When you are located in areas where winters could be very cold, you would want to consider companion dog breeds that are fluffy or are longhaired. The benefits far outweighs the risk though as these dogs are content to follow wherever their owners go, are very easy going, and are content to sit with their owners for long periods of time. There are various dog breeds that have a higher percentage of intelligence than other breeds. Purpose Today, dogs are popular toys, even as fashion statements. Dogs though are more important than that. Yes they are good companions and playmates. More than anything else dogs are protectors, workers, watchers, guides etc. Adult dogs, on the other hand, are much easier to keep. They have outgrown the high energy craziness of puppies and they already know what are demanded of them. When adopting from a shelter or any rescue organizations, it is always advisable to go for the adult dogs, not the pups. Because adult dogs' behavior are already 'fixed' to make them suitable for domestic environments. It could be constructed to look like a chalet, a lean to, a box or a cage. There are a lot of choices. The only must is that the doghouse will fit the dog enough to have him move comfortably and that the roof will not be so hot during summer months. Another very important item is a door. In areas where there are very cold seasons, a door should be opted instead of the usual open hole. Unless you are adopting a puppy that has been sheltered by a rescue group or one that can be taken directly from its original owner, you should be wary about adopting a very young dog. Only rescue groups keep tab of their dogs' sources, observe their temperament, and investigate into their dogs' history. If the pup insists on going to places where you do not want him to (like digging on a flowerbed for example) and you are tempted to tug at the leash, carry the pup instead, then move to another location. You could already take a more firm control when the pup appears to be comfortable being restrained.