While dogs aren’t choosy about whom they love, finding a breed suited for your living situation and activity level will make everyone happier in the long run. To help you find your new best friend, here are some typical positive and negative characteristics of five popular mountain-town breeds.

Bernese mountain dog, a.k.a. Berner

Pros:

• loves the snow
• low exercise needs
• often chooses one human from their “pack” as a favorite

Cons:

• short (6 to 8 years) lifespan
• heavy shedder
• does not do well in the heat

Siberian Husky, a.k.a. Husky

Pros

• friendly and gentle disposition
• very clean—often licks her coat like a cat

Cons

• notorious escape artist
• strong predatory drive

Labrador retriever, a.k.a. Lab

Pros

• goofy
• great with kids
• easy to train
• loves water

Cons

• likes to chew as a pup
• hip problems are common

Australian shepherd, a.k.a. Aussie

Pros

• high, almost intuitive intelligence
• very loyal
• loves to play

Cons

• can be destructive if left alone all day
• cataracts are common

Golden retriever, a.k.a. Golden

Pros 

• playful personality
• wonderful family dog
• does not require tons of exercise

Cons

• loyalty bordering on neediness
• hip issues
• heavy shedding