There is an incredible variety of dogs, giving you choices that are pretty much endless. In fact, you may have a hard time narrowing down your search. The key is doing your homework prior to the purchase decision, researching the various breeds and sources of dogs. To make a sound choice, you need to understand the pluses and minuses of each breed. The more you know about the characteristics of each breed the better able you are to choose. Even if a dog is mixed breed aka a lovable mutt, there is usually some recognizable breed in that mix. If your dog looks pretty much like a Labrador for example the odds are he'll have the traits of a Labrador as well.

The Most Popular Breeds

At any given time, a small number of breeds attain the status of most popular. Breeds rise and fall in popularity based on a number of factors. A certain breed appearing in a movie or TV show can cause a temporary spike in popularity, or if a celebrity favors a certain breed. The current top 5 most popular illustrates the wide variety of lifestyles of dog lovers. The tiny, precious Yorkie that can fit in a celebrity's handbag for strolls through the shops on Rodeo Drive is right up there with the rugged Labrador Retriever, who loves the active, outdoor life, and the hard working German Shepherd, who assists law enforcement personnel and performs other dangerous jobs. There really is a dog for every lifestyle.

Breed popularity statistics are a good indication of how easy it will be to find a puppy or adult dog in that breed. If you go to a dog show and fall in love with an Otterhound (#152 in popularity) it may take some searching to locate a breeder of those puppies. Don't overlook breeds that are less popular. Popularity doesn't necessarily mean best.

When deciding on a breed of dog look at the problems inherent to the breed. Spaniels are prone to ear infections for example, because their ears are long, floppy, and furry not allowing good air circulation. When their inner ears get wet they have a tendency to stay wet which can breed yeast and bacterial infections.

Some large dogs are prone to hip and joint problems. Pooches that have pushed in noses like pugs and bull dogs can have breathing problems.

While dogs have been bred to do certain jobs, such as rounding up sheep, don't judge an individual dog by the breed. Certain breeds have a reputation for meanness and aggressiveness and it's not really the breed's trait as much as the owner and training.

Don't make the assumption that small dogs can live in a small apartment and be happy or that large dogs require a big backyard to romp in. Most terrier breeds were bred to hunt --and kill-- rats. They require lots of exercise and attention or they'll take it out on your possessions. And the opposite is true; some large dogs don't require much more than a walk around the block.