Does Your Choice of Dog Say Something About You?

Genes can define many of the qualities of our biological children and this is something not under our control, but we can choose the breed of the dogs that we bring into our home. The choices are endless-all shapes and sizes and temperaments.

Is there a connection between your choice of dog, how you treat it and your personality?

Studies have been done and opinions are varied and interesting, but many do believe that there are generalizations that you can make about a person because of their choice and management of their dog.

Let's start with something near and dear to my heart-the rescue dog. People who rescue strays or adopt dogs from shelters tend to be compassionate and are not afraid to take chances or let their emotions guide them in making decisions.

I believe that there are also some differences between "purebred people" and "mutt people." In the past, purebred dogs were a matter of status. Today I think that people who get purebreds are those who like to plan their lives and think ahead. The value of a purebred is that you can predict, not only what a dog will look like, but its temperament and behaviour as well.

On the other hand, those who adopt dogs from a shelter often do so with the idea that they are ‘saving a life.' They are acting from the heart, and are probably showing a tendency to be kind and empathic."

As well, since one can't really predict what a mixed-breed puppy will be when mature, owners of rescue puppies must be willing to take a chance. Therefore, we may conclude that owners of rescue dogs may be more easy going than those who prefer purebreds.

Dogs that shed and require frequent grooming

If you are a neat freak and are horrified by the thought of dog hair floating around your house and sometimes even into your food, a large hairy dog that sheds is not for you. You are probably a fastidious person with a orderly well kept home. Therefore you would not be interested in a golden retriever or a cocker spaniel. And although these breeds are sweet, loving, and wonderful with children, your need to keep your house clean would eliminate these choices. Owners of hairy shedding dogs don't worry too much about being judged by others because of some mess in their homes caused by their pets.

Non-shedding dogs

House-proud pet owners are much more likely to get a non-shedding dog like a Poodle or a Bichon Frise. As well, these owners may be people who care a great deal about their own appearance and grooming and often their breed of dog requires special grooming too, especially fancy clipping.

Large dogs

People often choose dogs to reflect their own body image. Hence big men seem to like big dogs. Conversely, small women often enjoy a more dainty breed. Now this of course is a huge generalization as I, although far from dainty or small, love great danes. Those same fastidious owners who hate the thought of dog hair on their furniture are also likely to avoid big dogs because of the thought of large, dirty paws and the puddles of drool that can go along with big dogs.

Big dogs also typically require more exercise, so owners of such dogs are generally those that like to be active in the outdoors and people who are probably more interested in sports.

The dog's personality

Your dog's personality provides another hint as to what kind of person you are. Friendly, outgoing dogs usually have sociable, outgoing owners, while more standoffish dogs often belong to more quiet individuals. These owners want a dog who is attentive only to them.

The dog's training

How well is your dog trained? This can tell a lot about you. A poorly trained dog often says that the owner doesn't spend enough time with the dog, or that the owner really doesn't give much thought to the comfort of other people, so he or she is not bothered by the fact that the dog is annoying others.

A highly trained dog, on the other hand, can be evidence that a person simply loves interacting and working with their dog, or it can be a sign that a person has a strict or controlling personality

The dog's domaine

Where does your dog sleep? This can reveal a lot about you. A dog that has the run of the entire house probably belongs to a caring person who sees a dog as a member of the family. This dog probably slips into your bed to sleep without too much protest from you.

The owner of a dog kept outside, locked into a kennel, or kept on a chain, may lack empathy or see a dog as more of a possession than a friend or family member.

Final Thoughts

Of course, the above ramblings can be put down as gross generalizations, but I do believe that there is a kernel of truth in each one. I didn't address, nor will I, the people who have never and will never own a dog. Some have very good reasons, and I will leave it at that.

Whatever your breed and the reasons for that choice, I wish you many happy and healthy years of companionship and unconditional love.