Singles Life:
What does your pet say about your personality?
By Dana Greene
June 20, 2008
We were at doggie beach
My date and I thought we'd click because we both shared a love for dogs. So, armed with expectations and a dog leash, we headed out to the white sand. Now, I've heard that good first impressions are the basis for any relationship. So right away, I knew the two dogs lacked chemistry. Watching them interact made me wonder what we can learn from our dogs. Basically, do animals reflect their owner's personality?
I couldn't help wondering why we choose our individual pets the way we do. Do we see part of ourselves in them? Is it a calculated decision or is it circumstance? How much does our subconscious play in picking our dogs?
I decided to ask professional dog trainer Michelle Durrant who has been working with dogs for more than a decade and owns El Cajon-based business Kinderpaws.
Let's take, for example, the Golden Retriever -- the quintessential American dog. "If you own one, you're probably down to earth," Durrant says. They are friendly, happy, fluffy, and cute animals. People who own Goldens are generally light-hearted and enjoy life, she added.
German Shepherds are really popular, but they're also very serious dogs. They are bred for working, so they look at life more profoundly. "Usually the person who owns a Shepherd is image-conscious, tougher, and tend to take a lot of pride in their dog," Durrant describes. "Shepherds are smart so the owner has to be able to keep up with the dog; otherwise they'll be left in the dust."
Husky owners are similar to the Shepherd owner in that they like the tough image of the breed. These people want a wolf, so they get the next best thing usually not recognizing how active, vigorous the breed actually is. "Generally, the owner is a Mr. Rugged or Ms. Outdoors-type enjoying the mountains and the snow," she says.
Poodles get a bad rap. Some people might associate them as yappy ankle biters. But the real truth is, poodles are intelligent. They are also silly, off the wall, and fast thinkers. They tend to figure things out way before the owner. "Your average poodle owner is definitely someone you want in your life," Durrant says. Why? "Because that person will appreciate life's comic side. So their owners are usually people who just sit back, watch and laugh. And the same goes for Standard Poodles."
Dachshund hounds are a bit crazy, silly, and stubborn. They have their own ideas about how things should be. Durrant says if you're dating a "kosher dog" owner -- you better watch out as they're famous for burrowing under the covers.
Greyhounds happen to be dignified and classy animals. "Their owners are generally family-oriented, soft, quiet people and very nurturing," Durrant says.
And we can't forget the lovable mongrel, which comes in every shape and size. It's difficult to pinpoint the mix-breed owner, as they are not concerned with pedigree or image. "They love things just as they are meaning if you date a mongrel owner, he or she will probably accept you for who you are, and not expect you to change," Durrant says.
Now what happens if your potential partner owns a cat? Cats can be domesticated, but they can't necessarily be tamed. It's that tiny streak of wildness that still remains. Cat lovers want an animal to be there, but not one that's too demanding. "Cat owners may very well be attracted to more independent natured people," Durrant says.
And we can't leave out people with exotic pets such as parrots, ferrets, or snakes. These owners are going to be as offbeat as their animals. "They're still just as capable of love, strong emotions, and kindness," Durrant says. "These dates might be more free-spirited free-thinkers because they tend to be people who search for something different, and for whom average is boring."
And if he or she's not a pet owner? Certainly one has a cleaner house, but does your potential mate's busy lifestyle have enough time and space for you? And when was the last time you sat back and laughed hysterically over a tail chase? When you're dating, it's important to see if your boyfriend or girlfriend has a connection to something living, even if it is just a plant. It's still something alive, which must be cared for and fed.
As I sit here concluding this column, and my Tibetan Terrier is sprawled belly up at my feet resting from his date with the massive, drooling St. Bernard, I realize Brindle, whose ancestors come from the Himalayan Mountains, is a peaceful, well-mannered, social dog who displays emotional flexibility, an independent-nature, and confidence as he's accustomed to road trips, outdoor snow adventures, and the company of any doting animal lover. His draw back? Well, he can be high maintenance with his long, shaggy brindled hair requiring regular brushing, and his fierce bark (when feeling threatened), adds to an evident stubborn streak, and much energy, like his owner.
All singles have a story to tell. Some are funny, some are sad and some are inspirational. And all give us a glimpse into the lives of today's Jewish singles. What's your story? You can contact "Single Situations" by e-mail: danagreene1@yahoo.com.