IS YOUR DOG JUST LIKE YOU?

April 23, 2012 by  
Filed under Uncategorized

Research has been carried out to identify the association between dog owners and the type of dog they choose. Personally I think these types of research studies are not all that reliable as there are too many variables. For example, I’ve owned the following breeds of dogs: Rottweiler, Miniature Fox terrier, Bull Mastiff, Blue heeler, Chihuahua, Norwegian Elkhound and I currently have a geriatric West Highland Terrier and an elderly mixed breed dog that we rescued many years ago. So what does that say about me?

Not a lot really because I think we choose our pets at any given time to suit our lifestyles rather than our personalities. For example, if we own a sheep farm, we presumably require a working dog or two. If we live in a small unit, we may opt for a toy dog breed. If we are seeking a guard dog, a large dog may be the most suitable choice – so I think it all depends on our needs at the time.

Then again, sometimes, we don’t get to choose our dog at all and the dog chooses us! During my childhood, I can vividly remember bringing home many a stray dog that followed me home from school, much to my parent’s horror.

So do you agree with this latest research………………..

 

Dog in autumn leaves background

WHAT A DOG’S BREED SAYS ABOUT ITS OWNER

The Advertiser
Fiona Macrae
21.4.12
 

It is often said that dog owners come to look like their pets. Now it seems they think like them too.

A study of British dog owners revealed that people tend to choose animals that mirror their own personality. Agreeable types are drawn to Labradors, a breed known for their friendliness, while hard-working and responsible sorts favour no-nonsense bulldogs.

But there were some surpises. The owners of Chihuahuas and other ‘handbag dogs’ beloved by celebrities such as Paris Hilton, are apparently most intelligent. The findings come from psychologist Lance Workman who questioned 2000 people, including 1000 dog owners, about their character traits. The results showed the two groups to be broadly similar. But within the dog owners, there were clear differences. Owners of corgis, the breed favoured by the Queen, scored highest on extroversion. Dr Workman said: “The Queen is probably more extrovert than she appears. It takes a lot to stand up in front of people and give a good talk.”

Hounds, such as foxhounds and beagles, are known for their even temperament and tend to be found buy the side of calm and consistent people.

Working dogs are owned by people who score higher on average on agree-ableness and intelligence. Labradors and Golden Retrievers tend to be paired with friendly sorts. However, toy dog owners buck the stereotype. Dr. Workman said: “One of the great things was that toy dog owners, who are often seen as airheads, came out pretty much on top when it came to openness, creativity and intelligence.”

 

Do you think this research is reliable or useful? What breed of dog do you have? Does your dog’s breed match your personality?

 

Please consult a qualified animal naturopath for advice about nutritionally-balanced diets and naturopathic medicines for the treatment of animals. 

Yours In Great Health,

Sar Rooney BHSc., DC., ND., DASc., GDSc. (Hons) Zoology, MHATO, MATMS

Naturopathic Practitioner, Researcher, Lecturer, Canine Naturopath

Science-Based Naturopathy for Canine Wellbeing 

Canine naturopathic health care with a clinical focus on skin conditions, inflammatory bowel disorders, chronic infections, arthritis and disease prevention.

Helping dogs achieve optimal wellness with personalised, professional naturopathic health care and individually-prescribed high-quality herbal medicines and supplements 

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Natural Animal Health for pets, specialising in natural health for dogs. Naturopathic dog therapy with a holistic approach to animal health may complement conventional vet treatments. We offer expert naturopathic advice for dogs from a qualified animal naturopath that specializes in natural dog health. We are based in South Australia's Adelaide Hills region but consult throughout Australia and internationally, with clients in South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, the ACT, NSW, the NT, Tasmania, Western Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US and other countries throughout the world. While we specialise in dogs health problems and natural animal therapy we also treat people with naturopathic medicine and offer clinic services in natural health. Many clients have found natural animal therapy to be more effective or less invasive than conventional vet services. Our clients have a common interest in the health and wellbeing of their dog and are looking for natural preventative health programs and natural remedies for dogs such as herbal medicines and homeopathy that are often not offered by veterinary practices or veterinarian clinics in Australia and New Zealand. Canine natural pain relief and natural animal therapy for inflammation are common conditions that may benefit from naturopathic animal health treatments and holistic pet care.


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