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You
- Tom Hayden
a study
by Emily Kunz
Introduction
Sure, Scooby Doo can clearly articulate this thoughts, but most dogs
just dont have that luxury (no matter how loud they may bark).
However, our voiceless furry friends are still doing a lot of talking,
and what they are saying is a direct reflection of us. When President
Obama and Bo, a purebred Portuguese Water Dog, are romping on
the White House lawn, hes telling the world that Barack Obama is
intelligent, active, and outgoing.
So, when you and Fido are sauntering around the block, what is she
divulging to the world about your interests, personality, and even
your socioeconomic status? The mere fact that you have a dog speaks
volumes, but Fido is spilling all your secrets and you may not even
know it.
HuffingtonPost.com
During a press conference near the start of his first term in office,
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, mentioned
adopting a dog. We have two criteria that have to be reconciled,
he said. One is that Malia [his daughter] is allergic, so it has to be
hypoallergenic. [O]ur preference would be to get a shelter dog, but,
obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So whether were
going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing
issue on the Obama household. The Nation went crazy with their
predictions and suggestions about what type of dog should join the
First Family. According to an American Kennel Club survey, most
Americans hoped the Obamas would select a Poodle. With every
citizen in the US carefully considering the new president, it was
imperative that he make a wise canine selection. Why? Because our
dogs communicate a lot about the kind of people we are!
History of Dogs
To understand our modern canine friends, we must first understand
their history as a species. While the modern dog is by no means
a mystery to the humans who love it, its historical origins are.
Genetic evidence suggests that dogs as a domesticated animal could
be as much as 16,000 years old. In this narrative, the modern dog
is a descendant of the early wolf a wild, ravenous animal driven
by hunger, instinct, and a pack relationship. This wolf learned
the value of working alongside and as a shadow to man, hunting
game and enjoying the portions unused by humans. It was not a
difficult evolutionary leap for this wolf to quickly learn that physical
necessities were easier to come by when working with humans.
LOC.gov
About Breeds
History tells us that dogs have evolved from their utilitarian roots
to fill more of an emotional need. Because of their capability
to change, its easy to see that dogs have responded to those
emotions and absorbed behaviors like those of their owners.
Dr. Lance Workman, a professor of animal behavior at Bath Spa
University in Bath, England explained that when we look for a
dog to join our family, we look for something that is like us. Much
like dating, we subconsciously match ourselves with animals that
share a commonality.
But this fact was not news to Daisy Okas, assistant vice president
of communication at the American Kennel Club. Yes, says
Okas, owners typically identify with animals who have similar
personality traits, quirks and physical activity levels. Okas
surveyed breeders about breed behaviors and owners buying
habits, and between her survey and Dr. Workmans research, we
can get a good idea of what story a particular breed tells.
Martine Sansoucy/FreeImages.com
Sporting
Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and other sporting dogs
are social and active animals. They like everyone and everyone
likes them. People who own these animals are agreeable,
affectionate, and enjoy being around people.
Herding
Herding dogs such as German Shepherds and Sheepdogs
are fearless, eager, and alert. They enjoy a pack environment
like no other breed. People who own herding dogs are more
extroverted, outgoing, and friendly.
Hound
Greyhounds and Beagles are hound dogs, making them
inquisitive and willing to learn new things. Owners of such
breeds are emotionally stable, calm, and consistent. They can
also be curious, willful, tough on enemies, and loyal to friends.
Toy
Chihuahuas and Poodles are showy and graceful. They are highly
intelligent creatures who can be open to new experiences. They
have a lot of energy. Owners are the same way; they tend to be
detail-oriented and appreciate art and culture.
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Non-Sporting
Dogs such as English Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, and Chow Chows are
lovable and mellow, but not particularly active. Owners of such
breeds are funny, relaxed and tend not to be overly fastidious.
Owners and dogs enjoy downtime together.
Terriers
Staffordshire Bulls, Scotties, and other terriers are home bodies.
Most studies show them as the most adaptable of the breeds.
Owners can be a bit introverted, choosing to be at home rather
than outdoors.
Working
Dalmatians, Dobermans, and Schnauzers are working dogs
and active, outdoor animals who can be very protective of their
own. Their owners are typically joggers, hikers, or enjoy other
outdoor activities. They are hard and trusted workers.
