CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talib Ilaahee loves dogs, but there is one breed that he adores more than any other –- the Doberman.

"I love the Doberman pinscher. They are loyal. They will give their life for you. If you let them, they will be your shadow, but they are not for everybody," said the northeast Ohio dog trainer.

It is important to understand the importance of choosing a breed that fits your lifestyle.

Ilaahee's Doberman was selected not only because of the breed, but because she had a high suspicion level, a trait that Ilaahee said was crucial in picking a good dog.

"I didn't want the one in the litter that was too friendly or the one that was too shy," he said. "I wanted the one who would keep her eyes on me as I walked through the room."

When visiting a liter, Ilaahee dropped his keys to find out how each of the dogs would respond because he definitely didn't want a dog that would run and hide when startled.

Rapture, a 5-year-old Doberman, met the criteria and ended up going home with Ilaahee when she was 8 weeks old.

Although Illaahee said that suspicion level was the most important factor for him when picking his dog, he said it is also important to understand what a dog was initially bred to do.

Herding dogs such as the Australian cattle dog, Collie, German shepherd and Welsh Corgi, are bred to move livestock. Hounds, such as the Afghan, Basenji, Beagle, Dachshund and Greyhound, hunt by sight and smell. Sporting dogs, such as the Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter and Weimaraner, are bred to hunt birds. Terriers, such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer and West Highland Terrier, feel comfortable when hunting small vermin according to Pet Place.

Ilaahee said there are common-sense guidelines that many people don't follow, such as avoiding a barking breed while living in close quarters or a larger breed when living in an apartment.

"Too many people pick dogs because they are cute, and that's the wrong reason," he said, adding that the Shar-Pei is often viewed as cute, but they are often "wrinkled pit bulls" in terms of aggression.

Over his 30 years as a trainer, Ilaahee has encountered many situations in which the wrong dog has been chosen. To make sure that this doesn't happen, he offered the following tips.

• Investigate the breed.
• Get the dog from breeder – stay away from pet shops. This will ensure a high-quality dog.
• Think about the maintenance of a long-haired breed versus a short-haired breed. Long-haired breeds require more grooming and additional housekeeping.
• If you have children, decide whether you want a typical family dog, such as a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever, or a visual deterrent to keep your home safe, such as a Doberman or Rottweiler.

Ilaahee added that in addition to picking the correct breed for one's lifestyle, it's also important that a dog is trained properly. Getting a dog trained earlier is better. He recommends that a puppy starts training by 6 months of age, because by then, the puppy has picked up bad habits, such as stealing food, showing aggression toward other dogs, digging holes and chewing furniture.

For Cheryl Ward, the breed of choice is the Yorkshire Terrier because "they are such lap dogs and they like to snuggle and sleep with you."

Ward, who lives in Knox County, Ohio, has been breeding Yorkies for about three years. She understands that although they are her personal favorite, they are not good for everyone.

Ward said that Yorkies may not be best with families who have children under 6 years old, but they're perfect for senior citizens, young couples and widowers.

She added that Yorkies need a certain type of owner and home. Because she feels so strongly about this, she has a screening process for anyone who wants to purchase one of her dogs.

"I need to know that that dog is going to go to a good, loving home," she said.

Ward's conviction to making sure her Yorkies get the correct type of home involves meeting the owners and allowing them to play with the entire litter to determine which one they like the most.

Ward added that the process is not brief, sharing a story about a pastor in Newark, Ohio, who recently came to her home and stayed for about six hours. During that meeting, he also got to meet Buttons, who is AKC registered as Sassy Girl 2, and Scruffy, who is registered as Wards TLC King Thurman.

"I try to get to know a person as best I can without being too personal," she said.

Ward offered the following tips when picking the perfect pooch for your lifestyle.

• Be cautious.
• Take your time and be extremely selective.
• Get to know the breeder and always go to the breeder's house.
• Familiarize yourself with the breed.

She added that if there is a situation that does not give her comfort, she will not sell a puppy.

"Money is not my top priority," Ward said.