What do you look for in a dog?

Question

I am not talking about breeds, I am talking about traits. Things like temperament, drives, character, trainability, social factors. Things like that. Serious answers only please

Answer 1

I always ask possible adopters about their lifestyle and what needs they have. I think different people need different things in a pet. Which is good and I can continue to believe there is ahome for them all if we just stop creating so many.

If you are looking for a new pet I would make yourself a list of things you want to be able to do with a companion. What your time schedule is. Then start looking for compatible traits.

Hope you find your new best friend.

Answer 2

Well, different breeds have different traits. You wouldn't expect a bichon frisé to be an effective guard dog, would you? Bulldogs don't win obedience awards. Anatolian shepherds don't mix well with other dogs. Border collies will tend to herd. Those are breed traits. They're built-in.

Personally, I enjoy a trainable, thinking, spunky dog that bonds closely. Guess I'm a terrier person all around. Some more than others but I like a dogs that are fun and sensible when they need to be. I've got two Manchester Terriers at the moment and they suit me just fine.

Answer 3

Health is most important.

Breed specific things - soundness, topline/underline, proportions. Pretty heads/eyes/ears and flash are nice to look at but make no difference towards purpose.

Prey drive, what good is one they if they don't have the drive to do the job they are meant to do.

Sweet and cuddly, silly and goofy, but when the prey drive kicks in they are focused totally on the chase and nothing else matters.

Grooming consists of a run over with a curry, very occasionally a bath (usually just before a show). I have one older hairy dog left, and she will be the last. She was a GREAT working dog though!

Trainability isn't as important to me or I wouldn't have Sighthounds! If I want a HIT dog I will get a different breed. I do like intelligence, and they are very smart.

Also not a big fan of breeds that want constant attention and stare at me adoringly, and slobber on me, day after day. My Hounds go and do their own thing instead of looking to me for continuous entertainment and affection.

Answer 4

I like a dog that is bright eyed, polite (well trained) and alert. The dog must have a clean well kept coat and when you see it you just know it is a dog that is cared for. Clipped nails, clean teeth, shiny coat etc. But, what really catches my eye is the connection between a dog and the owner. If a dog is on a lead pulling someone around I lose interest. But, if a dog is walking loosen lead with an eye on the owner, just waiting for a command or signal,,,,,,,,,,I LOVE IT !!! Well, trained dogs are so happy and you can see a look of pride when they know they've done it right. They even get a funny strut thats too cute. That is my favorite trait of a dog. Maybe, not what your asking though.

Plus I love big dogs with power.

Answer 5

I look at it's parents and relatives. Once I've determined that THEY have the characteristics I'm interested in, then I look at the individual dog.

In no particular order.....

I want a dog I can live with. Friendly, confident, bulletproof temperament.

I want a dog that's healthy. I don't like spending money at the vets any more than regular pet owners.

I want a dog that's quality. Breed type is very important, as is good structure.

I want a dog that's affectionate. That's what it's all about, the relationship between you and your dog.

I want a dog that will work with me. Dull dogs that are hard to motivate are no fun.

Answer 6

If I were to buy another dog I would want to see the Pedigree papers. Have the dog temperament tested. I would want to see the parents of the dog. Check conformation. Test his hearing,

Just by choosing a breed you already know a lot about the breed and check out the breed standards. Talk to the breeder and find out what he is after in his breeding program. Each breed has different standards so check it real good.

Tell the breeder that you don't want a pet quality dog and that you want one that meets all the requirements of the breed. You don't want a junk dog.

Dogs are shipped all over just for breeding purposes. Just by knowing what the pedigree is will help you choose a good dog.

Answer 7

I look for a dog who needs me, a dog who has run out of luck in his life. Looks, breed, and past are not important. What is important is that they need a home, and I can provide one.

Of course, this describes most of the millions of dogs in shelters each year, so to narrow it down - I like a calm, older dogs who, above all, crave human companionship. If I had the choice, I'd pick a protective and intelligent animal instead of an oblivious, happy-go-lucky one. But you know what? I firmly believe that owning a dog isn't all about what I want. It's a relationship - the dog doesn't have to be perfect for me, and I don't have to be perfect for it. To pick a pet, I go to the shelter and find the one who others pass by - the shy dog in the back of the kennel. Although at first glance this type of animal might seem anti-social, they are often simply terrified of shelter life and actually love when people come into their cage for a meet-and-greet. These animals don't deserve to be forgotten! Integrating them into your life isn't always easy, but it is definitely worth the time and energy.

So that's my pet selecting philosophy. It seems to rarely be the path other people take in finding a dog, but if you have the time and energy to invest in an animal, I urge you to visit a shelter and find a dog that suits your general needs.

Answer 8

Mostly I look for a dog with a good temperament and personality. I have passed over more beautiful dogs with a better confirmation in favor of a dog with a better personality.

I do look at the dog's over all appearance-is the dog well shaped, does it move well, etc. Mostly-a good disposition and I generally choose dogs that are more submissive than aggressive.

Answer 9

Good with children, doesn't need to be shaved regualrly, known for intellegence and trainability, but not in constant need of learning something new in order to behave (boxers like to always be learning something new or they are hyper), bark is not to yippy, sheds only a normal amount, not mounds of fur each day, so maybe that would restrict me to a short coat. Likes to play but doesn't need to be walked miles twice a day to be adequetely exercised. (that might limit me to smaller dogs, not sure), can swim, (we have a pool and our pugs sink, I love them, but the life preservers and constant vigilance gets old some times), I guess that is it. For me though all these things could be handled as long as they are good with kids, easy to potty train, and not distructive.

Answer 10

Temperment (esp. are they good with kids); I like protection (I've always had either German Shepards or Great Perenees. Loyalty of course, as far as trainability I like getting dogs from puppy stage to train them and raise them in the same family to enforce that protection/loyalty value.