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.