Four part question:
My answer in the comments.
Dogs are my favorite pet. I have 5 snow dogs right now. Huskies and Malamutes. I have had as many as 9 at once. I am very partial to large dogs. Ankle biters are a food group around here. Just joking but I am not a fan. Big cats are probably my favorite non-pet animal. Beauty, speed and intelligence. I was raised on a non-working farm where we had all kinds of animals. I personally have taken in over 20 dogs in the last 20 years. Some as old as 13 when I took them in. Everyone knows I am a sucker for animals so I have taken in some really strange beasts. I had poison dart frogs, baby squirrels and rats.
It used to be horse, and while I love them still they took a backseat after my 1st doberman, so doberman is my answer, because for me they're unlike other dogs and believe me I'd love to fall for another breed that's healthier but have yet to find anything equivalent. I can't say I like all dogs and be honest.
Yes
That's too hard, quick answer fossa or octopus
I've no idea, crow maybe, like shiny things, laugh too loud at times and remember those who were good to me and who weren't.