever he wants! He has plenty of room now. Also, its worked out great for our bird, Carlos (a Quaker Parrot). The seats are great for him too. The height of the seats is perfect because its easy for him to jump back and forth from my shoulder to the top. He also likes to sit in the hole in the headrest, and he can move to the other side of the seat pretty easily so that he can look out the window too!

[pattyrthomas]

The pooch factor was the top criteria for influencing my decision. I have driven station wagons/SUVs most of my driving life and hauling dogs is second only to groceries!

[rpliegos]

First thing I looked at when shopping for the CRV was the cargo area. If it could fit my two labs plus my bike then it was the choice... and it was the winner...

After realizing how good the cargo space was then I took a look at the rest of the car...

Dogs and lifestyle totally influenced my decision. A couple of years ago I would have not considered a SUV, I was into sports two door cars...