Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal who matches your lifestyle and wants. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever mix might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you've got a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active family lifestyle, such an animal may be the perfect choice. A dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatability with children should all figure into your decision. The best way to find out is to learn about various breeds, visit with animals at the shelter, and speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.
Most animal shelters have plenty of both.
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 have the benefit of getting the combined traits of two or more different breeds in one animal.