Which Dog is for You? Part II

Love Connections and Socializing If you're a party giver, a busy volunteer, an habitual socializer, or looking for a love connection, you probably crave a canine confederate who likes to go places and loves to meet new people -- and it would help if your pup doesn't tend to bite! People-lovers to consider include clumber spaniels; English and Irish setters; golden, flat-coated, and Labrador retrievers; as well as beagles, Siberian huskies, and bichon frises. Need Motivation? Walking Breeds If you need a little incentive to get out for a bit of exercise -- perhaps you're coping with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease -- think about a pooch that delights in walking, such as Akitas, clumber spaniels, Airedales, or American Eskimo dogs. Small pups like Pomeranians and toy poodles also enjoy walks, but they need much shorter strolls than larger breeds. Go, Go, Globe-Trotters Do you travel a lot for work or play? You may want a pet that'll enjoy the journey with you. This probably means a small, easily-transportable dog, one that enjoys travel, can fit in a suitable carry-on, and remains calm and generally quiet as you two jet from coast to coast. That's a lot to ask of a little one, but a Yorkshire terrier or a Maltese pup may be just the ticket. Beachcomber Breeds Whether you love the sea's salty tang or romping at river's edge, a golden retriever loves to be right there beside you. Another aquatic pooch is the Portuguese water dog, which has a waterproof coat and loves fun with family. Make sure your water-loving dog doesn't get dehydrated, sunburned, or drink salt water, and never leave your pup alone near water. Dogs for Special Needs Dogs big and small have been helping those with special needs for a long time. Specially-trained dogs can help reduce the anxiety of a person with Alzheimer's, aid those who are blind or deaf, alert people with epilepsy of a pending seizure, or help those with issues such as autism or agoraphobia to focus and connect with others. Called assistance, companion, service, or therapy dogs, you can find out more about having such a noble companion in your life -- or training your own dog -- from many nonprofit groups, such as Assistance Dogs International, Canine Companions for Independence, International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, or Service Dog Central. Soothing Stress and Depression Whether it's the playfulness of a pug, the self-confidence of a Shiba Inu, or the warmth of a great Pyrenees, having the right dog (or dogs) in your life can help banish stress, ease depression, and simply make you happier. Add the grace note of your pup's "smile" when they see you, their unabashed joy in life, and their devotion, and it's no wonder that people and their pooches have loved each other's company for so many years! Dog Shopping: Pure or Mixed Breed? Now that you know which breeds may fit your lifestyle, the next question to ask yourself: pure or mixed breed? Whether a dog is a pure breed known for certain characteristics, or a mixed-breed mongrel, dogs are as individual as people, and can vary greatly. Visit your prospective puppy, and its parents if you can, before deciding which one is right for you. Tips for Dog Adoption Whether you want a mixed or pure-breed dog, you can often find the right pup at an animal shelter or breed rescue group. Shelters accept thousands of dogs of every type and temperament, while rescue groups focus on aiding dogs of one particular breed, for example, greyhounds or Pekingese, great Pyrenees, or collies. The Puppy-Mill Problem Puppy mills, high-volume breeding facilities with substandard breeding practices and conditions, can have a huge effect on a dog's health and personality. A particular breed of dog may be known for docility and quietness, yet that same dog, when bought from a puppy mill, may turn out to be aggressive and destructive. Always deal with reputable breeders!