Which Dog Is for You? Part I

Part of finding the right dog, of course, is getting to know yourself. What hobbies do you enjoy? Is the dog meant for you, the kids, or grandma? A dog should be for life -- the dog's life -- so think hard about the pooch you hope to have. Dogs for Fitness Buffs If you love the great outdoors, you probably want a canine companion that shares your joy. Just about every dog loves to get out and about, but breeds that adore long daily walks or vigorous exercise tend to be medium-large breeds, including Labrador retreivers, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, Irish and English setters, Weimaraners, Border collies, most pointers, German shepherds, and Dalmatians. Dogs That Love Kids Just about every kind of dog can turn out to be a great companion for a child, but there are some breeds that are particularly known for their love of children. Beagles and boxers are good for little kids who love to romp and play, dachshunds are great for gentle, older kids, while Labrador retrievers and Saint Bernards adore having children of all ages to play with and protect. Independent Dogs for Busy Bees You're a busy one, always on the go. While dogs are pack animals and need companionship, some dogs are more independent than others and may fit your busier life, including Alaskan malamutes, borzoi (Russian wolfhounds), and Chinese shar-peis. You can also help your pup cope with your absence by having two dogs, and they needn’t be a matching set. A Lab can find great companionship with a papillon, for example. Attention Hogs and Homebodies You've got a lot of love and affection to give. If you want a pup that thrives on human companionship, think Pomeranian, Chinese crested, French bulldog, or toy poodle. For a dog that loves your attention and is a good watchdog too, one who’ll bark when strangers are near, your ideal canine mate may be a beagle, bloodhound, or American cocker spaniel. Pups for Apartment Dwellers If you live in an apartment, you're probably looking for a dog that doesn't tend to bark without reason, and who also needs only the moderate exercise a short walk around town gives. In that case think English toy spaniels, Bedlington terriers, or Cavalier King Charles spaniels. A short walk or a good bout of indoor play is all a Havanese, affenpinscher, or Chihuahua needs too, though these dogs may tend to be more vocal. What if You Have Sleep Problems? If sleep problems keep you wide-eyed some nights, a quiet canine companion could be the dog for you. Basenjis are famously known to be non-barking (they make low crowing sounds), though they're very energetic dogs devoted to play. Other breeds known to have a quiet temperament include greyhounds and English sheepdogs. You may want to steer clear of boxers and bulldogs, who tend to snore. Dogs for Allergy Sufferers Because all dogs have a protein in their saliva and dander (flakes of dead skin) to which some people may be allergic, there's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Yet some dogs do produce less dander, while others shed less and so don't drop as much dander-laden fur around the house. A few dogs that allergy sufferers may consider include schnauzers, poodles, bichon frises, and Portuguese water dogs. When You Have Mobility Issues Whether it's knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, or MS limiting your mobility, you probably want a pooch that can get plenty of exercise romping around the house, or needs only short walks. In that case, it may pay to think very small or very big. Bullmastiffs and Saint Bernards need only moderate exercise, as do basset hounds, shih tzu, and Pekingese. Terriers and medium-sized dogs, on the other hand, usually need lots of action.