Today is about dogs. Because, why not? They’re adorable and just the right amount of constant company to take students through their college years without having a mental breakdown.
To the cat people out there, I do not and will not ever understand you, so I don’t expect you to understand my irrational obsession either.
I have heard that dogs often take on the personality of their owner. I’m still praying that isn’t true, because my 7-year-old dachshund sure is a brat. I know, I made him that way. My lab, on the other hand – I’d take his personality any day.
When it comes to picking out a sidekick, though, it’s important to be compatible. Luckily, there are online quizzes to help out. Just for kicks, I took one, and supposedly I should be a golden retriever owner. My lab, Jacks, will have to suffice.
Nothing upsets me more than seeing the ridiculous sight of a Saint Bernard being walked around the University Lakes. Did the owner know they lived in Louisiana when they made that decision? It may not be so pretty, but at least shave the dog.
Similarly, no Yorkie is going to make it on a 4-mile trek. They’re called lap dogs for a reason.
An active person is obviously going to look for a playful dog, just as a homebody might look for a cuddly type. According to recent studies, the dog breed you pick says a lot about your personality.
In collaboration with the Kennel Club, LiveScience.com measured what psychologists call the “Big Five” personality traits, which are openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. One thousand dog owners answered a questionnaire, and the results showed a correlation between breeds and owner
personalities.
People who own pastoral breeds, like collies and shepherds, were found to be the most extroverted dog owners. Owners of gun dogs, like labs and golden retrievers, and toy dogs were the most agreeable of dog owners. Toy dog owners were also especially open and imaginative. The hound dog owners tended to be the most
emotionally stable.
This got me thinking about the people I know with dogs, and it all made sense to me. Each breed supposedly appeals to different personalities. Dachshund owners, for example, are often bossy and stubborn. I concur. Lab owners are described as honest, carefree and active. Again, I’d agree with that.
Most pups out there, though, and especially those owned by college students, are mutts. According to cesarsway.com, mutt owners are generally fun-loving, open-minded and carefree. In my opinion, this describes the age group more than the actual owner. Of course students have those qualities. This is the time to practice those qualities to their fullest potential.
My dogs may be purebred, but I see nothing wrong with an adopted mutt. First of all, some people say they make the best dogs. Who knows, really? Second of all, why buy when you can adopt?
I’ll be honest; training a pet from puppy-age is much easier than trying to break the bad habits of a 2-year-old that’s been shuffled from shelter to shelter. I admire those who do have the patience, though.
To the students feeling the puppy fever, I suggest doing a little research. A dog should never be an “on a whim” decision. But, the right one at the right time could pretty much be the best thing ever.
Sarah Nickel is a 21-year-old mass communication junior from Crowley, La.

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