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.

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.