Dog breed personality reveals itself in all its glory when it comes time to walk the dog. If you doubt my word, please indulge me for a moment and close your eyes. Now picture this: you have just completed work on your new project and decide that you need to unwind and get some fresh air.
Marmaduke, the Great Dane, is stretched out in all his glory on your ten-foot divan. He is so still your first instinct is to run for a mirror to test for any sign of breath. Hey, wouldn't you be dead tired all the time if you had to lug that weight?
Mucho Nacho the Chihuahua, on the other hand, is resting his perky self on his very own miniature footstool (what else?) and, with a soulful look in his eyes, planning his next adventure in the most minute details.
"Walkie time!", you shout joyfully, finally liberated from your computer shackles, anticipating a nice, invigorating, stretch of physical activity for a change.
Marmaduke barely raises an eyebrow as he threatens to fall off the couch, lost in canine dreamland. Big M needs to be coaxed and prodded and enticed before he's finally persuaded to get up on all four and check if everything is still where it belongs and in working order before heading off for a stroll. We're just going around the block, right?
Mucho Nacho, on the other hand, happens to be a mind reader. No sooner did he hear you heading for the door that he had your plans all figured out and like a badly coiled spring, made a beeline for the closet, slipped into his sexy soccer jacket, and snatched his leash from your hand. He is now waiting at the door creating a din and demanding to know what's taking you so long. Better get ready for a three-mile sprint!
Dog breed and temperament both play a large role in your final decision when it comes to choosing a dog. But just like humans, not all dogs will run true to their breed, in particular when it comes to mixed breed dogs. A mix between a collie and a German shepherd may physically show more of the characteristics of the collie, but have the temperament of the German shepherd.
While each breed brings with it a complement of attributes which are pretty unique, dog breed and temperament alone cannot explain how Marmaduke and Mucho Nacho can respond so differently to the same stimulus. In order to get the full picture, you will need to consider three elements separately: dog breed, personality, temperament.
That's right, personality interjects itself between dog breed and temperament to make each canine totally unique. In fact, we're so full of it (personality, that is) that after we come into this world, the mold can pretty much be broken: no two of us will ever be identical. If you fail to take either one of these elements into consideration, you will never fully understand your dog - and you'll be missing out big time!
So when it comes to choosing a canine companion, remember to assess each individual's personality. You may need to spend some time with different dogs before you make a final choice, but it will be well worth it. Personality is the easiest element to miss (let's face it, you need some time to warm up to a new acquaintance too, don't you?), but it has the potential to wreck a new relationship like no other.
So remember: dog breed, personality, temperament. Ignore one at your own peril - and you know who will be paying the price!
| Amber D feels your pain. So many dog breeds, so little time! How's a future dog owner to decide which is the best dog to bring home? Amber to the rescue: http://www.DogTrainingStar.com/Dog-Breeds.html will give you a brief overview of the most popular dog breeds based on AKC categories to help you choose the perfect dog for your lifestyle. If you favor a crossbreed or a mixed breed like me, my dog breed info should help you figure out your favorite ingredients. Go get started at http://www.DogTrainingStar.com (c) Copyright -- Amber D. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. |
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