Adopting A Dog – Which Dog Is Right For You?

When given the right care and affection, every dog is a good friend and the time and investment on them will be repaid several folds over. More than that, a dog's life spans more than fourteen years that they invariably become members of the family. Outside of marriage, adopting a dog is your only chance to choose a family member. Because of our strong attachment to dogs, it is not enough to have just another dog. It is too easy to fall into that kind of trap. It is so easy to fall in love with a puppy that is giving you its puppy eyes and begging for adoption. People have different personalities, so have dogs. Since dogs change your lifestyle and will stay with you for a very long while, it is best to have a list of dog traits that will best compliment your personality because when adopting a dog, love at first sight may not be very good enough.

Before going out to find a dog for adoption, consider a list of characteristics that you would want in a dog. Generally dog breed helps. There are two kinds of dogs, the mixed, and the purebreds. Dog breeds have characteristics and traits different from other dogs although remember that even a purebred will display characteristics entirely their own and which will only be recognized later as the pup is growing up. No matter, there is no negative dog characteristic that is not corrected by training.

Whether the choice is to go for the pure or the mixed bred, find a dog that matches your energy level, one that approximates your characteristic or one the one trait that you value most. If you have a family, consider the one that will generally match theirs too.

Love – All dogs love, but some dogs have the tendency to display their affection better than others do.

Gregariousness – There are dogs that are extra sociable that they are best suited for walks outside of the house.

Friendly – Dogs in general are friendly except sometimes with other dogs. There are dog breeds however that are more patient and do not get easily threatened by other dogs making them ideal for walks, hunting and the outdoors.

Fiercely loyal – This dog characteristic is best for people who need the calming assurance of loyalty around them.

Playful – Playful dogs are for people who want excitement and fun. Boxers and Retrievers are fine examples of very playful animals. If you do not mind a lot of running around and tail wagging, playful dogs should be on the top of your list.

Athletic - Dogs are almost similar in temperament to playful dogs although they are bred to be sturdier but not necessarily be as playful.

Docile – Dogs are typically obedient dogs.

Quiet – Dogs are dog breeds that rarely bark and are good for people who live in apartments and places where noise has to be kept low.

While these traits or at least a good mix of them are found in most dogs, the characteristics are dominant to particular breeds. Good sources for profiling a dog are pet shops, the Yellow Pages, and the internet.