I came across a really interesting article in Paw Prints The Magazine called A Dog’s Life: Relationships Between Dogs & Owners Fall into Three Categories. Apparently the three categories are humanist, protectionist and dominionist - have a read and find out which one you are. I definitely fall into the humanist category.
It started me thinking about a theory of my own, because I have noticed that dog owners can also be divided into those who refer to themselves as their dogs mom or dad, and those who use their first name in connection with the dog - so you could say, "Shall mommy get you your dinner?" or you could say, "Are you thinking, come on Julie, give me my dinner?" You can read more about my theory in the blogpost I am my dog's mom.
However there are many more criteria for categorising dog owners. There are those who become firmly attached to one particular breed and there are those who are on a quest to experience as many different breeds as possible. The internationally renowned animal psychologist Dr. Roger Mugford scolded me at the time I had two Labradors, advising that you should never have more than one of any breed. I can see his point - there are so many varied breeds that I would love to get to know better from the miniature Dachshund to the Irish Wolfhound. On the other hand I love my Labrador so much I could easily gravitate to another Lab later on, and our Bichon Frise is so resolutely cheerful she has endeared her whole kind to me.
Another expert who espouses owning different breeds is Dr. Stanley Coren - also a psychologist and a professor at the University of British Columbia. He recommends having a Border Collie to jog with and a Basset Hound to veg out on the couch with.
Then of course there are those who would only ever give a cross breed house room, and are blind to the appeal of a pedigree. I know quite a few cross breed dogs (funnily enough most of them have Jack Russell Terrier in the mix) who's particular combination of genetic traits makes them at least seem completely unique. Of course the only problem with being unique is that you can never be likely to encounter another dog quite like that. However that drawback is also part of their charm.
Another division of dog owners is one time dog owners and multi dog owners. I don't mean those who have one at a time when I say one time, I mean those like my own mother, who fall under the spell of one dog who finds an incredibly special place in their heart, only to break it with their death, leaving the person never wanting to risk such hurt again. They have one dog in their life and never seek to find that bond again. Then there are those like myself, who never want to be without a dog, and since a dog's lifespan is comparatively short, the only alternative is to have several dogs over the years.
There are of course many other differences of approach - those who dress their dogs and those who don't, those whose dogs are never allowed further into the house than the kitchen and those who share their bed with their dog, and probably countless others I haven't even thought of yet. It's those differences of attitude and requirement that led to the development of so many breeds of dog. Like us, our canine companions are individual, they are all blessed with their own personality and quirks, which is wonderful because it means we can all find a dog to suit us, and every single time that relationship will be an adventure of discovery.
Take care,
Julie x