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:

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.
4. 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.

In today's society, many people rely on medical treatments to solve health problems in both puppies and humans. However, there may be a better approach. 

As someone who has raised puppies for over 40 years, I've observed that wild dogs and humans living primitive lifestyles tend to be healthier. Why? Because our dogs are exposed to products that can harm their health over time, and we often turn to pharmaceutical treatments instead of addressing the root causes.

When looking for a small dog, many people ask about "teacup puppies." However, the term "teacup" is ambiguous and can be misleading. Let's clarify what to consider when seeking a small puppy.

Based on feedback from thousands of past puppy buyers, I've discovered that there are no significant differences in the personalities of mentally healthy dogs once they have adapted and settled into their new homes. Some puppies may appear more shy or fearful when you first bring them home, but this should be seen as a sign of intelligence. It means that the puppy recognizes you as a stranger and a potential threat.