There's one problem with adopting a dog from an animal shelter - the selection of available canine companions can overwhelm you! Man's best friends come in all shapes, sizes and, of course, personalities.
The good news is that almost any shelter dog can make a wonderful, lifelong companion for you and your family. The bad news is that some of those bundles of energy will make less appropriate pets for you than others. The key is simply knowing what to look for. Here's a few things to think about:
Examine Yourself
Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal that matches your lifestyle and wants. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle, such an animal may be perfect. A dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision.
Learn About Different Breeds and Mixes
So how do you find out which dogs have the qualities you're looking for? Information is the key: learn about various breeds, visit with animals at the shelter and speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.
Dogs fall into one of two categories: purebreds or mixed breeds. Most animal shelters have plenty of both. The only significant difference between the two is that purebreds, because of their parents and other ancestors, are all members of the same breed and generally conform to a specific "breed standard." This means that if you adopt a purebred puppy, you have a good chance of knowing how big he'll get and what general physical and behavioral characteristics he'll have.
Of course, the size, appearance and temperament of most mixed breed dogs can be predicted as well. After all, mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. So if you can recognize the ancestry of a particular mixed-breed puppy, you have a good chance of knowing how he'll turn out too.
Mixed breeds offer several other advantages. When you adopt a mixed breed, you benefit from the combined traits of two or more breeds. You also get a dog who's likely to be free of genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs. Mixed breeds, in fact, are often considered the more "natural" dog. When you adopt a mixed breed, you adopt a totally unique companion.
Visit with Shelter Animals
While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that it is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't show until he's away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog who isn't vying for your attention, don't count him out. He may just be a little scared or lonely.
An adoption counselor can help you select canines who'll match your lifestyle. When you spend time with each animal, you'll want to ask yourself...