There are more than 400 different breeds of dogs, each with its own unique characteristics and personality. Understanding the characteristics of breeds is a good place to begin your selection process. Before your start, though, develop a list of the personality traits you'd like in your dog, then consider

Cats have been domesticated for literally thousands of years. Yet they continue to behave according to their earlier natures as predators of vermin. They are creatures of habit who value cleanliness and routine. They love to hunt and roam. They also happen to be the number one choice of pets in the

Birds can be high-maintenance pets because they are very sociable and demand attention. Birds need daily stimulation, which can come from lots of toys, an engaging environment and contact with humans. Parrot-type birds, in particular, tend to be noisy. Smaller birds are generally easier to manage than

Reptiles and amphibians can make fascinating pets. Some look as ancient as dragons. Others turn all kinds of colors. They are relatively quiet and odorless compared to other animals, and they offer a variety of choices related to their size. With some of these species, like carnivorous snakes, you can

There are a variety of small animals that make great household pets. These little critters are engaging, quiet, relatively clean and easy to handle. Many come from the Rodent order, which is made up of 28 families and more than 2,000 species. Rodents can be found everywhere in the world except for Antarctica

They're smart. They're friendly. They can be trained to use a litterbox. And, they're fun to watch. For many pet owners, rabbits make great companions. Pet rabbits come from all over the world and include a wide variety of domestic breeds. They range in color and size — from a mere two pounds