I came across an old folder on my laptop the other day and it contained my New Year’s resolutions for 2011 - all of the things I had vowed to do this year and reading through it again, it would appear I have successfully managed to achieve none of them. Pat on the back for me.

So as we’re over half way through this year I thought I had better try and tick at least one off my list to ease my guilty conscience. So I’m getting a puppy! Yep, you heard me right I’m taking the plunge and buying a canine companion.

The reason this was on my resolutions list was that it would give me something else to worry about apart from myself. The only problem is I’m already worrying which type of dog to get…

But always one for a challenge, I have decided to apply the same tactics I use when trying to find a man to date to buying a dog, I want the same traits in my pooch that I want in a man. I mean, after all, they are man’s best friends right?

Here is what I have deduced so far:

Labrador

Who doesn’t love Labs? Seriously, who doesn’t love them? They’re one of the most popular dogs in the world but like popular men, they need a lot of attention. As a breed they also love the great outdoors and are high-energy when they’re young.  I dated a sports instructor like this once and he too loved being active and was younger in years. It didn’t work out due to my lack of sporting prowess. I’m worried I could have the same issues if I decide to get a Labrador.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds aren’t lacking in testosterone and I’ve certainly dated a few men with the same condition. They were all loyal and affectionate but quite frankly, at times, a little intimidating. I’m sure the men would have been a lot better in the hands of the right woman but that woman wasn’t me. I didn’t have the energy needed to make the relationship work and I’m not sure I’d have the energy to make my relationship work with a German Shepherd either.

Yorkshire Terrier

These tiny toy terriers are independent and protective of their owners – the perfect traits in a man you might think. So did I - I dated my own Yorkshire Terrier and sadly it turned out not only was he independent and protective, he also wasn’t interested in ladies…

Golden Retriever

Smart, friendly, athletic, and good-looking, the Golden is the perfect package. It's also among the easiest dogs to train, something I also find a necessity when it comes to men. My Mr Golden Retriever was the perfect package and after I trained him, I even took him home to meet my parents. So what was the problem you ask? Well, that gorgeous glossy coat Retrievers have also sheds like crazy. And so did this man. He was bald within six months and sadly I’m just too fickle.

Beagle

This little dog offers a lot of personality in a compact package. The breed is a lot of fun - and a lot of work. Beagles have a tendency to wander off on their own – not something I want in either my dog or a man. I dated my own beagle and he occasionally forgot to come to my house when I called. He was far too independent and in the end I was always wondering where else he was sniffing around.

After reading through my list I think I should ignore my resolution, as it would appear that like all of the men I’ve dated, I’m just not compatible with the dogs enough to have a long-term commitment.

Maybe I’ll just get a cat instead...