Spotting Dog Personalities

No two dogs have the same temperament even with dogs of the same breed. Typically though, dogs of the same breed share more of the same characteristics. When decided in adopting a dog, choose dog characteristics and traits that you want. If you lead an active lifestyle for example, do not adopt a dog with a phlegmatic character that will be content to hang around the house much of the time, eating, and sleeping. To select the right dog, select those that closely resemble your lifestyle. Listed are characteristics and traits of dogs that you may want to consider.

Size

Dogs have a wide range of sizes. From tiny toy dogs as small as your coffee mug to giant dogs that seem more like a bundle of muscle than dog.

Small dogs are most vulnerable and are often associated with female owners. They are cute, dainty, very delicate and oftentimes boisterous. If you want a pet that you can carry with you, a small dog – toy or lapdog – is a perfect choice.

Make no mistake, though. Small dogs do not always make for behaved dogs. As if to compensate for their small size, some small dogs develop tough dog attitudes. Be prepared to do plenty of obedience training to curb their small dog aggressiveness. People living in small apartments have the tendency to adopt small breeds. Understandably, the consideration for many is the available space. When you have small children though, it is not wise to have small dogs around a small space. Small dogs are very energetic and highly active creatures that will tend to topple things aside from not being safe to be around little children.

Mid-size dogs, on the other hand, are ideal for most kinds of keepers – from children, adult to old people. As middle range dogs, they tend to get along with all sorts of training, environment, and people. All these benefits do not apply to all mid-sized dogs.

Large dogs on the other hand are slower and more placid. If you have the time to get the dog out regularly for walks and exercise, a large dog will fit in nicely even when the space is limited. Larger dogs though cost more to maintain. Giant dogs, big as they are, are perfect for people who have the space, budget, and patience for big animals. They require more food, more supplies, more space, and more intensive training. Compared to other dog sizes, giant dogs are more functional and more fun to be with, especially if you are the type of owner who loves the outdoors.

Temperament

Love – All dogs love, but some dogs have the tendency to display their affection better than others do.

Gregariousness – There are dogs that are extra sociable that they are best suited for walks outside of the house.

Friendly – Dogs in general are friendly except sometimes with other dogs. There are dog breeds however that are more patient and do not get easily threatened by other dogs making them ideal for walks, hunting and the outdoors.

Fiercely loyal – This dog characteristic is best for people who need the calming assurance of loyalty around them.

Playful – Playful dogs are for people who want excitement and fun. Boxers and Retrievers are fine examples of very playful animals. If you do not mind a lot of running around and tail wagging, playful dogs should be on the top of your list.

Athletic - Dogs are almost similar in temperament to playful dogs although they are bred to be sturdier but not necessarily be as playful.

Docile – Dogs are typically obedient dogs.

Quiet – Dogs are dog breeds that rarely bark and are good for people who live in apartments and places where noise has to be kept low.

While these traits or at least a good mix of them are found in most dogs, the characteristics are dominant to particular breeds.

If you are the kind of person who likes peace and quiet around the house, find dogs that are peaceful and quiet by nature. Likewise, if you are the type that loves the outdoors and is athletic, find a dog that has the stamina to keep up and do not get easily distracted. Active and athletic dog types would need their daily requirement of hard running and long walks. Without that energy is pent up and they could potentially be destructive inside the house.

Intelligence

Who would not want an intelligent dog? The sad thing about this is that you cannot have all the characteristics that you want written down to one dog. Intelligent dogs are those that could pick up a command with five exposures and does not forget even when the command is not repeated often. Intelligent dogs are best for everyone but so much better for people who get easily frustrated and do not have the time enough to train dogs. You have to make a good choice. There are various dog breeds that have a higher percentage of intelligence than other breeds.

Purpose

Today, dogs are popular toys, even as fashion statements. Dogs though are more important than that. Yes they are good companions and playmates. More than anything else dogs are protectors, workers, watchers, guides etc. Depending on the purpose that you want your dog to do, breeds are good guides in determining the right kind of dog for the right kind of purpose that you have in mind.

Not all people who adopt a dog do so only to make them as a pet. There are owners who seek to put their dogs to use according to the dog's activity or training. Some are made into therapy dogs, others as guide dogs. If you are considering a dog for specific purposes, you are advised to pick ones that have undergone special training or, in general, have the traits suitable for the function.