If you're adopting a puppy, breed is probably about the most reliable way to predict temperament and size. Because I'd likely be looking for an adult, size ought to take care of itself. I'd probably be able to tell quite a bit about temperament, too, but I don't know that I'd be able to screen for every situation I'd be likely to expose him/her to. For instance, one thing I don't want is a dog that's so owner-centric that I have to be concerned about how he does in crowds. I read up on a German Pinscher. Size is perfect & their coats are easy to maintain. (The coat thing is a bonus, but not required.) However, they didn't seem to be the best choice for situations where they'd be meeting other people along with their dogs and maybe their cats. danzig6767, is Tyson barking because strangers upset him or does he simply want to be part of the action? My dog barked at almost everyone, but all he really wanted was to be outside with them. If he was outdoors, he rarely barked at all.