Do People Judge Others Based On Their Dogs? Reddit Has Spoken

Do some breeds go only with certain types of personalities? Theories may as well be discussed.

Damjan

• Published in Animals
• August 26, 2022

How do you feel about certain breeds? Do you feel cuteness overload when you see a chihuahua or a bichon?

Don’t you have a sudden urge to pet them (with the owner’s permission, of course)? And do you feel a bit scared when meeting a so-called bully breed dog like pit bulls and rottweilers?

If the answer is yes – you don’t have to be ashamed, you are not alone. In fact, most people feel the same.

But how do you feel about the dogs’ owners? Do you make presumptions about their character when you see their dog first?

That’s an interesting question, and the first answer that pops into our minds is – yes. Many people believe that for instance bully breeds are aggressive people’s favorite digs and Labs and Goldens are for kindhearted people.

But is it true? One Reddit user wanted to know if people make assumptions about people based on their dogs.

They said: “I caught myself doing a disingenuous thing today- making a nearly automatic assumption about someone's personality or imagined characteristics by the type of dog they had and how it was acting. Do you make assumptions about someone based on their dog? Have you noticed any commonalities linked to certain types of breeds and their owners?”

Take a look at the interesting discussion that followed:

One Reddit user asked:

OP caught themselves doing that:

Redditors often make assumptions about people who own the same breed

Seriously now. Some people didn't choose their dogs- their dogs chose them

That's why it is bad to make assumptions.

You don't have to love the breed to love the dog

Poor Chihuahuas

These breeds are so misunderstood

Japanese Spitz owner says:

Here is one American Stafford owner who enjoys judging other bully breed owners:

You shouldn't judge based on the breed, but based on behavior.

True

What conclusion about the owner can you draw when you see this amazing duo?

People who rescue dogs end up with all kinds of mixed breeds

You shouldn't judge...

This is a really nice way to look at the world:

Again - one more proof that it is so bad to make assumptions:

Now, this you should judge:

This is something we all do:

These breeds really suffer:

People often make these mistakes:

Sad, but true

Well, it is obvious that people tend to make assumptions and judge. But, it has nothing to do with the breeds, but with people’s behavior.

And they are right. There is no harm in mentioning it again – people should NOT choose a breed with appearance as the only criteria.

The most important things to consider are its nature, mindset, and needs. Unfortunately, not much research breeds properly before getting a puppy.

And they end up with an unsatisfied and anxious dog. This, in turn, leads to many physical and psychological medical issues.

Working dogs, hunting dogs, sheepherders… they all need frequent activity and stimulation. If you don’t enjoy physical activity, get a “lazy” dog.

Don’t pick a breed just because it is cute.

Damjan