No two dogs have the same temperament even with dogs of the same breed. Typically though, dogs of the same breed share more of the same characteristics. When decided in adopting a dog, choose dog characteristics and traits that you want. If you lead an active lifestyle for example, do not adopt a dog with a phlegmatic character that will be content to hang around the house much of the time, eating, and sleeping. To select the right dog, select those that closely resemble your lifestyle. Listed are characteristics and traits of dogs that you may want to consider.

Size
People living in small apartments have the tendency to adopt small breeds. Understandably, the consideration for many is the available space. When you have small children though, it is not wise to have small dogs around a small space. Small dogs are very energetic and highly active creatures that will tend to topple things aside from not being safe to be around little children. Large dogs on the other hand are slower and more placid. If you have the time to get the dog out regularly for walks and exercise, a large dog will fit in nicely even when the space is limited. Larger dogs though cost more to maintain.

Temperament
If you are the kind of person who likes peace and quiet around the house, find dogs that are peaceful and quiet by nature. Likewise, if you are the type that loves the outdoors and is athletic, find a dog that has the stamina to keep up and do not get easily distracted. Active and athletic dog types would need their daily requirement of hard running and long walks. Without that energy is pent up and they could potentially be destructive inside the house. For athletic and active people though, no dog breed is as good.

Intelligence
Who would not want an intelligent dog? The sad thing about this is that you cannot have all the characteristics that you want written down to one dog. Intelligent dogs are those that could pick up a command with five exposures and does not forget even when the command is not repeated often. Intelligent dogs are best for everyone but so much better for people who get easily frustrated and do not have the time enough to train dogs. You have to made a good choice. There are various dog breeds that have a higher percentage of intelligence than other breeds.

Purpose
Today, dogs are popular toys, even as fashion statements. Dogs though are more important than that. Yes they are good companions and playmates. More than anything else dogs are protectors, workers, watchers, guides etc. Depending on the purpose that you want your dog to do, breeds are good guides in determining the right kind of dog for the right kind of purpose that you have in mind.

These are some of the things that you may want to determine first before adopting a dog, because you may not want just any dog. You want a dog that you could live with and have fun with for a long, long time.

Check out some great recipes:

Liver Brownies

2 lbs chicken livers 2 C corn meal 2 C wheat germ 2 eggs 2 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic (not salt) 1/2 C dried parsley Liquefy livers in food processor, pour into mixing bowl and add other ingredients. Mix until smooth like... [Read more]

Alfalfa Hearts

Alfalfa Hearts 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup soy flour 1 teaspoon bone meal — optional 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 1 tablespoon lecithin — optional 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 3 tablespoons alfalfa sprouts — chopped 1... [Read more]

Baby Food Doggie Cookies

Baby Food Doggie Cookies 3 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained — *see Note 1/4 cup cream of wheat — *see Note 1/4 cup dry milk Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten... [Read more]

Bow Wow Biscuits

Bow Wow Biscuits 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup powdered milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 8 tablespoons bacon grease — or margarine 1 egg — beaten 1 teaspoon brown sugar 2 tablespoons beef broth —... [Read more]

Chow Chow Chicken

Chow Chow Chicken 2 chicken thighs — or white meat 1 stalk celery — sliced thick 3 carrot — peeled and halved 2 small potato — peeled and cubed 2 cups rice — uncooked Place chicken pieces in large pot. Cover with cold water... [Read more]

Bulldog Brownies

Bulldog Brownies 1/2 cup shortening 3 tablespoons honey 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/4 cup carob flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Frosting 12 ounces nonfat cream cheese 2 teaspoons honey Cream shortening and honey together thoroughly.... [Read more]

BARF Breakfast (med size dog)

BARF Breakfast (med size dog) 1/4 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup yogurt 1/4 cup vegetables — *see Note 250 mgs vitamin C — for dogs. Crushed 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon kelp seaweed powder — *see Note 1 teaspoon... [Read more]

Bone Bonanza

Bone Bonanza 1/2 pound ground beef — uncooked 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup black beans, cooked — mashed 1/3 cup cottage cheese 1 teaspoon soy sauce Combine ground meat and chicken broth in a bowl. Add the black beans and cottage cheese. Add... [Read more]

Frozen Doggie Yums

Ingredients: 1 cup water 1 cube chicken or beef boillion (dog’s favorite) 4 small pieces of chicken or beef Directions: Disolve boillion in water and tear meat into smaller pieces about 1/2 inch squares. Freeze for about 12 hours or until solid.... [Read more]

Apple Cinnamon Drops

1 large apple 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup of water 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup oatmeal 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/8 cup whole wheat flour Directions: Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C). Core, slice and mince the apple (use a food processor... [Read more]