You might know that caring for a dog can help children learn to be more responsible, but studies show that dogs also boost self-esteem in children, enhance social skills, and help them to be more cooperative and share. Whether you’re looking for a purebred dog or mixed-breed dog, here are a few that typically do well with children. Remember, an adult must always supervise interactions between any dog and children, and the kids must be taught to treat dogs gently and respectfully.

Airedale Terrier

The “King of the Terriers” is hugely versatile, performing successfully as a hunter, guide dog for the blind, livestock herder, elegant show dog, and loving family pet. Airedale Terriers are smart, sensitive, and playful, making them fabulous companions for children. More>>

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are active, intelligent “people dogs” who want nothing more than to be a part of the family. Happy to travel to kids’ baseball games, join in on fun outings like trips to the beach, and herd the kids around the yard, Aussies make wonderful companions for respectful children who are taught to behave properly around the dog.

Beagle

It’s hard to deny the Beagle’s rightful place in a fun-loving pack of “Peanuts,” though Beagles are more engaged and sincere than the ever-famous Snoopy and just as entertaining. This short-haired miniature hound loves to be a part of the family and to be involved in everyday things. He will follow little ones around the house and yard, keeping one eye on them and the other on mischief of his own. He needs a good parent to train him and teach him manners since he’s naturally a curious little fellow with big-dog ideas of his won.

Bearded Collie

Described as bouncy and exuberant—ideal for keeping happy kids active and moving— the Bearded Collie lives to be around children. With its long, easycare, unkempt coat and athletic build, the Beardie loves to participate in fun activities and sports, like jogging, running alongside a bicycle, hiking, and chasing sheep (get some!). The Bearded Collie’s strong sheepdog instincts can lead to its gathering (herding) young people or even nipping at their Nikes: parents must train the dog to know the difference between kids and ewes and supervise so that the dog’s nanny instincts are properly channeled.

Bernese Mountain Dog

For the family with children seeking a large dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes a docile, sweet-natured companion. With its long, silky black coat marked with characteristic white and rust, the Bernese stands up to 27.5 inches at the shoulder. It is a versatile outdoor dog whose smart and confident demeanor recommend it for the job of child’s companion. They are known to be able to do anything from pulling carts, herding cows, guarding the home, yard and farm, and even babysitting the kids.

Bichon Frise

This animated powder puff is a lovely companion for older children, and fits perfectly in any household, from suburban living to big-city apartments. The beautiful, plush, snow-white coat is low shedding dog breed but needs regular professional grooming to maintain. The Bichon Frise might be suitable for people with dog allergies.

Boston Terrier

Playful, gentle, and affectionate, the Boston Terrier makes a great pal. Sturdy enough to enjoy rough play, they want to be with you and are not backyard dogs. This compact, smart breed is easy to care for, requires minimal exercise, and does best when his humans show gentle leadership.

Boxer

The handsome Boxer is as loyal and dignified as he is affectionate and energetic. When trained and socialized, Boxers are tireless and downright silly companions for youngsters. Supervise to make sure 50 to 85 pounds of Boxer don’t knock over your kids and their friends.

Bulldog

The lumbering, gentle Bulldog is both sturdy and slow—a great match for families with kids. Often referred to as the English Bulldog, this dignified dog breed is typically an even-tempered and agreeable fellow, and tends to form tight bonds with children.

Bullmastiff

Created using a blend of 60 percent Mastiff and 40 percent Bulldog, the powerful Bullmastiff combines the best of both dog breeds in a large, strong package. This dog breed is devoted to his family, adores children, and possesses a protective but mellow outlook, making the Bullmastiff one of the better extra-large breeds for city living.

Bull Terrier

Like all terriers, the Bull Terrier is active and full of personality, and this sometimes comical breed is especially ready for fun. This is a substantial dog, weighing up to 70 pounds, and can be headstrong like a stubborn child. But with positive training, socialization, and inclusion in family activities, the Bull Terrier thrives as a loving companion.

