Selective breeding has long been a big part of the dog trade. There is a lot of demand for dogs with a specific appearance, which often means that dog owners will choose their animals based largely on what they look like. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the best approach to take, often leaving owners with dogs that look wonderful but lack the personality that they wanted in the first place.
It makes a lot of sense to pick a dog based on how it will act down the line rather than the way it looks. While it would be impossible to guess exactly what a dog would be like down the line, there are a lot of different things you can look for to make sure that your new dog has the personality you want. Let’s take a look at some of these areas, giving you the chance to free yourself from the trap of vanity.
The Breed
There are many different dog breeds in the world, giving people ample options when they are choosing a dog based on the way it looks. The breed you choose can have a big impact on the temperament of your pet, though. For example, Labradors have a very good reputation for being good with children, and this is because they are naturally gentle dogs. On the other hand, other dog breeds are known for being aggressive, hard to control, and even downright naughty, though you have to be careful to ensure that this isn’t the only thing you consider.
The Background
Like humans, a dog’s personality will be partially shaped by its upbringing and background. Dogs that have received loads of love from a young age tend to be needier than others but will also be more receptive to the emotions you convey. Conversely, though, canines that have been largely neglected or even abused will be much harder to live with. Work and dedication can solve this issue, enabling you to give your pet a better life. This can make it well worth putting the work into your animal.
Your Lifestyle
It’s also essential to make sure that your pet suits your lifestyle. Dogs require a lot of time and attention. Some breeds are less demanding than others, as active working dogs need a lot of exercise, and lap dogs sometimes need more love and attention. If the dog has health problems, you must take care of it.
If you have a busy lifestyle and it’s challenging to fit a dog into your way of life, consider other options. Some people use dog-sitters and walkers to keep their dogs company throughout the day, which is an excellent option if everyone is at work or school for a long time.
Another option is to find a lower-maintenance pet. Cynthia Maro offers some suggestions to potential pet owners to help them find dogs or other kinds of pets that require less maintenance.
The Training
Whether you’re adopting a dog or buying one from a breeder, training will be crucial to their personality. Some dogs are harder to train than others, but this doesn’t mean they will be impossible to set on the right track. It makes sense to plan to train your new dog while also looking for dogs that have already been trained if you want to adopt. This doesn’t affect their appearance, but it can make a huge difference in a dog’s personality.
Spending Time With Them
It can be challenging to know how a dog will act when you bring it home. This makes it challenging for new dog owners to feel confident they’re choosing the right pet. Most adoption organizations and even breeders will let you spend time with the dog you want before committing to taking them home. This gives you a great chance to learn about their personality while also making it possible to start building a bond with them. For puppies, it can be just as valuable to meet their parents.
Getting A Beautiful Dog
While a dog’s personality is significant, many people also care deeply about their dog’s looks. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, and it can make a lot of sense to go for an animal that you like the look of, especially if you have kids. It’s always worth keeping in mind that this approach can come with some challenges, though. It could also be unfair for the dog you choose if you don’t take the right steps.
Many of the most popular dog breeds in the world are breeding practices that most people would consider unethical. This is usually because the dogs themselves will end up with health issues when bred to have a certain appearance. A blue-eyed pitbull is a beautiful dog that will be largely free from health issues, but a pug could be a very different story. It’s always worth researching the dog breeds you like to ensure that they won’t face issues down the line.
As you can see, personality is far more important than appearance when you’re choosing a dog. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pick a dog that you like, but you should definitely consider more than just the way they look.
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