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Outdoors lifestyle -

If you're a seasoned marathon runner or regular hiking enthusiast, you very likely have the energy to keep up with a herding dog, a German shepherd perhaps or an Australian cattle dog. A Border Collie is another great choice of dog breed for those with an active lifestyle. Energetic dogs like this require longs walks to remain healthy and happy.

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Moderately active -

Some people prefer to follow a less active lifestyle. And guess what? So do some dogs. Smaller breeds such as the dachshund like to walk but tire easily either due to shorter legs or restricted air passages.

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Couch potato -

In fact, if you've adopted a couch potato personality (go on, admit it), then pugs or Welsh corgis, for example, are more than happy to keep you company on the sofa.

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Lazy by nature -

The same goes for most bulldog breeds. Despite their muscular appearance, these dogs are heavyset and by nature tend to be rather lazy. If this sounds like you, this pooch is perfect!

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Work hard, play hard -

If you're someone who works hard and plays hard, insist on a St. Bernard. These loyal and gentle giants are possessed of a sweet and patient temperament, and are full of affection. But they do enjoy plenty of boisterous downtime. A bit like you?

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Family members -

Running a family is a full-time job. So how on earth can you look after a pet dog as well? The good news is that there are dogs perfect for a busy family, including the golden retriever. This breed loves lots of attention and is happiest when it's included in all the family adventures.

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Family orientated -

Similarly, Labrador retrievers also make ideal family pets. These dogs love the outdoors and don't mind who takes them for a walk, whether its mom, dad, or one of the kids.

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People allergic to pets -

What dog breeds are hypoallergenic? In other words, if you're the coughing, sneezing, can't-be-near-a-canine kind, but still love dogs, is there still a pooch for you? Fortunately, there are certain dog breeds that allergic people have an easier time living with. One of these is the loveable standard Schnauzer.

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Allergic and still want to get a dog? -

The poodle is a loyal and affectionate allergy-friendly dog breed. There are three sizes of poodle: toy, miniature, and standard. These aren't different breeds, just different sizes of the same dog.

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Allergy-friendly breeds -

Other allergy-friendly canines include several breeds of terrier and one or two unusual breeds, among them the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Xoloitzcuintle, a hairless hound originally from Mexico.

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The hunter -

If you're a hunter, then a competent and obedient canine is a handy companion. In fact, working with a good gun dog is all part of the job. The pointer is the classic breed to take out into the field.

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Working in the field -

Did you know that researchers have estimated that a bloodhound's nose consists of approximately 230 million olfactory cells, or scent receptors? That's 40 times the number in humans. Besides their astonishing sense of smell, these dogs are also admired for their endurance and grit, and are made for the countryside.

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Outdoorsman -

If your lifestyle takes you out and about in the countryside hunting smaller game, then a beagle is the kind of dog you want at your side. Tenacious, energetic, and motivated, this dog breed likes to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

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Busy parent -

Well, so much for canines. Now, what about felines. Cats make great pets for busy people or families. Most cats are affectionate, playful, and friendly, and are self-sufficient.

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Sharing an apartment? -

If you live in apartment, then a cat is the perfect companion. All its needs is food, water, a litter box, and lots of fuss and attention. Oh, and a cushion placed where the sun hits the sofa!

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Unconventional personality -

If you display a rather unconventional and singular personality, then why not wear a Sphynx cat on your sleeve?

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Eccentric habits? -

On the other hand, if you project an eccentric personality, chances are you'll be into reptiles, chameleons for example. Reptile owners should be relaxed, individual in outlook, and love to be different from the crowd.

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An attentive outlook -

Those with a kind, caring personality coupled with a strong attention to detail are ideally suited to keeping a bird as a pet, a canary or parakeet perhaps.

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Musical talent -

If you're a musician and looking for a pet, a feathered friend might just be the companion for you. Studies have demonstrated that birds' brains react the same way to music as human brains do. Parrots and cockatoos are often seen bobbing their heads to a beat, a clear indication that they understand tempo.

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Working from home -

Rodents, including gerbils, hamsters, and chinchillas, make ideal pets for anyone working from home. As well as providing company, these animals serve as a welcome distraction during coffee and lunch breaks. Bear in mind, however, that larger rodents like the chinchilla require a good deal of attention to the point even of being let out of their cages on a regular basis to play and explore.

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Passive individual -

The passive individual will be at home with animals like cats and guinea pigs, so-called low energy pets.

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Low profile -

Mice and rats also fall into the low-energy pet category and agree with people who follow a quiet, low-profile way of life.

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An understanding nature -

Rabbits can be playful, energetic, and sociable. They can also be aggressive, standoffish, and timid. Bunnies therefore work well with people of an understanding nature who can deal with their sometimes unpredictable mood swings.

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Laid-back character -

Those possessed of a laid-back, easygoing character have a natural affinity with fish. In fact, science has revealed that fish are intelligent, emotional, and sentient creatures with the capacity to feel. Their aquarium environment should therefore be spacious and uncluttered and free from outside interference. It's why fish appreciate emotionally stable owners who prefer to admire and wonder at a distance.

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Reliable and conscientious -

Who doesn't like horses? Thing is, looking after one these animals is a huge commitment, and expensive, too. An equestrian is therefore someone who is reliable and conscientious and, frankly, fairly well off.

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The retiring type -

A person who keeps and breeds pigeons is known as a pigeon fancier. Generally speaking, this is a hobby often undertaken by mature adults, and probably retired. That said, keeping pigeons has recently enjoyed popularity in the United States, with young children opting to keep the birds as pets.

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Inquisitive and intelligent -

It takes a special kind of person to keep a spider as a pet, especially a palm-sized tarantula. Exotic species like this require particular care and attention and benefit from someone with an inquisitive and intelligent disposition... and who's not in the least bit squeamish.

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Inquiring mind -

By the same token, those with an inquiring mind and who are fascinated with nature are often the same people willing to take in weird and wonderful insects as pets, for example a praying mantis. 

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (PBS) (Frontiers) (PBS) (Michigan Live) (Smithsonian)

See also: Are we facing an insect apocalypse? 

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