Cairn Terrier

An active and super bright little dog—the breed once followed the skipping Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road—Cairn Terrier loves to be the center of attention…in real life and movies! They’ve been described as rugged and resourceful and do best as family dogs, provided they have a dog-smart parent to teach them right from wrong. Since they will chase small animals, like squirrels and chipmunks, they must always be on lead when not in a safely fenced area.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Nicknamed the “Comforter Spaniel” by British royalty who favored the dog breed throughout history, today’s Cavalier makes a devoted pet for gentle children and does not require a castle to keep him happy. Cavaliers can adapt to a little exercise or a lot, and the beautiful, silky coat is easily maintained with regular brushing and combing, so no professional grooming is required.

Collie

Even though most kids today haven’t heard of Lassie, the Collieremains the proverbial children’s dog due to the breed’s instinctive protective nature and the intelligence of a ten year old child. Collies like to take walks and run in the backyard, but they adapt to the family’s lifestyle and can be happy in any size home. The rough Collie requires more grooming than the smooth coat, but it’s essentially amounts to just a few minutes a week.

Golden Retriever

The bright, smiling Golden Retriever is a medium-sized sporting dog, weighing in between 55 and 75 pounds, with a long, lustrous coat in various shades of “golden.” This breed has never met a stranger and views all youngsters as his designated playmates. The Golden is always ready for play, whether it’s galloping in the backyard, swimming on the beach, or hiking on a trail.

Labrador Retriever

Lead a Lab to water and it will retrieve all day: balls, sticks, and even children who happen to go for a swim. Whether black, chocolate or yellow, the Lab’s kid-friendly nature has helped make him the most popular dog breed in the United States. Patient and gentle by nature, the Lab excels in a home with respectful children, and craves regular play and exercise to channel his exuberance for life.

Newfoundland

A devoted family companion dog with a sweet and even temperament, the Newfoundland has proved himself reliable around kind, well-behaved children. Although kids should never be allowed to climb on top of or ride on the backs of these gentle giants, Newfies are robust and engaged playmates, and delight in hauling children around in carts.

Poodle (Miniature and Standard)

Although Toy Poodles are too fragile for young kids, Miniature Poodleand Standard Poodle are excellent playmates for respectful children. Well-bred Poodles are active and intelligent, and revel in learning fun tricks or playing endless games of fetch in the yard. An added bonus: Poodles are dogs that don’t shed and might be suitable for people with dog allergies.

Pug

The Pug is as sturdy and big as a Toy breed gets. Weighing in at 14 to 18 pounds, the Pug is a compact, little dog with tons of personality. Most Pugs are easygoing and playful, enjoying the attention of sensible children who recognize that the Pug is no plaything. In cool weather, Pugs are animated and entertaining friends for kids, but tire easier than larger dogs.

Weimaraner

No reason for the kids to be afraid of this ghost, the Weimaraner (called the “grey ghost” because of its distinct color) is an easygoing, tolerant family dog whose above-average intelligence makes him easy to train. Weims are naturally graceful and know how big they are, even if they attempt to snuggle with owners on small chairs on laps. Ancestors were bred to hunt, and today’s Weimaraner likes to be a member of the family pack.

Few of us cheer when our dog digs up our garden. However, we should keep in mind that if a dog has digging genes, in many cases we humans developed that natural trait to serve our purposes. It’s not the dog’s fault our objectives have changed.

While all dog breeds have some instinct to dig and may scratch or dig at the floor, carpet or bed, as he looks for the perfect spot, there is no doubt that some dogs take their digging a little more seriously than others.

See which dog breeds are most likely to dig and find out why they do it.

10 Dog Breeds Who Love to Dig

Hard Core Diggers

These dogs dig like it’s their job because at some point it probably was their job.

1. Dachshund

Hound Group. The German-bred Dachshund used his short but dogged legs to burrow deep into the earth, creating tunnels through which he hunted badgers and other prey. Today, the breed still follows his nose and instincts; he’s likely to dig up flower beds in an attempt to excavate the rodents in his yard. More About Dachshunds>>

2. Bedlington Terrier

Terrier Group. The Bedlington is a natural hunter with a penchant for pursuing rodents and vermin. The Bedlington may resemble a lamb in appearance, but the similarities end there. Tough and persistent, the powerhouse Belington digs with vigor to reach rabbits or rats. More About Bedlingtons>>

3. Cairn Terrier

Terrier Group. A small, active terrier native to Scotland’s Western Highlands, the Cairn was used in packs to control fur-bearing vermin. Like most terriers, Cairns tend to be diggers and are vigilant in their search for underground rodents. Did we mention the word terrier comes from Latin and means “earth dog?” More About Cairn Terriers>>