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Case Studies
Moaan/Flickr.com
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Nikki is a Schnauzer who has a few years behind her. Brycia, her
owner, joked that they are both aging ladies. Nikki is named after
Brycias great aunt who also owned a Schnauzer. I felt like selecting
the same breed as [my great aunt] would pay honor to her legacy,
said Brycia. This told me right away that Brycia was nostalgic and
thoughtful. When meeting Nikki, shes a bit standoffish at first, but
quickly warms up and even enjoys new friends. Similarly, Brycia says
that she herself gets a bit wary of new people at first, but if she can
push past her introversion, she can and often does make friends for
life. Both Brycia and Nikki are quiet, contemplative types who enjoy
spending time in nature and even alone. As we spoke, Nikki poked
around the grassy area, often turning her face to the sky and breathing
deeply. Nikki and I both like our space, said Brycia. I have my
office in my house, decorated the way I want it, where I can do and be
whatever I want. Nikki is sort of the same way with her spot in the
house. She also doesnt sleep with me. She goes down to the couch and
sleeps there instead. I can respect that. Brycia also joked that both she
and Nikki are motivated by food, but after seeing their healthy, active
appearance, I say they just enjoy the finer things in life.
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The two best words to describe Jenny and Dixie are energy and
intelligence. Jenny is an academic, finishing her Ph.D., and has
almost limitless energy for her work and family life. She approaches
a conversation with ease and interacts with others casually. Likewise,
Dixie, a miniature Australian Shepherd, has boundless vitality
and is ready to play from the minute she meets a new person. She
approached me with confidence and excitement, just as Jenny did.
Moreover, Dixie portrayed the intelligence that is the hallmark of her
breed; after only half an hour of interaction, it was clear that Dixie had
figured me out and had already cataloged my mannerisms. Dixies
coat is a little wild and free, which told me that Jenny isnt particular
or overbearing. Jenny says that she made a deliberate choice in Dixie,
knowing that she wanted a breed that would complement her own
active lifestyle and would be able to assimilate seamlessly into Jennys
routine. And this conscious decision on Jennys part is very apparent
from the outside. Jennie and Dixie both have a demonstrable love of
life and learning!
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The similarities between Megan and Kameha are apparent right from
the beginning. Megan is Hawaiian, with darker skin and eyes. Kameha,
a mix breed rescue dog, also has a dark and mysterious appearance.
Kameha is named after Hawaiian King Kamehameha, which told
me that she is proud of her heritage. Both Megan and Kameha have
friendly, outgoing personalities, despite Megans insistence that she
is a little intense. I can get really snippy sometimes. But Im a fierce
momma bear and very protective of my friends and family, she says.
In the same way, Kameha is top dog in her pack. When I arrived, she
was protective of Megan and the other family members, but soon
siddled up to me and allowed me to pet her. I also noticed that she was
the alpha-female, keeping her furbrother, Tyson, in his place. Megan
assured me that that had no reflection on her personality, but when
her son guffawed, she punched him playfully and winked at me. Megan
and Kameha are two strong women who rule the roost. At first, Megan
seemed hesitant to find similarities between her personality and
Kamehas, but toward the end of our chat, she begrudgingly agreed
that Kameha is a reflection of her, saying, For better or for worse, we
are both the Queen Bee.
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This pair are proof that the bond between canine and human is not
necessarily apparent from the surface. Its clear that Tyson is an older
dog; his weathered face and tired body reveal his true age. Anthony,
on the other hand, is an 11 year old boy with his life still ahead of
him. But as I interviewed him, he sat with his hand on Tysons head,
quietly and carefully considering my questions. Anthonys mother,
Megan, told me that he is a very reflective and considerate child. He
loves quiet pursuits and is an old man in a little boys body, she said.
Anthony smiled and shrugged, saying that it wasnt his fault that he
enjoyed Billie Holiday more than Justin Bieber. Like Anthony, Tyson
is agreeable and patient, content to putter around the house and enjoy
the little things in life.
