Dog breed owned shows owners personality?

Question

There is a quote from somebody I can't remember along the lines of show me your dog and I'll tell you the kind of man you are. Do you think that breed owned, or favorite breeds reflects on the person? Dobermans for bold people, shih tzu for shy people? I love all dogs from tiny to huge but my favorite is the lab so does that make me friendly and hyper?

Answer 1

I don't think it's definitive however there is definitely some sort of link between owner's personality and owners preference in dog...

I know that my ex was an introverted body builder and he wanted a beefy dog that would be most loyal to him, such as a rottie

my brother is into track and drag racing so he has a Siberian husky to jog with him and hang out around the garage with him

so there is definitely a connection between the two but that doesn't mean you can completely judge a person by their dog...I tend to judge people more by how well they care for their dog than by the breed of their dog, for example:

a person who has taken the time to train their dog is more responsible than a person who feels pulling on the leash and barking is normal, uncontrollable dog behavior

a person who takes the time to buy their dog toys and walk him through the park is a loving, compassionate person

the person who ties their dog up outside all summer with food, water, and a tennis ball probably feels that a dogs life isn't valid

and a person who does not take their dog to the vet, or give the dog to someone who can afford vet bills, is a selfish person who cares more about their own happiness than about giving the dog a happy, healthy life

but that's just my opinion

I've owned everything to pomeranians and chihuahuas to pit bulls and my most recent dog is a shepherd/retriever mix...all of my dogs have always been rescued dogs from shelters and all of them have attended obedience classes while in my care, I've fostered more dogs than I've owned, and usually I only adopt dogs which the shelter can not handle so that I can take the extra time they need to train, rehabilitate, and re-home them my self...although there have been three that I kept as long as they lived as my pets

Answer 2

I am the owner of a purebred American Staffordshire Terrier. Both parents have a LOT of initials before and after their name, and daddy has the distinctive honor of having passed a Shutzhund test. Both parents were tested for ataxia, heart defects, hips and elbows. Puppy came with a a 7 page contract and cost me $600. My "designer dog" is a Golden-something (Samoyed I think) that I picked up from the shelter for $200. Nice dog, not all there in the brains department and sheds like a MOFO year ROUND. We got her because her temperament complimented the Amstaff we had at the time. From the third day we brought her home there was a question about her hips. She doesn't show any issues right now but we have her hips looked at every year when she goes in for her shots. She's a hybrid that was created on accident - but like all the overpriced designer dogs out there - without a purpose. Two women where I work got a couple of I-don't-remember-whats, Jack Russel and a poodle or something. People who aren't familiar with dogs see "Yorkipoo" and think it's a breed. They are advertised as a breed with false standards similar to what an actual breed would be. Some people just don't know any darned better. My FIL wanted a Puggle. I was putting on the gloves when he realized the adults are as ugly as sin. I can appreciate your disdainful tone of your questions. You are inviting people who believe the things you spouted off to prove you wrong. If anyone here would find this entertaining - there was a short lived pet store in our mall that had puppies. I'm still cringing that they were selling "Pit Bulls" (not APBT, "Pit Bull") and huskies and "designer" dogs. My husband saw a Husky - very cute (as puppies are wont to be) for $1600. He said something about the puppy and I said VERY loudly that we will NEVER buy a dog from a pet store, we'll save money and go to a breeder! Dog Lover: My dogs are cute, I wouldn't want a dog that I thought was ugly (which is why I don't want a boxer) and everyone has their own vision of Canine beauty. Dogs will have health problems - the point is that unscrupulous breeders are tossing together two intact purebreds, calling them "hybrid vigorous" and all kinds of other ridiculous things without any health tests, etc. You're another individual that just didn't know that a Goldendoodle is a mixed breed dog. I don't know how much you paid (that mix goes for around $1200 out my way) but you could have gotten a Golden Retriever mix for MAX $400 from a shelter.

Answer 3

Actually I don't feel the breed owned is a reflection of the owners personality at all, especially since most dog owners buy a dog based on size or look of the dog. The average dog owner doesn't research the breed and try to determine the best match for their family but usually just get what they think is cute.

My first dog as an adult was adopted because of his look and I lucked out. I found a breed that is perfect for me and my family. My family and I happen to do well with Siberians. I love how smart they are, I feel they are among the most beautiful breeds around and they are full of personality, very trustworthy and they fit right in to our life. We ski mobile and they love the snow, I garden and there he is watching over me.

Answer 4

I do think there is a lot of truth to that, especially if the person has done their research and chose the right breed for them. You have to find a breed that fits your lifestyle and personality in order to be the best owner you can be and in order to enjoy your companion.

My husband and I needed a breed that was energetic because we like to take walks, go on bike rides, go to the beach, go to the park, etc. We also needed a breed that wasn't too large, but not too small, preferably a larger end medium breed. We needed a breed that is very, very human friendly, even with strangers and especially with children because we are very social and have friends and family over to our house all of the time or we will go to other people's homes and bring our dogs. Our breed of choice fits our lifestyle and personalities perfectly and after owning APBTs we really can't see our selves owning another breed! : ) We have owned many different breeds including Labs, a Cocker Spaniel and a Fox Hound and our APBTs are hands down the best breed for us! : )

Answer 5

There are some breeds that a lot of ignorant people buy to make themselves look tougher..

Some of these people are want-a-be's. But for the most part I think that you can say it is true.

I have a fairly dominate personality & most of the breeds that I like, Dobermans, German Shepherds & Weimaraners. I like a strong spirited dog cause I can't stand to see one belly up & pee it's self or one that shy (fear biter), any more than I can stand a prissy person or one that allows others to walk all over them.

Answer 6

This is an interesting question. I've seen a lot of similarities between people and the (purebred) dogs they choose to own.

After so many years, I think I've grown to resemble my breed's personality quite a bit...aloof, independent, prone to wandering off if something bores me. ;)

I know terrier people who are as high-energy and tenacious as their dogs. The Malamute people I've shown with for years all have the same tendencies...laid back, fun-loving, but *nasty* when they don't like each other. I know herding breed people who are tend to be hyper, but are also sensitive and laser-focused on their goals.

So I think there's some truth to it! I tend to believe it's because people are attracted to breeds that will be compatible, which usually means a similar temperament.

Answer 7

I think it depends, but it's a lot like dog and owner looking and acting alike. Some people buy a breed because they want to portray something (a wimp getting a Rottie, for instance) that they aren't. I've always had shelter dogs - mutts - regardless of what that says about me.

My dog is a puzzle, but could be GSD/Golden/Aussie mix. So that makes me hyper, intelligent, and good with kids? I do like to chase things, but not as much as my dog does. :)

Answer 8

Not realy, I own a oversized pomeranian but I am no where as clever, excitable, charming, nor hyper active as she is. I think when people see me walking her, and she's tired so I have to pick her up and carry her they think "Oh, I bet she loves Paris Hilton and has a few Chihuahuas at home, silly little ditz".
I don't know.. I guess a slob wouldn't live with a doberman, and a active countryman wouldn't own a bichon frise.

Answer 9

Possibly.. I guess it makes sense in my case anyway.. I have mutts, and I am a jack of all trades.. so are my dogs. However each of my 3 dogs has different and unique personalities. Some are more like me than others. I do love all breeds of dog though.. but I especially love mutts.

Answer 10

Not necessarily. I am very shy and I have a Golden Retriever puppy who of course loves everyone! And everyone loves her! My husband jokes that I have met more people by walking the puppy then I would on my own and he is right! I didn't consciously get her for this reason, but she does make it easier for me to strike up conversations with other people.