Choosing a puppy based on personality can be tricky. Here are some insights from my years of experience:
The Unexpected Choice
Years ago, before health concerns limited puppy interactions, we often had families play with puppies in an area under our porch. One memorable visit involved:
- A lady interested in Terrier mix puppies
- Another lady looking at purebred Maltese
Surprisingly, while the Terrier mix puppies were shy, a Maltese puppy ran to the Terrier-seeking lady, climbing into her lap and winning her over instantly. This shows how a puppy's personality can unexpectedly charm potential owners.
Intelligence vs. Friendliness
The Maltese puppy's friendliness didn't necessarily indicate intelligence. This puppy would have gotten in the car with the mail man and gone home with him tomorrow morning without realizing that she had never met him before. In contrast, one of the shy Terrier mixes was later purchased by a deaf couple who successfully taught it 25 different hand signs! If you want a more intelligent dog that interacts at a higher and more human level that's earier to house train, then the terrier mix might be a better fit for you. Add to the fact that the terrier mix is likely to be a healthy and long lived dog, while the Maltese is so tiny it might not live as long due to size related health issues.
Observing Puppy Behavior
People often spend considerable time trying to determine a puppy's personality. Some things to keep in mind:
- Video behavior: Many of our puppy videos are taken after baths, which can make puppies shiver and seem less active.
- Camera shyness: More intelligent puppies might shy away from cameras, while others may not react at all.
- Personality vs. reaction: A puppy's reaction to a camera doesn't necessarily reflect its overall personality.
- In reality, the most intelligent puppy is often the one who doesn't like you at initial contact. If you want the most intelligent puppy, then choose a slightly older puppy that will not come to you like the Terrier mix in this blog. Mixed breed dogs are definitely more intelligent than pure breds. Unconventional multi breed dogs are likely to be more intelligent that crossed between two purebred hypoallergenics.
Remember, each puppy is unique, and their behavior in a single interaction may not represent their true personality or potential.
The holidays bring joy, festivities, and plenty of decorations into our homes, but they also introduce numerous hazards that can pose serious risks to curious puppies. As a puppy owner, understanding these dangers and taking proactive steps to create a safe environment is essential for ensuring your furry friend enjoys the season as much as you do. From toxic plants to tempting decorations, the Christmas season requires extra vigilance to keep your puppy healthy and happy.