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I had never met Dan before interviewing him about his relationship
with Harlem, his youthful border collie mix whom he found
abandoned on the streets, but their mutual adoration is clear right
away. They are both stocky and athletic, with dark hair and kind
eyes. The visual similarities arent the only commonalities they have,
though. Dan told me that Harlem likes to be active, and, as a personal
trainer, he does as well. He also said that shes easily trainable, when
the task is something that interests her. In the same way, he said that
when he is learning something about physical fitness, nutrition, or his
other hobbies, he can absorb the information quickly. As I watched
Harlem run in the park, she was playful, curious, and bounced from
one place to the next. Dan seemed to mirror this behavior, looking
around as if taking it all in and moving about easily. Its obvious that
Dan is confident in himself and his abilities, and Harlem seemed to
feed off his confidence and ease. Dan joked that Harlem was, in fact,
the dog version of himself.
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Bradley, Katie
& Lucy
No three characters are better suited for each other than Katie,
Bradley, and Lucy. Lucy is a purebred English Retriever, a choice
that Katie and Bradley consciously made. The type of play they
engage in, the care for Lucy, and the general dynamic among them
underscores this conscious decision. Moreover, Lucy clearly mirrors
the personalities of each of her humans. Katie is approachable, but
deliberately withdrawn, waiting to know the people she meets before
she opens up to them. Katie observed that Lucy has picked up on this
behavior and often holds back her energy, possibly as a way to match
Katies mood. In contrast, Bradley is energetic and more outgoing, and
Lucy interacts more aggressively with Bradley. Additionally, Bradley is
more of a disciplinarian than Katie and Lucy pushes less boundaries
with Bradley than with Katie. Physically, this trio complements one
another: they are healthy, outdoor-loving, and flexible with their
environment traits that come naturally to Katie and Bradley and are
innate to Lucys breed. Bradley and Katie look like the All-American
couple and Lucy, the Nations top dog breed choice, fits perfectly into
that picture.
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Lola and Adam underscore the shared personalities of dog and owner.
On the surface, Adam and Lola do look visually similar both are
dark, have early graying hair, and seem wary of the camera. Lola is
named after The Kinks song Lola, so I knew right away that Adam
liked classic rock. Adam and Lola, a terrier mix, are truly kindred
spirits. Adam didnt make a lot of eye contact during our conversation
and seemed very aware of his surroundings. Lola was the same way,
sniffing at anything and everything, and only vaguely acknowledging
me. Adam told me that he would classify himself as generally anxious
and Lola could not be more similar. Adam said, I wonder sometimes
just how much of my personality Lola has adopted. When I first got
her, Lola was an anxious, busy puppy, but over time shes begun to
channel that into a routine. Adam told me that he likes his agenda
and his schedule and hes noticed that Lola has followed suit. She
even has a set bedtime routine. Adam says that this routine is likely a
product of his interaction with her. Despite their shared unease, they
both are gentle and kind; he is very affectionate with Lola and its clear
she adores him as well.
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Conclusion
The American Kennel Club is correct that dogs are a product of their
breeding. A Terrier will protect her owners and a Dachshund will be
mischievous and silly. Further, their temperament is often influenced
by their parents. For example, studies show that a mother dog under
duress while pregnant is likely to give birth to anxious puppies.
However, one look at a litter of new puppies and its clear that each
dog is born with a singular personality. But those personalities morph
and change based on that of their environment. Stanley Coren, author
of a variety of books on the nature of dogs, says, A dogs personality
is not fully set in his genes but is also affected and shaped by his life
history, living conditions, his owners nature and characteristics, and
the social and educational interactions that he has with his owner.
Because dogs evolved from subsisting in the wild to living in our
homes, eating our food, and sharing our beds, their loyalties are to
those who provide them necessities of life (us). In order to satisfy the
alpha-humans, dogs seek to please, establish a firm footing in the
pack, and, ultimately, get their basic needs met. I also believe that
because dog owners are conscientious, caring individuals, they amend
their lifestyles for these lovable, furry creatures. Dog owners and dogs
settle on a middle ground to create a life that works for them both.
Because of this, a human/canine relationship is a complementary one.
Dogs names, their breeds, and their grooming all give visual cues
about the kinds of people who take care of them. It doesnt take
science to see that Kamehas Hawaiian name refers to Megans
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Sources
American Kennel Club, Americans Elect Poodle as Obamas Top Dog,
AKC.Org (Aug. 28, 2008).
Poggi, Jeanine, What Your Dog Says About You, Forbes (Nov. 21,
2008).
Woof vs. Meow: What Our Furry Pals Reveal About Us, Hunch.com
(July 2, 2011).
- George Eliot