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. There are plenty of things that go into the adoption process, which could define your long-term relationship with the dog you want to adopt. Selection Process This is purely according to your preferences. Dog owners, in general, have their hearts set for a specific type of dog or a specific breed when planning to adopt. Lesser medical expenses Adult dogs in shelters, on top of having received some training, have also received necessary medical attention. More often than not, they are already neutered or spayed, saving you a lot of money on surgical operations. They are also vaccinated. You can save further when you choose a dog that comes with a clean bill of health. Other owners can't handle the financial expense of owning a dog, and thus surrender them to shelters. Sure, some dogs are guilty of misbehaving, but that does not make them deserve being homeless. By giving a homeless dog another chance, you are also giving them another shot at being loved, and for yourself, a chance at being loved unconditionally. You need both in a dog. Check out the puppy's breed. The puppy's breed often determines its general trait when it's fully grown. What you want is a breed that matches your personality. If you are the type of person who loves to go out, you should get a breed that is good for outdoor activities. If you just want a dog for long-term companionship, you should look for mid-sized companion dogs. Like any watchdog, to curve the Boerboels' aggression, they should be introduced to visiting friends and other animals. The Moscow Watchdog This dog is a cross between a Caucasian shepherd and a Saint Bernard. Very receptive and intelligent, this dog poses both the characteristics of physical and mental attributes and attitudes of its original parents.