It's human nature to sort and classify material items, ideas and living things into hierarchies.  In this way a person can make a mental map of the world, and set priorities for the use of scarce resources.  A good pet, specifically a terrific dog, is one of those commodities that is subject to supply and demand; so humans have sorted and categorized dogs into groups and subgroups based on behavior, intelligence and  work ethic;  size, shape, and energy level.  The working dog group includes Great Danes and St. Bernards.  They have the size, intelligence and loyalty to perform tasks alongside humans.  Terriers are independent and spunky, with high activity needs.  Toys like pugs and chihuahuas can be high strung, but are affectionate and adaptable.  Standard Poodles like myself are hard to classify. Some references refer to our "pampered, high class history" and our "aura of superiority."  One says that poodles are "highly creative" and "love to be stars."  Gee, and they haven't even interviewed me yet!

     While humans have been rating and classifying dogs for years, we dogs have been doing the same.  Our methods are classified TOP SECRET, but they include the use of our olfactory capabilities, and the use of Sheldon's Body- Personality criteria. We plug our measurements into the appropriate Human Preferability Algorithm and "voila" we have an indication of how you will perform as a master, and whether you will keep a good house for us, and feed us well.  The ectomorphs among you tend to be reserved, private types.  You look a little like a poodle with your thin arms and legs, and narrow faces.  A social dog might bring out more of your personality. Perhaps a Retriever since opposites attract.  You endomorphs are sociable and fun loving.  You love food and good humor so a toy poodle , or a pug might be right up your alley.  The mesomorphs among you; physical, assertive, and competitive might want a sporting dog like a pointer, or perhaps a hound to hunt with. The two of you can bond, but watch out; the wife might get jealous if the dog monopolizes the mesomorph's time with fun and games

     The truth of the matter is that a Standard Poodle would be the perfect dog for any human body-personality type.  Since we are generous, intelligent dogs, we want to share the bounty with all of the other dog breeds , so that we can live together in perfect harmony.  When it comes time to choose a dog, please consider all of the attributes of the chosen breeds, and take a good look at yourself and your strengths and weaknesses.  Consider the fact that while you are making your assessment, we dogs are doing a little mental calculus ourselves.Don't forget to use your intelligence when formulating your rating system, these classifications that were handed down by our ancestors don't always apply today.  You need to judge the individual dog that you meet, not the stereotype that you might have learned about in some book.  It's the nature of animals to classify,  and to analyze the environment. All animals use ratings and classifications, either consciously or unconsciously, to make decisions that can effect their future happiness. Judging by personality, breed or body type goes both ways when two animals encounter each other and attempt to form a relationship. Intentions and motives are assessed, sometimes in the spur of the moment. A humble good will is the attribute we dogs rate the highest. Coming in a close second is competence in providing a good home. A dog has a built in need to please her human master. All we really want to do, is be friends with you.