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. In contrast, one of the shy Terrier mixes was later purchased by a deaf couple who successfully taught it 25 different hand signs!

Observing Puppy Behavior

People often spend considerable time trying to determine a puppy's personality. Some things to keep in mind:

1. Video behavior: Many of our puppy videos are taken after baths, which can make puppies shiver and seem less active.
2. Camera shyness: More intelligent puppies might shy away from cameras, while others may not react at all.
3. Personality vs. reaction: A puppy's reaction to a camera doesn't necessarily reflect its overall personality.

Remember, each puppy is unique, and their behavior in a single interaction may not represent their true personality or potential.