By: Marcelle Naidoo

Our four-legged little buddies, the ones we talk to without fear of judgement…

Dogs are there to smother you with kisses when you’ve had a rough day and no matter what your situation is, they always seem to understand. If you are an animal lover then you would know what a huge role our pets play in our everyday lives; their very presence is sometimes all we need.

Every individual has a certain set of characteristics, we have some good qualities and some bad, some disgustingly adorable habits and some we wish we could get rid off. I believe this doesn’t differ much when it comes to dogs. They may seem like they have been put on this earth to bring us joy and happiness but they have feelings and just like humans, they are entitled to an ‘off’ day every once in a while.

To achieve the perfect pet – owner relationship you need to find a breed that is most suitable to your personality and lifestyle, not only for your benefit but for your puppy as well. There are breeds for every type of person so don’t be disheartened if you aren’t best friends with your first pup, there are plenty to choose from…

The athlete- (Doberman pinscher)

If you enjoy morning runs and the occasional swim, this athletic canine is sure to keep you on your toes. You will never be in need of a workout companion and this energetic dog will test your endurance to the max! His toned body and pointy ears give him a sporty yet elegant look. It also makes grooming extremely easy but this doesn’t mean you can neglect him. These dogs need owners who are prepared to spend a lot of time doing physical activities with them. They have an average life span of about 10 -11 years.

The slob (Bulldog)

This grumpy looking fellow is rather friendly. He may seem as if he’s going to chew your arm off but he’s actually harmless. His only crime is being a bit too lazy so if you’re a couch potato who enjoys lazing around, watching movies and playing games then this cuddly pup will be a perfect match for you. They aren’t as active as other breeds but they still make for an extremely loyal companion. They have large heads with folds of skin that decorate their faces beautifully. Although they may put up a fight when it comes to exercising, it is important that your bulldog is in good shape because if he becomes overweight then this may lead to heart and lung problems. Their folds of skin require daily clean-ups to prevent infection and just a little extra perk to keep in mind, bulldogs are known to be the most ‘relentless farters in the canine world’.

The Princess (Poodle)

This pretty, cotton candy look alike is a timid and playful dog. They are extremely intelligent and alert but seem to get bored pretty fast. These dogs are often used as a fashion accessory, they are obedient and this gives them an advantage in dog shows and competitions. They need extra special care when it comes to grooming because their non-shedding coat can grow into their ears and lead to infections…their fur is thick and curly and when groomed properly it is beautiful but if you neglect your pup, you may end up having all its fur off and this is not a good experience for any dog. Poodles need attention and love being pampered but don’t be offended if they walk away from you unexpectedly, it’s in their nature to get bored pretty easily.

The true friend (Labrador retriever)

This loving pet comes pretty close to perfect in my eyes, an even tempered and well-behaved dog, he looks as if he’s smiling permanently. This is a particularly large breed of dog, with males being slightly larger than females. They are comfortable around every type of person and take loyalty to a whole new level. The name ‘retriever’ is pretty suitable because historically, they were hunting dogs and could bring you back anything if they recognised the scent. They are still used to sniff out drugs and illegal substances at airport terminals. Labradors are caring, gentle giants…they can deal with almost any situation from protecting an infant baby to helping the visually impaired get to their destination. These are the perfect family dogs… it’s pretty much like having a little four-legged best friend who will never argue or disagree with you.

There are many more weird and wonderful breeds to choose from, just remember that every puppy needs the ultimate gift of love to ensure his/her happiness…For me there is nothing more special than coming home to a happy little guy who eagerly awaits my arrival and lovingly greets me by knocking me over and covering me with kisses.