The shelter might not know my breed

I’m an individual, no matter what breed or mixed breed I am.

Some animal shelters label dogs, but it’s only an educated guess. Even veterinarians can guess the wrong breed. “Another issue is that ‘pit bull’ is not actually a breed and has become a shelter catchall for many dogs,” says Bernice Clifford, Director of Behavior and Training at the Animal Farm Foundation.

Remember that a dog’s personality is more important than a label. To figure that out, spend time with the dog and include all the family members before making a decision.

If the previous family surrendered the dog, ask questions about his behavior and lifestyle. “A great predictor of future behavior is previous behavior in a similar situation,” says Clifford. All dogs, just like all people, are individuals.