Choose a dog that fits your life, and find places to go together

Start here if you want to know what a particular dog is like to live with. The dog breeds section covers size, coat, energy and the daily routine each breed tends to need. Those are tendencies, and every dog and every household is different. If you would rather start from a short list, try 10 small dog breeds or 10 low-maintenance dog breeds.

Choosing starts with your own week: how much time you're home, how much walking you can do, and what your building allows. Those answers narrow the field faster than any ranking. For specific situations, read about the best dog breeds for first-time owners, apartment dog breeds or family-friendly dog breeds.

Once the dog is home, the questions change to grooming, exercise, time alone and what a breed's coat means for your floors. If loose hair is your concern, 10 dog breeds that are lower shedding is a good place to start. Every breed produces allergens, so talk with your doctor if allergies are part of the picture.

The places directory lists dog parks, off-leash parks, dog beaches, trails, dog-friendly restaurants and patios, breweries and hotels. Dog rules vary from one venue to the next, so check the details on a listing and ask about dogs when you book or arrive. Know a spot we should list? You can add a place.

If you run a restaurant with a patio, a brewery or a hotel that welcomes dogs, this section is for you. You can see the listing plans and what each one adds to your page.

Pick the door that matches your week. If you're still deciding on a dog, start with the dog breeds. If you already have one, browse the places directory. Either way, the weekly newsletter brings new guides and places to your inbox. Questions are welcome through the contact page.