I see a lot of dogs come in and out of the groom salon I work at, and from it I’ve learned one thing. Every breed has its own unique personality, and every dog is a shade of that personality. With that being said, here are my top three favorite breeds of dog, and how they act for all your doggie character needs.
Jack Rustle Terrier
Unless your character is a professional bicyclist looking for a dog that can keep up, s/he probably won’t be prepared for this dog. These dogs are high energy dogs. Their idea of a calm moment is enjoying a victory bowl of water after a triathlon. A Jack Russel kept to the activity levels of a sedentary family will take out its frustration in the form of barking, obsessive chewing, and digging. (All at once even.)
When paired up with the right owner these dogs are the envy of all others. They have firey, dynamic personalities. They’re playful. They’re fun. Match this dog up with your health nuts, adventurers, and crazy kids. Remember, even the frustrated ones aren’t bad. They’re just bored and misunderstood.
Greyhound
You would think more people would own this breed of dog. Greyhounds can be defined by their gentleness, and the aura of mysteriousness that seems to go with them where ever they are at. Despite being well known for their capacity as racing dogs, I am told by the local rescue they are just as happy as an apartment dogs.
If you’re looking for a watch dog, look elsewhere. These dogs are gentle, kind, and reluctant to bark. Pair this dog up with characters that have similar personalities. (And remember when outside its on a leash or in a fenced area!)
Chihuahua
Think of this dog as a really big dog in a little dog body. We’re talking Great Dane huge. Their personality depends on how they are treated. If you treat this dog like it is a big dog, it is one of the best dogs in the world to own. If you treat this dog like a little dog, you’re going to have the stereotypical yappy dog everyone thinks of when they hear the word Chihuahua.
Because of their fiesty nature, learning obedience is a must. Because they will go up and slap that Doberman Pincher in the face. (They think they’re big dogs, remember?)
Pair this dog up with confident handlers, or unconfident ones if you’re looking for that yappy biter image.
Aug 10, 2010 @ 12:30:38
I am on the bench being calmed and inspired by the morning dew and your delightful post. My life has many chapters and all the chapters that included dogs were big ones, springer spaniels, collie, Labrador, German shepherd, Doberman. At the same time we had cats, we had the spaniels. Cats ruled because they were loved by the spaniels. Thank you so much for telling us about those smaller pets, especially the little big pup. Ha! I am on my phone. Please excuse mistakes. It won’t let me scroll back up. Love your post!
Aug 10, 2010 @ 14:12:52
Oh no worries. It fills my heart thinking of you, outside in the great weather, while talking to me on your phone. It’s kind of personal, in a way. Doberman’s are also one of my top favorite breeds. I left them off the list because I handle them so rarely, I can’t make a firm judgement on their personalities. Would you care to share something on this breed, and perhaps a few others that you know?
All I know across the board on this breed is that almost every Doberman owner makes sure it’s a well-trained, well-socialized dog. Talk about nice! 🙂
Aug 10, 2010 @ 15:51:14
Your estimation of the chihuahua made me chuckle–which woke the sleeping Rat Terrier on Mom’s bed. She (the dog, not Mom) came straight up, woofing and arfing, warning of the danger of the unknown chuckler nearby. She used to be very complacent, but ever since my brother-in-law’s visit last year (she took an instant dislike and terror of him) she’s been easily alarmed. It’s like, somehow, she suddenly realized that the whole world isn’t this well-cushioned safety zone we live in.
And she’s murder on moles, rats, and mice.
Very interesting and informative post.
Aug 11, 2010 @ 15:32:00
Mice you say? Moles did I read? Would you by chance be willing to rent her out for enough time to effectively murder the population living outside my home? It’s not that I don’t love them. I do. Nature is a very nice thing when it stays outside my home, but the other day my husband defended me from a field mouse that strolled INSIDE through our door! >.<
What did my bold Chihuahua do? He…um…offered to shake hands with it.
*sigh*
Aug 10, 2010 @ 17:15:26
I loathe, despise, detest, and otherwise emphatically do not like Chihuahuas. The fact they were bred should be considered a Crime Against Caninity.
Greyhounds and Dobermans are made of win and awesome.
That’s my two cents. 🙂
Aug 11, 2010 @ 15:41:34
You know, I think if every person on earth deeply understood and liked the breed of dog they chose to own, there would be no bad dogs. When I got my chihuahua, I deeply understood the breed, and frankly, everything I didn’t like about it. The normal rule for puppies is to not let the dog leave the house until it has had all its shots, at 4 months old.
Because my dog is a chihuahua, I ignored that rule. I stuffed him in the hands of every single person I could find. I set up play dates with other dogs. I yelled at him if he so much as yapped for attention.
Today, I have a dog that doesn’t bite. Doesn’t bark. Doesn’t scratch. Is good for its nails. Doesn’t do that weird chihuahua shiver thing. He does well for car rides. He sits/downs/stays/comes on command. He stares at other dogs when they misbehave, looks at me, and lays down.
He’s good because I understand chihuahuas. I don’t even let him win games of tug-o-war if he tries to get me to play, so he doesn’t accidentally get the idea he’s stronger than me. It shows in how he behaves.
You should meet my little guy. ^^ Don’t hold the glittery red nail polish against him. He’s not gay, painting his nails just gives him practice having his feet held.
Aug 12, 2010 @ 02:12:48
Fun post. What about geriatric black labs?
Aug 12, 2010 @ 14:43:17
You can’t really go wrong with a lab, no matter what the age. ^^
Aug 12, 2010 @ 15:55:55
I have quite a few Chihuahuas and I love them. 🙂 I think they are really misunderstood sometimes by people, but you just have to know how to take care of them. They take work just like any other dog, but they can be the most lovable dog in the world.
Feb 21, 2011 @ 21:47:39
Haha – this is a great post! I especially like it, because I have a dog who is a mixed breed – Jack Russell and Yorkshire Terrier and your character description of her is perfect!!
If you have the time, take a look at the pics of her…she’s such a doll! http://chloerichmond.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/the-love-of-my-life/
Hope you are well my friend xx