adopting a shelter dog

Question
Our wonderful old dog recently died and we'd like to adopt a dog from the shelter...one who needs a home as much as we "need" a dog. However, I'm a softy who will just melt at the first set of sad eyes I see and yet I'm determined not to make a terrible mistake (can't see myself returning a dog!). What are some things I can do to look for a dog that doesn't have hidden problems (like hating cats, neighboring children or killing livestock!). We had an old Newfie mix before and he was so laid back and gentle! Should we look for another old dog and hope for similar qualities or a pup that we can bring up in the way we want ourselves??? Want to do this RIGHT! Thanks!

Answer
A puppy vs an adult it really all depends on what you are looking for,but puppies are a lot more work as you have to house train them,but the upside is they are too young to had any bad habit form

Adult dogs are often trained and you know what there personality will be and how they will look,but the downside is they have had time to develop bad habits such as problem barking or jumping up

With training though,this can be corrected-so it's really up to you if you want a puppy or an adult

I personally prefer to get adults as you know what you are getting and aren't as much work

It's also important to ask the staff as many questions as you can as they may know a bit of background of the dog

If you have a cat it is best to avoid terriers,herding dogs and husky type dogs as they tend to go after cats more then other breeds