Wow – it sounds like you have your hands full with all those beloved pets! I wonder what that says about your personality traits? Perhaps that you’re loving, kind, welcoming, compassionate, and adventurous (for taking them on your trucking trips!).

Thanks for sharing, you made my day

Laurie

Some dogs are revered or pampered, with fancy clothes and loads of affection; others work for a living. David Blouin, a cultural sociologist at Indiana University South Bend, said relationships between dogs and their owners generally fall into three distinct categories, with some bestowing more canine benefits than others.

And while some dogs may live the high life, serving as surrogate children to their humans, their circumstances can change depending on their owner’s life course and experiences.

Dog ownership attitudes fell into three categories: Humanist, where dogs were highly valued and considered close companions, like pseudo people; protectionists might be vegetarians and they greatly valued animals in general, not just as pets; dominionists saw animals as separate and less important than people, often using the dogs for hunting and pest control and requiring them to live outdoors.

Blouin said the distinct orientations toward animals were informed by multiple, competing cultural logics as well as personal experiences, demographic characteristics and family structure. Rural dog owners were more likely to leave their pets outside, for example. Empty-nesters seemed to be the most attached to their pets.

Blouin is presenting his findings at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association.

What does this type of dog say about your personality traits? First of all, did you know that “Shih Tzu” means lion — which means that despite their cute little appearance, they’re quite proud and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

People who like Shih Tzus are usually friendly, alert, and trusting. As companion animals, Shih Tzus are outgoing, happy, and affectionate…and people who like Shih Tzus may have many of those personality traits, as well. Sweet and playful, too!

If you own a Shih Tzu, does this represent you?

Ann

And, you and your doberman share the “conversational” personality trait! Like you said above, you could go on and on about Diablo — and he likes to talk, too.

Dobermans are determined, fearless, and highly intelligent. They’re devoted and watchful — and very strong. If you like dobermans, then you have to share at least some of those qualities. At the very least, you admire those traits!

If your favorite dog breed is a doberman, then you’re assertive enough to be able to discipline such a strong, protective dog. You’re loyal and affectionate, and people-oriented (an extrovert?).

An Australian Shepard is a herding dog — similar to a terrier (the traits are above). If that’s your husband’s favorite dog breed, then he might be determined, focused, and have a need to be active. Herding dogs (and perhaps your husband?) need to have something to do, a job to do. They’re also very intelligent.

An interesting thing is that people might choose their favorite dogs based on traits they admire or wish they had — not those they actually do have. The authors of Dogology are approaching it from the “if you like those dog breeds, then these are your personality traits” angle….but I think it could get a little more complicated than that. It’s fun matching human personality traits with dog breeds, though!

Thanks for being here — and have fun with Diablo and the shepard.

Laurie