Rose Martelli

Hollywood's blockbuster "Twilight" franchise has ushered in the dawn of a new, favorite pet name among animal-adoring Americans: Once again Bella was the No. 1 name for dogs in a survey released this month by Veterinary Pet Insurance, the nation's largest provider of pet health insurance. It was also No. 2 for cats and No. 7 for exotic animals.

Considering that the first "Twilight" flick -- about Bella, a comely teenage loner played by Kristen Stewart who falls in love with a vampire classmate -- hit theaters in late 2008, the trend toward naming a beloved pet after the saga's lead character probably began with the fans who initially read the books.

The Top Ten
According to the VPI survey, the most popular names for dogs, from No. 1 to No. 10, are Bella, Bailey, Max, Lucy, Molly, Buddy, Maggie, Daisy, Charlie and Sophie. For cats, the most popular names are Max, Bella, Chloe, Oliver, Lucy, Smokey, Shadow, Tiger, Tigger and Charlie. Popular exotic animal names are Charlie, Baby, Sunny, Jack, Kiwi, Bandit, Bella, Max, Sammy and Gizmo.

So it's clear that though Bella has struck a chord, pet owners have not adopted names like Edward or Cullen in similar numbers? (Charlie, the name of Bella's father in "Twilight," is the No. 9 name for dogs, No. 10 for cats and No. 1 for exotics, which include birds, lizards, gerbils, rabbits, etc. -- but that probably has nothing to do with the series.)

Dog Breed: Havanese

Personality: "Havanese are a happy, playful sort, with immense charm," says Susan Siver, a member of the Havanese Club of America's breeder directory committee. "They are a small dog in stature with a big-dog attitude, and they are very people-oriented." "The Dog Breed Bible" describes the Havanese as "a busy, curious dog. It loves to play and clown and is affectionate with its family, children, strangers, other dogs and pets. Basically everyone!"

Grooming: The Havanese's "wavy, silky coat is profuse," according to the American Kennel Club. It's a good thing that it's a nonshedding dog, and Havanese owners have options when it comes to "how much effort they want to put into maintaining a Havanese coat," Siver says. "A puppy cut, which most pet owners prefer, requires much less effort in brushing. However, there is still daily brushing involved."

Common Health Issues: This is a "relatively healthy" breed, Siver says, although particular concerns can include "cataracts, cherry eye, chondrodysplasia, deafness, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes, liver shunt and luxating patella."

Kristin Chenoweth did it a couple of months ago on "Ellen." You may have even done it yourself. Kissing your dog: OK or not OK?

We're not talking about a quick peck atop the head; we mean actually giving your dog a smooch on the lips (or in Chenoweth's case, an unabashed tongue duel). It's an issue that divides dog owners; a 2009 study showed that just about half allow and indulge in such behavior.

The debate continues: Is it sweet? Gross? More importantly, is it tantamount to germ warfare? How much interaction might be too much? We asked readers and veterinarians alike to tell us what they think.

"Fifi's Just Showing Affection"
Personal preference, of course, dictates a Fido-phile's decision to kiss or not to kiss. And what many dog owners prefer is letting the pet set the rules. "They show you unconditional love. It is only right to show them the same in return," says Tina Ballash Blair of Ocala, Fla. "Hugs, kisses, love -- they deserve all that and more."

Some veterinarians happily condone kissing and admit to the habit themselves. "As long as you've got a close relationship with your dog and you want to suck face, I'm OK with that," says Dr. William H. Craig, a former president of the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice's board of directors and co-founder of the Ingram Park Animal Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

But not everyone agrees.

"I Think It's Disgusting"
Whether due to etiquette or hygiene, a number of dog owners adopt a Lucy Van Pelt-like stance against dog germs. Pet owner Erin Watzek-Valenti of Charlotte, N.C., declares, "Kiss your dog if you must, but let's kiss them on the head or a peck on the cheek. Kisses on the mouth are gross!"

Dog Breed: American Eskimo Dog

Personality: "Highly intelligent and eager to please" is how Thy Cavagnaro -- co-owner with her husband, Jimmy, of Atka the Eskie, a renowned performance and therapy American Eskimo Dog -- describes her breed of choice. "It adores its entire family, and often loves with its whole heart."

The American Kennel Club calls the American Eskimo Dog "alert and friendly," noting that they can make equally good watchdogs, showbiz dogs and competition dogs. "The Dog Breed Bible" describes them as "bright, eager to please, lively and fun-loving -- but also independent and tenacious."

Dog Breed Name: Schipperke

Personality: "Truly a big dog in a small body," says Melanie Coronetz, author of "Schipperkes: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual." "Schips have attitude. They're alert, active, loyal, inquisitive, clever -- and often stubborn."

On its website, the American Kennel Club uses adjectives like "enthusiastic, joyful and sometimes willful" to describe this tail-less, headstrong breed. "The Dog Breed Bible" notes that Schipperkes were often kept as boat dogs and the name translates roughly to "Little Captain." They are "happiest when on the lookout for adventure."

Grooming: Brush the coat daily, the teeth weekly, and clean out the ears "periodically," Coronetz recommends. ("The Dog Breed Bible" allows for a more lenient, weekly coat-brushing regimen, with more grooming needed when the dog is shedding.) A Schip bonus: They're odor-free and "don't need frequent baths," Coronetz says. "I bathe mine twice a year when they're 'blowing coat' to help get rid of the dead undercoat."