I want to adopt a dog but I was wondering what breed would fit my lifestyle! Any suggestions?

You can find out about loads of dog breeds on www.nextdaypets.com, or you could buy a book!

My personal suggestion would be a Cockapoo (cross between a cocker spaniel and poodle). My friend has one, and it's gorgeous! Whatever people may think about cross-breeds, it's a beautiful dog!

Good Luck!

From Beccy x

Where are you located? There are a number of breeds that fit the profile. Schipperkes are wonderful house dogs and you can adopt one from rescue that is older, house broken, and just needs a person to love. They are loyal, happy, and fun dogs. They are also protectors. A big dog in a small package. (about 14 - 18 pounds and about 12 inches at the shoulder.

www.schipperkeclubofamerica.org

links to rescue groups all over USA can be found here

I just adopted a 4 mo. old terrier mix who has a brother who is still up for adoption in the chicagoland area. My new dog is a GENIUS! I've had him a week and he already goes to the door if he has to potty and he is sweet to my cat and so far so good with other dogs. He is small (9lbs @ 4 months)and really cute and super smart. I found my puppy on petfinder and have no regrets. I wrote all this and then realized you said you want an older dog (great idea BTW, they are usually potty trained)- anyway, then I'd go for a terrier mix. The mutts I've had are SUPER smart!!!! My old terrier mix passed away recently and she was the smartest, sweetest dog ever (one of those dogs that you'd swear they spoke english becasue they infer what you want so well!). Despite what another person who answered said, my terriers mixes have been very laid back and willing to either go on walks or lay on the couch, they just want to do whatever you're doing! Best of luck! Thanks for looking into adoption!!!

Definitely avoid terriers. They're very hyper and they tend to pee in the house. We just got a terrier/chihuahua mix and he is a holy terror. We've got a large yard and we're still adjusting to him. A chihuahua, not mixed with any terrier, might not be a bad choice as they are usually pretty gentle and more low key. Our dog is gentle and affectionate, he just has enough energy for 6 dogs.

If you adopt from certain animal charities they try to match up a dog with a personality that suits your needs. It isn't cheap (it cost us about $250 to adopt our little mutt) but the dogs are usually spayed or neutered and have all their shots and are usually on heart worm medication and flea protection. Some Humane Societies offer this service. Try googling "pet adoption" for your area and see what comes up.

Stay away from terriers. They may be small and cute but they have as much, or more, energy than a lot of large dogs do.

Go check out your local shelter and talk to the volunteers there about any dog who catches your fancy to see what their personality is like. Spend some time walking or playing with the dog if possible.

Other considerations are how much time do you want to devote to grooming? Poodles are real nice dogs and there are lots of poodle crosses that are real nice little dogs. I have yorki-poos and I just love them. They are happy to be in the house but they love to go outside too. They do tend to yappiness. Poodle and yorkies require regular hair cuts and grooming on the up side they don't shed. Other small dogs that are good indoors are pomeranians, and chihuahuas they do shed though but don't require hair cuts. Do some research on your own, this is probably not the best place to make a decision like this.

do your own research, I know that sounds harsh but no one here knows you or your lifestyle. pick a breed and then do a search for that breed..

Lets say you want a pitbull.. do a search for pitbull temperament and it will describe the dog.. once you have it narrowed down to a couple do other research like shedding, diet, exercise.. this way when you get your pup you will already know what to expect .. good luck in your search.

Boston Terrier or a Pug would be a great dog for you.

chineese crested dogs are usually very timid but wary of strangers.

malteese shitzus (mostly the males) are very friendly but have a lot of energy when the occasion calls for it

jack russels are great given that you give them plenty of exercise

chiauauas are usually very timid also.

try this web site there is a test which will help you narrow down the field. that's how i decided on my mini dachshund for a breed. he is also adopted.

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectadog.asp