The type of dog that you will adopt often defines the future you have with your new best friend. If you pick the wrong breed, size, or temperament, both of you will likely end up not enjoying each other’s company.

Each dog breed has characteristics that set it apart from the rest of the canine community. And while the dog’s breed helps in approximating the general behavior, temperament, and characteristics of the dog, it still comes down to the individual characteristics of your chosen dog. To find your perfect dog match, use the following information:

Dog breed
Dog breed is the prime consideration when picking a dog to adopt and is probably the best criteria to begin with when choosing a dog. There are literally hundreds of dog breeds you can choose from. To make the selection easier for you, you can either choose use dog breed selectors available online or use some begin your search with the breed you have set your eyes on. You can also narrow down your choices to certain characteristics like:

– breed size,
– energy level,
– exercise requirements,
– playfulness,
– affection level,
– tolerance towards other dogs or pets,
– ease of training,
– protection ability,
– grooming requirements, and
– tolerance to heat and cold

Dog size
Dogs have a wide range of sizes. From tiny toy dogs as small as your coffee mug to giant dogs that seem more like a bundle of muscle than dog.

Small dogs are most vulnerable and are often associated with female owners. They are cute, dainty, very delicate and oftentimes boisterous. If you want a pet that you can carry with you, a small dog – toy or lapdog – is a perfect choice.

Make no mistake, though. Small dogs do not always make for behaved dogs. As if to compensate for their small size, some small dogs develop tough dog attitudes. Be prepared to do plenty of obedience training to curb their small dog aggressiveness.

Mid-size dogs, on the other hand, are ideal for most kinds of keepers – from children, adult to old people. As middle range dogs, they tend to get along with all sorts of training, environment, and people. Although, these benefits do not apply to all mid-sized dogs.

Giant dogs, big as they are, are perfect for people who have the space, budget, and patience for big animals. They require more food, more supplies, more space, and more intensive training. Compared to other dog sizes, giant dogs are more functional and more fun to be with, especially if you are the type of owner who loves the outdoors.

Age
When it comes to age, you have three choices. You can choose from puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.

Most people choose puppies because they are irresistibly cute and loaded with energy. They are also the hardest to take care of. When wanting to adopt a puppy, you should prepare for plenty of surprises such as accidents, misbehaviors, and the possibility of ending up with a dog that is different from what you expected.

Adult dogs are the ideal choice. They have already shown their actual temperament, size, attitude, and activity level. They are also, in most cases, already trained.

Senior dogs, on the other hand, are the ones that deserve adoption but are often not adopted. Would-be owners often fear that senior dogs are poor choices for pets. The reverse, in fact, is often true. It could be a very rewarding experience to bring home an aged dog, and a very compassionate experience at that.

Check out some great recipes:

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]

Chewy Cheesy Chihuahua Pizza

Chewy Cheesy Chihuahua Pizza Crust 2 cups cake flour 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup olive oil 1 egg 1 cup water 1 teaspoon baking soda Sauce & Toppings 1 tomato 1 cup tomato puree 1 clove garlic 1/4 cup parmesan cheese — grated 1/2 teaspoon... [Read more]

Boo’s Biscuits

Boo’s Biscuits 3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 cup Quaker oats 1 cup milk 1/2 cup hot water 2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes 1/2 cup meat drippings Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat. In a separate bowl, mix flour... [Read more]

Cheesy Carrot Muffins

Cheesy Carrot Muffins 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 cup cheddar cheese — Shredded 1 cup carrot — grated 2 large eggs 1 cup milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin or line it with... [Read more]

Classic Canine Cookies

Classic Canine Cookies 4 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup cornmeal 1/4 cup cooked rice 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Juice from a small orange 1 2/3 cups water Mix all ingredients together well. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll... [Read more]

Dog Oil Supplement

Dog Oil Supplement 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup cod liver oil 1/4 cup flax seed oil Place oils in brown bottle and shake well. Store in refrigerator. Add two teaspoons to the dogs food each day. Can be add to dry food as well. Safflower... [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]

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]

Dog Biscuits #1

Dog Biscuits #1 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 cup powdered milk 6 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg — beaten 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup ice water Combine the flour, milk, salt, garlic powder and sugar.... [Read more]

Cheesy Dog Biscuits

Cheesy Dog Biscuits 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese 1/4 pound margarine — corn oil 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 pinch salt 1/4 cup Milk — or as needed Grate the cheese into a bowl and let stand until it reaches... [Read more]