THE PERFECT COMPANION

Energizer bunny? Couch potato? Furry? Smooth? The pup that fits you.

- JENNA STREGOWSKI

THERE ARE SEVERAL factors to consider before you choose a dog-most important, your current lifestyle and the adjustments you are willing to make for a dog. Consider the needs of your family, especially if you have children, older relatives, or other pets. People with allergies or those who prefer low-shedding dogs might want to look into so-called "hypoallergenic" breeds (understand that some allergy sufferers may still show symptoms). Next, think about the ideal size, energy level, and age of your addition. Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment-10 to 15 years in most cases. Here are some pointers.

Size

You may already know you want a little lap dog you can carry around. Great choice! A few things to keep in mind while you're searching: Small dogs can be more delicate than larger ones (and get under your feet when you least expect them) and can be sensitive to colder temperatures. They also can be higher-maintenance (i.e., smaller tummies could mean more frequent meals, and smaller bladders mean more frequent potty breaks). And just because a dog is easy to pick up and remove from difficult situations doesn't mean it doesn't need obedience training. On the contrary. Skipping training can result in troublesome behaviors, such as growling, nipping, or constantly wanting to be held.