If I were a dog, I'd be a ....

Miniature poodles are clever and lively household companions, adaptable to their environments and are fairly easy to train—it’s no surprise that they were once very popular circus dogs. Overall, they are amusing, eager to please and a lot of fun to be around.

Poodles may look dainty and demur, but in truth, these are high-stamina dogs.

Having a Miniature Schnauzer can almost be like having a child—but in a good way. They are alert, perky and playful, but they need guidance to learn manners and obedience. They love to feel involved in family occasions and will make trouble if they feel ignored.

Highly intelligent and easy to train, Miniature Schnauzers nevertheless have a fearless streak. Often, they will go up against much larger dogs. And as they grow older they get more territorial.

Beloved companions to princes and princesses for well over 2,000 years, Maltese know how to behave: They are gentle, loving, obedient and well-mannered creatures that love attention and affection and know how to return to favor. However, Maltese have a fearless energy that makes them slightly more of a handful than your typical, docile lapdog.

Bulldogs may look tough, but inside they’re sweet and gentle. They have a friendly temperament—proving to be your ultimate pal—and a fond attachment to home and family. Sometimes this attachment grows so strong, they’ll stay inside until you insist they go out.

Apartment dwellers and couch potatoes might find Bulldogs the perfect pet: They don’t need too much space, and they like nothing better than hanging out on a couch or a beanbag all afternoon.

When it comes to their love of play, Miniature Australian Shepherds never really outgrow the puppy stage. They are superb with children—the more active, the better. But they have a gentle nature that prevents playtime from ever getting rough.

Miniature Australian Shepherds have excellent guarding instincts and a strong sense of loyalty to their families. They will definitely cause a ruckus if anything suspicious happens around the house.

Beagles are gentle, sweet, and funny. They will make you laugh, but that's when they're not making you cry because of their often naughty behavior. Beagle people spend a lot of time trying to outthink their dogs, and they often must resort to food rewards to lure the Beagle into a state of temporary obedience.

The Lab has the reputation of being one of the most sweet-natured breeds, and it's well deserved. They're outgoing, eager to please, and friendly with both people and other animals.

These charming, friendly and intelligent companions are soft and sweet, naturally social and get along with the whole family—even other pets.

Just don’t forget to give them attention—and lots of it. They crave human companionship and can suffer emotionally if neglected.

Yorkshire Terriers are not your typical couch companion. They are clever, bold and independent animals with an energetic feistiness that makes itself known all around the house.

No matter how many people or animals in the house, Yorkies will assert themselves, involving themselves in lots of hi-jinks that are mostly amusing and fun.

Pomeranians are little dogs with “big dog” personalities. While lively, friendly and fun, they can be slightly territorial. They grow very attached to their owners and can develop a protectiveness that makes them suspicious of strangers.

In spite of this protectiveness, Pomeranians are not too clingy or codependent. And they’ll get along with every member of the family, including other pets, as long as they’re introduced properly.

Pugs once jaunted around the palaces and lounged on the laps of ancient Chinese royals. And this is exactly what they’ll do—with relish—in your home. If you happen to be relaxing on the couch, your Pug will rest happily join you. But they are far from lazy.

Pugs are alert and attentive, following their owners from room to room and always ready to play.

Corgis, full name Pembroke Welsh Corgi, are those adorable little dogs with big, furry trunks and tiny, stubby legs. They are perhaps most well-known for being the breed of choice of Queen Elizabeth.

Perhaps because of their association with the Queen, these little dogs have grown into incredibly self-assured pups. Their posture would tell you they think they’re standing tall, and they have all the confidence of a much larger breed.

Shih Tzu are lively and energetic companions. Yet, they are also amazingly low-key and satisfied—assuming they get an adequate amount of attention. They like nothing better than to be held, stroked, petted and pampered by their owners, and are perfectly happy sitting on the couch with you for hours while you dote on them.

A good family dog and highly interactive, Shih Tzu usually adapt well to adults and children alike.