If you are a couch potato, then consider a breed that doesn’t require a high demand of physical activity. Although they still need to be exercised everyday, they usually get enough of it by running around the house.
Examples of these breeds are: English Toy Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Shih-Tzu, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire Terrier. If you prefer a larger dog, go for a Clumber Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Mastiff, Sussex Spaniel, or Bulldog.
If you love spending time outdoors, go for a sporting breed, particularly one from a spaniel family such as a Cocker Spaniel or the retriever family such as a Golden Retriever. These breeds have a moderate-to-high level of activity.
If you are a very active person and would like a dog that can keep up with your own high energy output, consider other breeds from the sporting group such as an English Springer Spaniel, a Labrador Retriever, or a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Breeds that do well in outdoor activities and are considered to be canine athletes include Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Belgian Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
If you prefer a smaller breed, then consider a Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Papillon. These dogs are not only smart, but also excel in speed and agility.
Are you looking for a dog that your child can grow up with? Then pick one that has a gentle personality and large enough so that he won’t be injured by your child. Breeds to consider are Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bulldog, Collie, Basset Hound, Standard Poodle, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Scottish Deerhound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Bouviers des Flandres.
If you want a dog that acts and looks like a bodyguard, one that is always on alert and barks at anything unusual, a breed from the working or herding group might be for you. Examples are Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Boxer, Mastiff, Belgian Malinois, Canaan Dog, and Standard Schnauzer.
In need of a training partner? A high-energy breed may be the dog for you. Some examples of are Golden and Labrador Retrievers, English Setter, Brittany, Weimaraner, Vizsla, Flat-Coated Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Basenji, Akita, Dalmatian, Norwegian Elkhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, and Irish Setter.
Love boating or going the beach? Consider a dog born to swim such as a Labrador Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Otterhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, and Newfoundland.