4. Beagle

Hound Group. Like many scent hounds, Beagles will dig in the yard for in-ground prey, but they may also dig out of the yard to follow the scent of above-ground prey. Bred for generations to track, a Beagle will take on any digging project to accomplish his mission. Although bred in England’s temperate climate, the breed also sometimes digs to cool off. Or perhaps that’s a smokescreen. Maybe the merry Beagle digs when there’s a shortage of rabbits to chase and a corresponding shortage of fun. More About Beagles>>

5. Miniature Schnauzer

Terrier Group. Bred in Germany working on farms and pursuing vermin, the Miniature Schnauzer still rids its home and property of rats and mice today. The Schnauzer’s drive to exterminate rodents may drive him into the ground. The resulting dirt and holes are the downside. On the upside, unwanted visitors won’t be able to set up housekeeping in the family’s residence for long.

6. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Sporting Group. Though originally bred to be a tough hunter, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon also may moonlight as a digger. His high energy level, drive to hunt, and desire for company make him an excellent sporting companion. In fact, he’s often called the “4-wheel drive of hunting dogs” because of his ability to excel on any kind of terrain: briars, underbrush, field, and water. With great talent, however, comes great responsibility (for the owner, at least!). If left without a task, the Griff may channel his 4-wheel drive skills into the ground.

Fair Weather Fans of Digging

It’s not a mater of whether or not these dogs like to dig, it’s simply a matter of weather.

7. Siberian Husky

Working group. Dogs bred in cold climates such as the Siberian Husky may dig for a warm, underground sleeping area during winter. But your garden isn’t safe in the springtime either; they also dig for cool spots when they’re hot. Their double coat offers insulation from both heat and cold, but who can blame them for supplementing what Mother Nature gave them.

8. Alaskan Malamute

Working group. The Malamute is a legendary freighting dog of polar expeditions, to keep warm in the snow, they often dig to burrow themselves into a warmer underground sleeping arrangement. While the Malamute has adapted well to warm climates, they prefer the winter months and keeping their temperature pleasant, so it’s not uncommon to see them digging into the earth on a hot summer day to stay cool.

Dogs Who Weren’t Bred to Dig, But Might Do it Anyway

They aren’t professionals, but that won’t stop them from trying.

9. Australian Shepherd

Herding group. The Australian Shepherd wasn’t bred down under, but rather here in the United States. Nor was he bred specifically to dig. But he was bred to work all day alongside his owner. Developed to maintain high energy, an un-exercised Aussie may dig up gardens or under the fence in an effort to cultivate his own work and sense of fulfillment.

10. Border Collies

Herding group. Border Collies are high-energy dogs, having been bred to cover many miles a day in their native Scotland. Border Collies require and thrive on activity, so be prepared to keep them occupied and if you don’t, be prepared for them to occupy themselves. Border Collies are known for excelling at many jobs, if you give them a change they might add landscaper to their list.

One day as I watched my daughter’s Australian Shepherd, Cooper, and Labrador-mixed-breed, Kane, paddling in a lake, I noticed a rather significant variance in swimming form and style.

Kane’s webbed paws and strong legs moved him gracefully on the top of the water, his tail a remarkably effective rudder. Cooper, on the other hand, relied mainly on athleticism and determination. His paddling was powerful; his style was sub-par. But ever the herding dog, Cooper happily followed Kane back and forth in the water. As he grew tired, his “never give up” solution was to try to hitch a ride on Kane’s back. Thankfully Kane is as strong as an ox, and ridiculously tolerant about being his brother’s keeper, and/or his lifeboat.

Swimming skills run the gamut with dog breeds. Most sporting breeds swim well; many hounds and herding breeds swim okay. Some individual dogs, regardless of breed, either love or despise water. Practice can help, but generally a dog’s swimming ability is inherent. Let’s take a look at a sampling of renowned swimmers, and then end with a few land-lubbers.

8 Dog Breeds Born to Swim

1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chessies were developed as vigorous water retrievers, strong enough to swim in the cold, rough Chesapeake Bay, and retrieve a hundred birds per day. The Chessie has webbed feet to assist his Olympic-level swimming. Good luck tiring him out in the water throwing a ball.

