Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

Undeniably, dogs have personalities, and can be described like humans are described—shy versus bold, trusting versus suspicious, active versus passive. A prospective owner should carefully weigh personality (of themselves as well as a potential dog).

Breed is not personality. While dogs of a breed share certain traits, globalizations about breeds (such and such breed never bites) are rarely correct, and they do not account for personality differences. Owners should not choose a breed type when they want a personality, nor should they be impressed by show dogs-type breeds who are bred for physical traits and good coats rather than their capacity to live with a family.

Prospective owners should look to the mother and father of a puppy if possible for likely personality traits, and feel free to ask breeders lots of questions about the dog's lineage.

Unfortunately, many...