As far as the appearance is concerned, you already know what type of dog you are looking for. But do you know if that dog is right for you? For instance, you may love the white curly hair of a Poodle, but are you ready for the grooming treatment that it requires to maintain those beautiful curly locks? You admire the intelligence of a German Shepherd, but do you know that this breed sheds year-round? So unless you can bear to have constant hair on your furnitures, this brainy dog may not be ideal for you.