2. Labrador Retriever

Predecessors of the Labrador Retriever worked with Newfoundland fisherman off the Labrador Sea shores. Renowned for energy in the water and out, the breed was further developed in England for hunting and retrieving. The powerful Lab has webbing between his toes and a strong otter-like tail for swimming. Odds are he’ll match his swimming talent with dock diving, if given the chance.

3. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland was bred to brave freezing cold waters as he worked with fishermen. Fantastic water rescue tales abound about the valiant Newfoundland. With his raw strength, webbed feet, and water resistant coat, the Newfoundland today can’t wait for the opportunity to take to the water. Hopefully his owner likes liquid of all sorts, given the Newfie’s famous drooling and slobbery kisses.

4. Portuguese Water Dog

Bred to accompany fisherman, Portuguese Water Dogs can dive as well as swim. Historically developed to dive for fish and retrieve nets, Portuguese Water Dogs also delivered messages between boats and guarded boats in port. Families today will find their Portuguese Water Dogs head straight into water when the opportunity presents. Getting the dog to come back to land may be more challenging.

5. Brittany

Developed to both point and retrieve, the Brittany became a popular gun dog in the early 20th century. His breed history lacks the swimming legacy of the water-retrievers, but he’s game for activity on both land and water. The Brittany has limitless energy, a wash-and-go coat, and — weighing in at about 30 pounds — he’ll hardly mess up your car after a swimming day.

6. Poodle

The Poodle breed name probably originates from the German Pudel, meaning “one who plays in water.” The famous Poodle clip in actuality was designed not for glamor, but to facilitate swimming. A Toy Poodle can swim too, but smaller dogs may tire over long distances.

7. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Bred to toll, lure, and retrieve waterfowl, water might as well be this breeds middle name. Hunters took note the behavior of wild foxes, who playfully lured waterfowl to the shore making them easy pray and trained these dogs to mimic the action. Believed to be related to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Brittany it’s no surprise that this breed is such a graceful swimmer.

8. Australian Shepherd

Now it’s time to defend Cooper and Aussies everywhere. Bred as an all-around working dog, Aussies can swim. They don’t have webbed feet or a rudder-like tail (or much of a tail at all for that matter). Their swimming will certainly lack the finesse of other water breeds. After all, Aussies were bred to help ranchers and herd livestock. Nevertheless, the endlessly energetic Aussie will work and play anywhere, including in the water.

4 Dog Breeds That are Less Likely Swimmers

1. Bulldog

Dogs bred with heavy chests relative to their hindquarters aren’t designed for swimming. Given their body type, paddling to carry their weight can be daunting if not impossible. While many are known to surf and skateboard they are happier going along for the ride than rowing their own boat. Many enjoy sitting in a kiddie pool, but anything deeper than that, get them a raft and a life jacket.

2. French Bulldog

Like the Bulldog, Frenchies are not buoyant by nature. The Frenchie won’t likely care about his aquatic inadequacy; he was bred for companionship, not athletic adventures. Owners inclined to take a Frenchie near water should invest in a dog life jacket. More About French Bulldogs>>

3. Basset Hound

Due their unique size and shape, Bassets more closely resemble an anchor than a swimming dog. Swimming can be a difficult feat for the Basset Hound. The breeds short legs, heavy front-end and drooping skin, makes it hard for them to keep their heads above the water. While they need a life jacket for anything deep, they will enjoy cooling off in shallow water. Sprinklers are probably a bit more their speed.

4. Pug

A breed with roots to antiquity, the Pug in the Toy Group was bred for friendship, not to work for a living. A few Pugs may enjoy a casual dip in the water, but the breed’s short snout contributes to his lack of stamina. Owners must supervise closely and fit the lif ejacket on the Pug…snug.

Adopted dogs have often been through terrible circumstances that can leave them fearful of people. When you bring your dog home from the shelter, it’s only natural for him to be shy and withdrawn. With a bit of work, you can build trust with your adopted dog. Whether it’s through patience or treats, your new friend will come to love and rely on you. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

1Offer treats. Most dogs can’t resist the aroma of a tasty treat. This can be a great way to get the dog to come closer. However, you shouldn’t make sudden movements or the dog will become frightened and run. Instead, offer the treat in your palm and wait for him to come to you. If he doesn’t come, place the treat on the floor and take a few steps back. Once he gets a taste for the treat, offer another from your hand. When he gets used to coming to you, continue to hold your hand out after the treat is gone. When he places his head in your hand, gently nuzzle your hand against his fur. This will take time and patience, but can help make your pet less fearful.

