The dog's breed is critical in choosing a dog that will fit the credentials you are looking for. Sure, the breed's temperament and characteristics are just approximations of how the dog would turn out when it's full grown and that individual dogs have individual personalities. Still, the dog's breed can still give you an idea of what to expect. The Rottweiler Large, black, very powerful, reliable, and self-assured, the Rott is among the list of most popular guard dogs. Because of its size, this dog has to be trained and socialized early on due to its assertive character. Like any powerful dog, it has to learn its place. Poorly trained and it could be destructive. A little planning can still go a long way when deciding which dog to adopt. Even if your previous plans are all but forgotten, remembering the tips below can still help you resist that overpowering desire to bring them all home. Try talking yourself out of it. Debate with yourself about your options. 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. Friendly Dogs in general are friendly except sometimes with other dogs. There are dog breeds however that are more patient and do not get easily threatened by other dogs making them ideal for walks, hunting and the outdoors. Fiercely loyal This dog characteristic is best for people who need the calming assurance of loyalty around them. This means that they have been through tough emotional, mental and physical stresses which could take a long time to erase. They need more than a cozy place to stay; they need thorough attention and care. Unless you are ready to fully commit yourself to the rehabilitation of a puppy, you should settle for a more mature dog.