If you're thinking about adopting a dog, before you decide, there are a few things to consider: The size of your family, if you have small children and the physical and mental requirements of the dog. All of those things should all be taken into account before taking on the responsibility.

Pure bred dogs are bred for particular physical and mental characteristics; however, there is always an exception to the rule. Some dogs that are generally known to be "friendly" may have aggressive tendencies and some dogs known to be aggressive may be shy. Just like humans, each dog has their own personality. The most important factors in their personality development is in how they're cared for and treated.

Here is a current list of the10 most popular dog breeds of the United States:

Description: The Labrador Retriever is a strong and athletic dog with a medium build. However, some can be on the large side, like my buddy Bear pictured on right. He was the runt of a litter of 13 puppies. Bear is a neutered male that weighs 101 pounds and is not overweight. Normally males weigh 80 pounds. The physical features and mental characteristics of this dog breed make it a perfect retriever of waterfowl.

Temperament: This breed of dog is highly intelligent, generally even-tempered, easily adapted to new situations and extremely eager to please its owner. Very loyal and obedient and is a perfect family-friendly dog, as well as a trusted gun-hunting companion.

Colors: Black, yellow and chocolate.

Grooming: The short dense coat of a Labrador Retriever is water-resistant and requires minimal maintenance. While this breed sheds seasonally, regular weekly grooming keeps his coat at its best.

Group: Sporting

Description: The physical characteristics of Yorkshire Terriers are compact and well proportionate. Underneath that silky coat is an athletic little body designed for a long and active life.

Temperament: Even though this is a "toy" breed, Terriers by nature are hunters and most live up to that characteristic. They are a fearless little breed and do not see their size as a disadvantage at all. They will stand up to animals far larger than themselves—including humans in most situations. If they are socialized, they can get along well with other household pets.

Colors: Combination steel-blue and tan long coat.

Grooming: Daily grooming is necessary to keep the coat from becoming matted.

Group: Toy

Description: German Shepherds have long bodies that are built for strength and endurance. Other characteristics are long snouts, pointed ears and long, thick tails.

Temperament: They can make great family pets if not allowed to be overly protective. They are highly-intelligent and extremely protective which is why the make excellent guard dogs. They also do extremely well as guide, narcotic and search-and-rescue dogs. They will get along great in a farm-type atmosphere since they are technically a "herding" breed.

Colors: Some are solid white, solid black, or a variation of tan with a black markings on their bodies which is called a "saddle," since that is what is resembles. They also have black markings on their head and tail.

Grooming: German Shepherds are not considered high-maintenance. They will shed twice a year (spring and fall), and should do well with weekly brushing.

Group: Herding

Description: Golden Retrievers are a medium-sized muscular dog with great stamina for working and playing. They are directly descendant from Labrador Retrievers and Setters. Their water-resistant top coat is straight or slightly wavy.

Temperament: Just as a Labrador, this breed of dog is highly-intelligent, generally even-tempered, and adapts easy to new situations. They learn very rapidly and love to please their owners. A great family-friendly dog, as well as a great waterfowl retriever.

Colors: Range from a light cream to a deep golden-red.

Grooming: Weekly bathing and brushing will keep a Golden Retriever's coat in great shape. This breeds top coat sheds a small amount throughout the year.

Group: Sporting

Description: Beagles are a small but muscular breed. They are fast and athletic, have long ears and carry their tails high.

Temperament: This breed is generally happy, good-natured, playful and may be a little on the mischievous side. By nature, they are very curious and will want to follow scents that appear to be interesting. For this reason, they should not be allowed to roam on their own at all.

Colors: Most beagles are white, black and varying degrees of tan. Markings can also be gray.

Grooming: Brushing a Beagle's coat once or twice a week is great for keeping him looking great. Brushing distributes the oil in their skin giving the coat a shinny, healthy appearance.

Group: Hound

Description: Boxers are muscular, squarely built and have an intimidating look about them. Their head is proportionate to their flat cheeks and short snout.

Temperament:Very energetic, devoted, attentive and is gentle with children. Usually behaves well with other pets in the household. Displays cautious behavior with strange pets and people making it an excellent guard dog.

Colors: Boxers have a black mask on their faces and can be tan or a brindle color. Most all boxers have some white markings and some may be almost entirely white.

Grooming: Their short coat requires little maintenance. Weekly brushing will keep their coats looking great.

Group: Working

Description: Dachshunds have long bodies, short legs and long ears with robust muscular development. Very confident and alert in facial expressions.

Temperament: Well-balanced, independent, inquisitive, clever and lively. Socialization is important with new additions to the family. They can become quite jealous of new additions (human or otherwise) to the home.

Colors: Most are varying shades of brown, red and black.

Grooming: Short-coated will require weekly brushing whereas long coats may require daily maintenance.

Group: Hound

Description: Bulldogs are a short, thick and wide. Other characteristics are short noses, small ears and loose, wrinkled skin.

Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, generally calm, quiet and not very active. They can become aggressive if not socialized early.

Colors: Varying colors. White, tan, brindle or piebald. Usually brindle marks are streaked in different shades. Piebald is white with patches of other colors.

Grooming: Bulldogs have short coats; however, weekly brushing will keep it looking its best and keep it from shedding onto furniture.

Group: Non-Sporting

Description: The Poodle is squarely built with a dense, curly coat. They have long ears and a long snout.

Temperament: Very quick to learn and slow to forget. If they are allowed one time on a piece of furniture, they will not understand if they are not allowed again later. They are eager to learn, friendly, intelligent and adapt to new situations quickly.

Colors: Black, red, silver, varying shades of brown cream and white.

Grooming: Their curly coat requires requires regular grooming either at home, or by a professional.

Group: Non-Sporting

Description: The Shih Tzu has a small and sturdy body which is covered with a double coat of long hair. The head is round and the face has an appearance of a beard and mustache.

Temperament: What this dog lacks in size makes up in its friendliness, devotion and happiness. Usually has an extremely outgoing and trusting personality.

Colors: Multitude of different colors and patterns like black, red, blue, silver, gold and white and mixtures or combination of colors.

Grooming: Requires daily brushing for long coats. May require professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, still brushing several times a week within that time frame.

Group: Toy

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