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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