Choosing the right dog for you involves a lot more than scrutinizing the different dog breeds available. You will want to make sure your new friend fits in your environment and the kind of lifestyle you lead. Sort of like choosing a spouse: a bad fit does not forebode well for the future.

Dogs have certainly earned well-deserved recognition as “man’s best friend”, having served as constant companions, sporting buddies, assistants, confidantes, defenders, uncritical best friends, and so much more. Dog lovers and soon-to-be owners who wish to acquire a dog of their own or add another puppy to their canine family need to do some serious research in order to come up with the appropriate choice.

Some of the popular dog breeds you might wish to start with are the Poodle, Border Collie, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Papillon, and the Labrador Retriever.

Poodles are not just beautiful and regal, they are also known for their astounding intelligence and trainability; in fact, they are one of the smartest dogs in the world. But if you think of the poodle exclusively as a pampered pet, you might be in for a shock, as the poodle offers a sort of Jekyll & Hyde personality. Behind the dog’s stunning appearance hides … a police dog! Believe it or not, poodles are used for law enforcement in some parts of the world.

Border Collies come from Scotland and England. If you are looking for a dog you can play tricks on and dupe and fool at will, you may be in for a surprise. These dogs are known for their cleverness, natural intuition, as well as their ability to reason and assess a situation quickly and flawlessly. Extremely hard working dogs, Border Collies shoulder their responsibilities with great poise, often entrusted with their herd’s lives without the benefit of human supervision.

The Doberman Pinscher is known for his loyalty. A robust appearance and impressive intelligence make the doberman an impressive watchdog. Another dog comparable to the robustness of Dobermans is the German shepherd. The German Shepherd also offers strength, sharpness, and versatility as a family dog and watch dog.

Looking for a good companion? The Golden Retriever has acquired a great reputation as a fantastic family dog. This breed probably evolved from the retriever and water spaniel and is appreciated today for its good looks, intelligence, loyalty and gentleness.

People with an active lifestyle would definitely admire the Papillon. Although they serve as lap dogs, Papillons enjoy showing off their superior dexterity in agility trials.

As you can see, selecting a dog involves a lot more than scrutinizing all the various dog breeds. And if you have your heart set on a small dog, not all toy dog breeds will suit your circumstances. Choose carefully, you’ve got your work cut out.

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Dog names may be highly significant to canine parents, but how often do you see new dog owners bring their new dog home and suddenly be struck by an obvious gap in the long-planned moment: that wonderful bundle of fur needs a name! And not just any name, but a moniker that’s just the perfect fit …

Relax, all is not lost. In fact, it may be a good idea to give yourself a few days to observe your new friend and maybe choose a name based not just on dog breed, but on his or her own personality, appearance, and even mannerisms. Robust or dainty? Active or couch potato? Cuddler or independent spirit? Feisty lap dog or friendly giant?

Sports is a good arena to select appropriate dog names. But first think of the connotations behind an athlete’s name, in other words what do these names evoke: Tiger, Sugar Rae, Bailey, Rocky, Lance, Serena or Venus? Good sportsmanship, fair mindedness, laser sharp focus, exceptional style, tenacity, steadfastness, agility, competitive spirit?

Hollywood celebrities can be another great source of inspiration. Duke would certainly suit a macho dog, Presley would be super cool, and Brad would just have to look amazing. How about Lolita for a poodle? Astaire would suit a dog that moves elegantly and is lightfooted. On the other hand, a huffing and puffing short-legged full-figured bulldog by that name would only draw guffaws.

Using humor in a dog’s name is a dangerous game to play. You don’t want to start a relationship with your new dog on the wrong paw. Having people laugh every time you call your dog may undermine all your efforts at building up his confidence. Bearing the weight of a misnomer throughout a lifetime is not a burden you would wish on your new friend.

Buddy is one of the most popular dog names around. It implies a constant companion you see eye to eye with, someone you can depend on when times are tough, and yes, even a cohort you can plan your next escapades with. But take care to avoid names that might send confusing messages to your dog: if you call your dog Healey, you may not want to use heel as a command.

It is well worth taking the time to weigh suitable dog names carefully and choose one both you and your new friend will be comfortable with for a long time.

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