2Spend time together. Many shelter dogs have been left behind by their owners and feel they can’t trust anyone. If you’re the type to be out and about a lot, take your dog with you as often as possible. Let him know you care about him and you’re not going to abandon him. When you do have to be away from him, leave toys and treats to keep him occupied until you return. During the first few weeks, you should try to limit any unnecessary trips that require you to be gone for too long.

3Approach the dog carefully. When approaching your dog to pet him or pick him up, do so slowly. You never want to lunge at a dog in an attempt to catch him. This will only scare him more and make it even harder to build trust. You want your dog to come to you of his own free will.

4Give the dog space. Don’t try to smother your dog with love on the first day. Give him a chance to get used to his new home and calm down. This may take a few days, but allowing him to become comfortable will make him more apt to trust you. In time, he will come to you for petting and cuddles on his own without being lured by the smell of tasty treats.

5Be patient. It takes time to build the trust of a shelter pet. Many adopted dogs were neglected or even abused by their previous owners. This can be emotionally scarring for the animal and needs to be considered when building a bond with your new pet.

Creating a safe space is crucial when bringing home a new dog.

When you bring home a newly-adopted dog, you can expect her to be confused and unsure of herself for the first few days. If she comes from a shelter, she might not have experienced the same type of lifestyle that she finds in your home and could be overwhelmed and nervous. Find out as much information as possible about her former life, her behavior and personality. Expect that it will take a few weeks or possibly months before she settles down and regains her confidence.

A Safe Space

Give the dog her own safe space by providing her with a bed in a corner of the house that is peaceful and quiet. Show her that it is hers by giving her a treat in the bed and spend time sitting there with her. Each time you take her to the bed, give her the command by saying the word “bed” and reward her when she gets into it. Prevent children and other pets from interfering with her when she is in the bed, so that she learns it is a refuge when she needs one.

Feeding Time

Feed the dog the same food she has been eating, if possible. If you don’t know what she has been getting, start her off with good quality kibble in small quantities to avoid an upset stomach. If she is underweight, feed her four small meals a day instead of two large meals for the first month to help her digest the food and to prevent her from overeating. Provide plenty of fresh water at all times and watch her carefully for any signs of vomiting or diarrhea. Once she is eating the food without any side effects, you can gradually introduce treats and home-cooked dog food, if you prefer.

House Training

If your newly-adopted dog has lived most of her life outdoors or in a cage, she might not understand that she can’t soil where she sleeps. Anticipate her needs and take her outside immediately after she wakes up in the morning, directly after meals and last thing before bedtime. If she is a puppy or older than 7 years, she may need to go more often. Wait outside until she eliminates, then praise her enthusiastically every time. If she has an accident indoors, ignore it and clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the smell. Avoid punishing her, because she may not understand that she has done wrong and it will confuse her.

Preventing Anxiety

Your newly-adopted dog might bond with you so well that she becomes terrified of losing you. This could take the form of separation anxiety, which manifests in destructive behavior, excessive barking, soiling or even aggression towards family members and other animals. Begin leaving the dog alone for short periods of time soon after you bring her home, so she becomes accustomed to you leaving and returning.

You’ve brought home your new best friend, and he’s perfect in every way – except for his name. He looks more like a “Toby” than “Beauregard.” The good news is it is easy to change a dog’s name after adopting him, and in some cases it is best to give him a new name to go with a new life. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Positive Association

Whether Beauregard knew his name well or was given that name in the shelter, changing it is as simple as teaching him a new command. Once you’ve decided on his new name, periodically call his new name in a happy, upbeat tone of voice. When he looks at you, praise him enthusiastically and reward him with treats. Even if he doesn’t look at you the first few times, give him a treat when you say his new name. Soon he will start looking at you when you say his name because he knows that word means something good. Continue to cheerfully say his name and reward him with treats multiple times a day for a few weeks.

