What made you pick a pooch or a parrot, fetch a feline or a fish? We are all drawn to animals that reflect our own traits as well as fill our lifestyle needs, says Diane Pomerance, Ph.D., an SPCA of Texas volunteer and author of Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers & Guides. Pomerance stresses that although individual quirks and qualities set each of us apart, pet lovers tend to fall into these categories.

Lapdog

(such as a Yorkshire terrier, Japanese Chin, Pomeranian or Chihuahua)
Your personality
You love to accessorize! This pretty pal enhances your looks. Plus, you want to nurture. This is your baby.
What’s behind your animal attraction
Tiny dogs are easy to transport, allowing for more time together.
Things you do for love
Miniature and teacup dogs tend to become ill more often than large dogs, so you fund frequent vet visits.

Big dog

(such as a Labrador retriever, golden retriever or Siberian husky)
Your personality
You’re athletic, compassionate and gregarious.
What’s behind your animal attraction
You gravitate toward the outdoors. These high-energy canines provide hours of on-the-go fun.
Things you do for love
Oh, the shedding! Since donning your pooch’s coat is never a great look, you check your clothing before heading out each day. Also, dog-food bills take a bite out of your budget.

Protective dog

(such as a pit bull, Doberman pinscher or rottweiler)
Your Personality
Good buds attest to your friendliness, but your tough looks may fool others. You like this yin and yang.
What’s behind your animal attraction
You don’t want strangers to mess with you. These breeds will make them steer clear.
Things you do for love
Sometimes your dog’s alpha reputation gets too much of a bad rap. (You know that a rottweiler, for example, can be a clown at heart!) You face the fact that he won’t be the most popular dog on the block.

Purebred cat

(such as a Siamese, Himalayan or Persian)
Your Personality
You appreciate the finer things and don’t hesitate to indulge in luxury.
What’s behind your animal attraction
Your fancy feline adds elegance to your home, complementing your sense of style. Self-sufficient (just like your cat), you meow for affection as well.
Things you do for love
High rates of illness result from excessive inbreeding. You have the animal hospital phone number memorized.

Mixed-breed cat

(such as an ASPCA special)
Your Personality
Easygoing, you aren’t impressed with brand names.
What’s behind your animal attraction
You’re independent (again, like your cat), yet enjoy a purr-fect cuddle.
Things you do for love
As with all cat owners, your home is devoid of delicate collectibles and accessible plants, which a cat can’t resist toying with. And there is no tinsel on your Christmas tree.

Hamster, guinea pig or rabbit

Your Personality
You’re a multitasker with a lot on your plate, but you crave an occasional snuggle session.
What’s behind your animal attraction
Usually confined to cages, these wee ones are relatively low-maintenance. Very busy parents often choose these pets for a young child.
Things you do for love
Nocturnal squeaking and scampering may awaken you.

Reptile

(such as an iguana, gecko or snake)
Your Personality
You’re ruled by an adventurous spirit and think of yourself as a trailblazer.
What’s behind your animal attraction
A reptile adds unusual spice to your life. Even its tank habitat seems otherworldly.
Things you do for love
Your friends may be reluctant to visit — especially if you let the critters loose.

Exotic tropical fish

Your Personality
Fascinated by diversity, you tend to get bored with the same old routine.
What’s behind your animal attraction
An aquarium offers you the variety and sense of wonder you crave. The vibrant colors and patterns on these fish stimulate your mind as well as calm you.
Things you do for love
Supplying and cleaning your tank can be a time-consuming hobby.

Common goldfish

Your personality
You gravitate toward people with interests similar to yours. You also have a silly side.
What’s behind your animal attraction
Pretty easy to care for, goldfish do best in tanks without other species. They seem to play games of hide-and-seek, dashing behind rocks and plants.
Things you do for love
Despite Goldie’s short life span, you’re still bowled over to call her your pet. (But it may be a while before the sound of a flushing toilet no longer saddens you.)

Small bird

(such as a canary or parakeet)
Your personality
You are sweet and soft-spoken and enjoy the freedom to roam… occasionally.
What’s behind your animal attraction
Nothing complements your gentle demeanor more than a fluttering feathered friend outfitted in soft hues and tender tones.
Things you do for love
Cage alert: You need to clean droppings scrupulously before unpleasant odors grow.

Big bird

(such as a macaw, toucan or parrot)
Your personality
Attention-seeking and outspoken, you relish being the life of the party.
What’s behind your animal attraction
With vocabularies of 200-plus words, these yappers can be wonderful company.
Things you do for loveChatter, chatter, chatter. If you live in an apartment, just make sure your neighbors don’t have thin walls.

Horse

Your Personality
Adaptable and fun-loving, you can also be surprisingly high-maintenance at times.
What’s behind your animal attraction
Riding your horse, you feel young and free again… and on top of the world.
Things you do for love
The serious upkeep bills seem to be galloping away with your bank account.