With such limited living space, owning a dog in New York City can certainly be a challenge — try owning 6 like Julia Szabo! Known as the Pet Reporter, Szabo has written 6 books and countless articles for publications like The New Yorker, Real Simple, and Travel + Leisure all about caring for Fido, making her a perfect expert for Howcast’s Dog Breed series. Read on to discover her “life’s mission” and why dogs mean so much to her.

Howcast: What was your experience like working on the dog breed series?

Julia Szabo: Working on Howcast’s dog breed series was an absolute pleasure. Everyone on the Howcast team was thoroughly professional, efficient, and kind, not to mention very considerate of my dogs’ needs — which is critical with so many animals on the set!

Howcast: Tell us about your blog with Dogster.

JS: I write a daily column called “Living With Dogs” for Dogster, an online community of 2 million dog lovers. It’s a lifestyle column, so I touch on every aspect of living with canines, from health and care to style. I’m very lucky to have such a cool gig.

Howcast: Why are dogs so important to you?

JS: Dogs have taught me so much; they are the most wonderful, non-judgmental, empowering companions I have ever known. Since I’m a loyal person, I try to give back to dogs as best I can. I would do anything for my dogs, and I cannot rest as long as I know that millions of shelter dogs just like mine are losing their lives because there aren’t enough people out there adopting. You could say that dog adoption is my life’s mission.

Howcast: You mentioned one of your favorite breeds is the pit bull — any other breeds you’re fond of?

JS: It’s really hard for me to narrow this down! Whenever I’m asked the question “What kind of music do you like?” I always say: All kinds! It’s the same for me with dogs — I love all dogs. Each breed, and every mixed-breed, has special qualities that appeal to me. I’m like Will Rogers: I’ve never met a dog I didn’t like.

Howcast: Well, that’s obvious owning 6 dogs! What are their names and breeds?

JS: I have a Border collie named Sheba, a Chow-Rottweiler named Tiki, and 3 pit bulls (Lazarus, Cupcake, and Magnus), plus I’m fostering a Maltese named Sasha.

Howcast: What advice would you give to someone looking to get their first dog?

JS: By all means visit your local animal shelter and speak to the adoption counselors there. They will hook you up with the dog that’s right for your lifestyle. That’s key — if you bring home a dog that’s not suited to your lifestyle, you won’t fully appreciate the joy of living with one. Also, be flexible and open to suggestions. Maybe you had your heart set on a small dog, and you never thought a large dog would be right for you. Take your time, ask questions, and open your heart — that’s how you’ll get the perfect dog for you.

- KC I., Assistant Editor and Golden Retriever (according to Dogster’s quiz, that is)