It may take some dogs just a few times to learn a new name; for others it may take a few weeks. Attaching his new name to a fun game like fetch or obedience training also reinforces it: “Toby, get the ball!” “Toby, sit.” “You are such a good boy, Toby!”

Name Pairing

Another way of teaching him a new name is to pair it with his old name for a while and eventually drop the old name. So if his old name was Beauregard, and you want to change it to Toby, start calling him “BeauregardToby.” Eventually drop “Beauregard” and just call him “Toby.”

The Name Itself

Don’t worry if the new name is completely different from his old name. Many people think that the new name should be similar to the old name, such as changing “Dolly” to “Molly.” It really isn’t necessary for them to be similar since dogs associate our tone and actions with the name instead of the actual sound.

Never associate the new name with something negative. Do not call your dog by his new name to scold him or to come to you for something he does not like. You want your dog’s new name to be positive. When deciding on a new name, make sure it doesn’t sound similar to something negative or a correction.

A Fresh Start

For dogs who have been mistreated or who have behavioral issues, a name change is often the first step to changing the dog’s mindset and behavior. If Beauregard was in an abusive home, he may associate his name with mistreatment, so a new name helps to give him a fresh start. A dog who has had behavioral issues may associate his name with the bad behavior you’d like to correct. A new name can help him to respond to positive behaviors.

You want to do the right thing and give a shelter dog a home, so you visit the local shelter and look for the perfect dog. Having spent hours getting to know all the dogs at the shelter, you finally choose one. Now, what does the shelter need from you? Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

General Adoption Requirements

For most people adopting a dog, the process is pretty straightforward. There are several things modern adoption centers and shelters need to learn from you, much of which will be covered in the adoption application. Unless there are special issues to address, most applications ask the same questions. You will be required to either own your own home or, if you rent, produce proof you are allowed to have a pet. You will be asked about previous pet-owning experience, and in some cases you will need to be an experienced dog owner. Many shelters require you have a back yard, but this requirement can be waived if the shelter personnel feel it’s appropriate. Many shelters require you supply contact information for a veterinarian or others who can attest to your suitability to have a dog. Finally, the dog must be for you, not a “surprise” or gift for another, and your spouse, if applicable, must join in the adoption process.

Special Situations: The Dog

In some situations, adoption requirements become a little more stringent. This is particularly true when adopting a breed of dog that requires a lot of exercise. In such cases, you will almost definitely be required to have a fenced-in backyard. If adopting a puppy, many shelters will require you to enroll the pup in a training class; many shelters offer them for free for adopters. Many times, well-meaning folks will adopt a puppy, neglect to teach him basic obedience and manners, and then, when he’s fully grown into an unmanageable adult dog, return him to the shelter, where his chances of being re-adopted are slim. Even if the problem was not his fault, it looks bad on his record to have been returned.

Regulations

Oh yes, those dreaded regulations. There are certain dog breeds for which owners pay dearly when it comes to insurance premiums and homeowner fees. Some homeowner’s associations ban breeds they deem “dangerous,” never taking into account that dogs have unique personalities. Even if you own your home, you may be required to show proof that your homeowner’s association has not passed limitations on the size or breed of dog you may have.

Your homeowner’s insurance company may also have something to say about the breed you choose. If you are considering a pit bull, Rottweiler or mastiff, for instance, you should look into your insurance policy to be sure there are no problems down the road. There have been cases of dogs such as greyhounds and German shepherds being disallowed by insurance policies, so check carefully.

If you rent and are allowed to have pets, be sure you can pay any necessary pet deposits, and don’t select a dog that exceeds the weight limit.

Your Situation

Shelter personnel and rescue groups get to know the dogs in their care very well and are in the best position to gauge whether the dog you have chosen is the right dog for your situation. For example, a nervous little dog who may be a fear-biter is not the best choice for a family with small children. Certain breeds, such as terriers, are usually not adopted to people with cats or pocket pets because of their natural prey drive. An elderly person is not a good match for a strong, 80-pound, adolescent pit bull.

There may also be requirements as to your lifestyle. If you prefer to read a good book while curled up by the fire, an active breed will be miserable with you; get an older, smaller lap dog instead. Don’t take it personally if shelter personnel feel you don’t have the requirements needed to adopt a certain dog; their first priority should always be the dog’s best interest.