# Adopting a dog
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 29, 2000, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243 "2000-11-29T19:55:29Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2000, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243/1 "2000-11-29T19:55:29Z")
My wife and I are looking into adopting a dog from a shelter. We want a dog that fits our lifestyle. Are there any breeds that are more mellow than others? We would love to spend time playing, but not every waking moment.
We are currently looking into Sharpei’s
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### Author:  [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2000, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243/2 "2000-11-29T20:14:23Z")
My brother recently adopted a Greyhound bitch who had been used as a breeder. She’s crate trained, and very mellow. She adores company, and loves to snuggle and play. I would have thought that Greyhounds were very nervous dogs, but apparently, they aren’t. You might want to check out a Greyhound rescue organization. The dogs are retired racers or breeders, adults, and they’re put down if they’re not adopted.
I, personally, wouldn’t get a Sharpei because of the skin conditions they develop.
There will likely be a surplus of Dalmatians shortly. DO NOT get one, if you want a mellow dog. They’re very active.
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### Author:  [@Arjuna34](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arjuna34)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2000, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243/3 "2000-11-29T20:15:36Z")
Try here:
> **[Selecting a Dog Breed - K9 Web](https://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/selecting-a-dog/)**
>
> Whether you're thinking of getting a purebred dog or a mix, you should take the time to do some research into dog breeds.
Arjuna34
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### Author:  [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2000, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243/4 "2000-11-29T20:17:01Z")
The Web contains the sum of all human knowledge and much more. Try the [Dog Selector](http://www.selectsmart.com/beta_dog/) for a quick narrow-down.
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### Author:  [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2000, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243/5 "2000-11-29T20:19:13Z")
If you’re looking for a mellow dog, I’d suggest staying away from border collies, terriers, and most sporting breeds (labs, goldens, etc.), especially young dogs of this type. But there is a lot of variation within a breed - for example, an older lab mix may be fine for you.
Check out [http://www.k9web.com](http://www.k9web.com) for info on lots of different breeds.
If you’re going to adopt a shelter dog, you should be able to get some insight into the dogs temperament. Most shelters have a play area where you can spend some time with the dog and see what they’re like.
Good luck.
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### Author:  [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2000, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243/6 "2000-11-29T20:28:46Z")
Once you get a breed recommendation you trust, why not consider contacting a breed rescue organization?
Generally speaking, these dogs have been fostered (in a home situation) instead of in a cage or kennel as happens in many shelters. Those who run these organizations are interested in making a good, permanent placement–so they screen carefully and invest time into making sure the dog you get is a good match. The foster parents know a lot about the dog’s behavior, temperament, habits, idosyncracies. The rescue also will take the dog back into their system if you find you have to surrender it. In my experience, they’ll also go to great effort to get a dog to you even if you’re not close by. Basset rescue (I’m not suggesting you get a basset–it’s just the one I know best) has done some incredible relays across states to match a dog and new owner!
Sorry I can’t help with a breed–but I sure am glad you’re asking. Way too many people don’t consider that sort of thing before going and getting a dog that appeals to them on a mere asthetic level.
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### Author:  [@retsin2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/retsin2000)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2000, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-dog/43243/7 "2000-11-29T20:29:44Z")
BurnMeUp,
I think it is great that you are thinking about adopting a dog from a shelter. It is also great that you are thinking ahead about what breed would be best for you. Way too many people jump into pet ownership without thinking about what is going to be involved.
The sites that ElvisL1ves and Arjuna34 provided should help a lot. You don’t say if you are thinking about getting a puppy or an adult dog. This is another important consideration. Puppies will require a lot more work than _trained_ adult dogs, but _untrained_ adult dogs can be harder to deal with than puppies. Don’t assume that adult dogs cannot be trained though. We have had great success with a 2 or 3 year old beagle that was completely untrained when we adopted her. Just something else to consider.
Some shelters have foster home programs. A friend of ours has done this a few times. You get to take in a dog that would otherwise be put down. This way you can get a feel for what size and breed of dog you might want and the dog gets to live and hopefully find a permanent home. I’m not sure how dogs go from foster care to adoption though if the foster care people don’t adopt it. It is something you may want to look into.