Which dog breed is best for you?

Active, clever, and rambunctious, pugs are known as the clowns of the canine world. Their excellent sense of humor and desire to show off can make them quite a riot. Originally bred to be a lap dog, the pug thrives on human companionship.

Great for novice owners, pugs adapt well to apartment-style living. In fact, they're quite sensitive to heat and should not be kept outdoors. They need human constant human companionship; if you own a pug, expect him to follow you around in the house, sit in your lap, and want to sleep in bed with you.

Their affectionate and playful nature makes them perfect for families with small children. While they do need regular activity, they require less exercise than other breeds.

The Lhasa Apso is a small dog that thinks he's a very large one. Bred for hundreds of years to be a royal watchdog, Lhasas are loyal guardians of home and family.

Their protective nature can be surprising given their small size and long, flowing coat. They certainly don't appear fierce, but when it comes to protecting their own, they are determined. They're naturally suspicious of strangers and take their job as protector seriously. These proud companions tend to bond better with adults than youngsters. For those seeking a small but strong-hearted dog, the Lhasa is for you.

Their long, thick coats, though beautiful, can be a chore to keep in good condition. Be prepared for a lot of grooming, or make friends with a professional groomer.

Beagles are known for their happy and gentle nature, though some are highly energetic. With excellent scent detection and impressive stamina, beagles are good hunting and service dogs. Their noses guide them through life, and they're never happier than when following an interesting scent. However, their athleticism means they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation in the family environment.

Beagles make excellent companions for kids and adults alike, and they generally get along well with other animals. They think everyone is their new best friend! Because they are small, friendly, and cute, beagles don't intimidate people who might be afraid of dogs.

Beagles can do well in apartments if their owners are willing to walk them about an hour a day. If left alone and unexercised, beagles can become destructive.

This good-natured and affectionate breed is unmistakable with its long ears and soulful eyes. Because they originally were bred as pack dogs, basset hounds get along well with children and other pets. If you've got a full house, a basset would be a great addition to the family.

However, their friendliness also means they hate to be left alone for long periods of time. Bassets may become destructive and howl if left alone for too long and appreciate owners who are at home frequently.

Their relatively low energy means they can thrive in small homes, but keep in mind that they can easily put on weight. Responsible feeding and regular exercise are important.

Weinaraners are energetic, alert, powerful, and active. Because of their energy level and endurance, they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation from their family. Activities like retrieving, flyball, Frisbee, tracking and swimming will be appreciated.

Weinaraners also make great jogging companions or service dogs in law enforcement or search and rescue. They are a very social breed and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. They're happiest when their owners work from home or have flexible schedules.

While they're easy to groom and don't shed much, they thrive in larger homes with ample green space. While they're affectionate toward humans, their exuberant behavior may be too much for other dogs.

Admired for their grace and speed, owners fall in love with greyhounds for their sweet, mild nature. The greyhound combines a stately appearance with a friendly attitude toward people and other dogs. Loyal and affectionate with their families, greyhounds are not aggressive toward strangers, but they also aren't afraid to let you know when someone's approaching.

Greyhounds have a reputation for high energy levels, but in reality their favorite pastime is sleeping. Designed as sprinters (rather than distance runners), they'll be satisfied with a daily walk and can do fine in apartments or homes with small yards. But don't worry, active people find they make great jogging or running partners.

Every year, many "retired" racing greyhounds are abandoned, euthanized, or sold to laboratories, but they can adapt wonderfully to home life. Adopting an adult also means you won't need to train, making them ideal for novice owners.