Which dog breed should you choose?

With dozens of dog breeds to choose from, from the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Great Dane, which is the right breed for you?

There are over a hundred breeds which are registered with kennel clubs around the world. The advantage of buying a puppy with registered, purebred parents is that you can be reasonably sure that the puppy will grow up as advertised: it will look like a member of a particular breed, and it will behave in ways which are characteristic of that breed. For example, Poodles are known to be clever and easy to train, German Shepherds are known to be great guard dogs, and so on.

Before deciding on a breed, spend a little time reading up on various breeds so you can choose a pup from a breed which will fit into your lifestyle. Yes, this sounds calculated, but you'll be living with your canine pal for years, so it's worth ensuring that you're compatible.

What do you have to offer your puppy?

When you go to visit breeders with puppies, these are the kinds of questions that you'll be asked:

What's the size of your yard, or will the puppy need to stay in your apartment? Do you work -- if so, how many hours will the dog have to spend alone each day? Do you have another dog, or other animals? Do you intend to neuter the dog?

The friendly, happy Labrador

Labradors are charming, outgoing dogs with yellow, black or chocolate coats.
The Labrador is a versatile breed, members of which are used as working dogs worldwide. Labradors are used as guide dogs, as carer dogs, and in police work.

Although they're friendly and happy, an adult male Labrador is strongly territorial, and needs regular obedience training and exercise if he's to be happy in a suburban environment.

Although Labrador puppies look cute, they grow quickly, and need room to run and exercise, so a Labrador isn't well suited for apartment living.

The ultra-smart, lovable Poodle

Poodles are lovely companions and super-intelligent and loyal. A Poodle's coat is curly, and they don't shed, which makes them ideal if you're house-proud. Poodle can be a solid, black, grey, silver, white, blue, apricot or brown -- and of course if you have a white poodle, you can dye his coat any colour you please. Poodles are easy to train. Most are friendly to other dogs.

You should only consider a Poodle if you have the time to groom him. A Poodle needs to be groomed daily, and should have his coat trimmed monthly.

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Above: An elegant Standard Poodle.