You wouldn’t choose your life partner only on looks, so why do it with your canine best friend? A little research into dog breeds can help you find the right breed to match your personality and lifestyle.

Many people decide that they want to own a certain breed because of their admiration for Lassie or because they see a certain breed in a movie and think it is attractive. What they don’t consider is the basic temperament of a particular breed as well as the purpose for which it has been bred. Case in point: The number of abandoned dalmations in shelters increased by about 80 percent after the movie "101 Dalmations" was released. Why? Dalmations were bred to run long distances alongside carriages, and later, fire trucks. While the puppies are cute, they can be stubborn and difficult to train. A headstrong 50-pound adult is so vigorous it can send a granny or toddler flying.

Even if you have your heart set on one breed, keep in mind that there are many wonderful mixed breeds at your local shelter. You can glean information on a mixed breed’s personality and physical qualities by reading about each of the breeds in the mix.

Here are some steps to follow when you are researching the dog breed that is the best match for you:

1. Consult a veterinarian, who can provide useful advice on a breed’s behavior and temperament as well as potential medical problems. A vet’s opinion is likely to be less biased than that of a breeder.

2. Consider your daily routine. How much time can you devote to grooming, exercising and playing with a dog?

3. Think about your family. Do you have young kids in the house? If so, be sure to choose a breed that gets along well with children.

4. Evaluate your living environment. A chihuahua or Yorkshire terrier may love your apartment, but most larger breeds need room to roam.

5. Supplement the information you receive from a veterinarian with further study about different breeds. For an overview of breed characteristics, search the Internet or the pet section of your local library. Talking to dog owners can provide additional advice.

6. Decide whether you want a purebred or a mixed-breed dog. If you plan to show or breed your dog, then choose a purebred. If not, keep in mind that mixed-breed dogs can be just as loyal and lovable.

7. Decide whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Many
wonderful puppies and adult dogs have been abandoned or given up to animal shelters or breed rescue groups, and adopting a pet from one of these sources may mean saving a life.

8. Ask the seller to tell you about particular habits or personality traits the dog exhibits. Ask the seller about the parents of the puppies when visiting a purebred litter. Be sure that each parent belongs to a different family and has been screened for genetic diseases.