Without a doubt, Americans pamper their dogs and cats and the simple pet bed has been transformed into a warm, plush retreat. Now if your pets are anything like mine, they prefer your bed to anything else.

In record numbers, Americans have taken a variety of animals into their homes and hearts. According to various industry sources, over seventy million homes in the U.S. have some kind of pet.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is an affectionate, intelligent and protective family pet. She can live in an apartment, as long as she is afforded frequent long walks. She is a great watch dog and guard dog but she will not drive the neighbors crazy with her barking, as she is a quiet dog. She is good with older, considerate children.

The Irish Wolfhound is a tall, large dog that needs an average amount of exercise. Never push a young Irish Wolfhound to run or exercise when she does not want to as you may injure rapidly growing joints. She is generally not a good watch dog or guard dog as she is very sweet tempered and loves everyone.

The Japanese Chin is a happy lap dog with a magnificent coat. She loves everyone and is good with pets and other dogs.

The Italian Greyhound is meant for a quiet apartment or home. She does not do well with loud, rough children as her bones can be brittle as a puppy and she is delicate in both body and mind. She is a good watch dog and loves her family.

The Keeshond is a dog that can live in an apartment as long as frequent long walks are available. She is fairly active indoors and makes a good watch dog because she generally likes to bark. She is great with older, considerate children and wants to be a part of the family.

The Kuvasz is a large sturdy dog with fierce protective instincts. She is a loyal, protective pet and she needs extensive early socialization with children, strangers and other pets. As a reminder, a child should never be left unsupervised with any puppy or dog.

The Irish Terrier is a wonderful medium size dog that can live in an apartment as long as she is allowed frequent long walks. A properly fenced in yard would be ideal for this dog to get her exercise but pay attention to possibly burying a part of the fence into the ground as she is a digger.

The Komondor is a gorgeous sheep dog from Hungary where she was bred to fight off bears and wolves. This is a no nonsense dog that makes a serious watch dog and guard dog. She is not a barker and her ears do not move much so she may not communicate that she is disturbed and about to defend.