Dog & Cat stereotypes

Do you ever get people stereotyping your pet in some way? Are there any common stereotypes that are true about your dog or cat? What are true and false ones?

Labs typically love the water, and go splashing around in glee, right? Not Brinkley. He will only go in water if we give him a reason to, like he has something to fetch.

If you believed all Labs are just like Marley, you would think he's a crazy energetic dog. At one year old, Brinkley is the laziest couch potato I've ever known. A good hour of exercise and he's out like a light. If he gets 8 hours straight like when he goes to daycare, it takes him two days to recuperate.

One stereotype that is true is that he looooooves all people. He can learn to be indifferent to people if they are continually indifferent with him, I see it happen when I bring him to work. But largely, he's extremely friendly.

What are yours?

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

Cats are often described as aloof and stand offish but my cat is really friendly. She comes out when there's company - even a houseful of people. She is very affectionate and likes to be around people. We have our routines - she comes to bed when I do, sits with me when I work on the computer, will sit on my lap sometimes when I watch tv.

Message edited 2/3/2009 12:36:35 PM.

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

I have a Chihuahua and there are SO many stereotypes out there for Chihuahua's.

A lot of people seem to think they are just yippy, unfriendly, ankle biters (at least many people I've come across). I constantly find myself defending his temperament.

Rocco barks when someone is at the door but what dog doesn't? Other than that he is not yippy at all and he's never bitten my ankle

He does however have issues with small children. I dont think he would bite one but when they come close to him fast he growls. My sister told me Im going to have to carry around a babydoll when I get pregnant just to get him used to it before I have a baby.

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Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

Absolutley!!!! People see a greyhound and think they run 45 mph 24 hours a day!!!!!! I have to tell them that greyhounds are sprinters. Not marathon runners. They'll run around for 5 minutes and then hit the couch for hours.

In the greyhound community, they are known as the worlds fastest couch potatoes!!!

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

Posted by myson220

Absolutley!!!! People see a greyhound and think they run 45 mph 24 hours a day!!!!!! I have to tell them that greyhounds are sprinters. Not marathon runners. They'll run around for 5 minutes and then hit the couch for hours.

In the greyhound community, they are known as the worlds fastest couch potatoes!!!

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

Posted by RocPin

when they come close to him fast he growls. My sister told me Im going to have to carry around a babydoll when I get pregnant just to get him used to it before I have a baby.

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Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

People see that my dogs are small and think they are sensitive and "froo froo" as one friend said. Yeah, right. Denver can run circles around big dogs in terms of energy and playfulness

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

Posted by greenfreak

Posted by TheLorax

Teemu is a mutt so I am not sure what stereotypes people have about him.

That he would be a super duper playmate?

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

I have a Jack Russell and most people associate them with being wild and energetic. While this is true to an extent Katie is actually pretty lazy.
She sleeps all day when we are at work and when we come home and watch tv she lays down on the couch with us.

ETA: I've heard that JRT's can be "nasty". She's embarrisingly friendly and is a terrible watch dog.

Message edited 2/3/2009 3:56:22 PM.

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

My yorkies fit the usual headstrong, stubborn, always want to be with you stereotype.
Most websites say they do not get along with small children BUT Vito especially loves them.
He loves playing fetch with them and running and snuggling.
Bruno dealt with kids better when he was younger, now when he's had enough of them he hides in a bedroom.

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

There are so many stereotypes about dachshunds. Mine fits the stereotype of being stubborn and silly, having no fears and having a huge appetite. A lot of people think that dachshunds aren't physically strong or assertive. My dog is very strong and very assertive. He can defend himself and this entire block!!!

Re: Dog & Cat stereotypes

I have an Italian Greyhound and she fits EVERY stereotype of the breed.

She is...
- hyper, but crashes hard
- very affectionate and loyal
- like Velcro in that she never wants to be alone, she will whine if we are not in her sight
- eager to please and quick to learn
- sturdier than she looks She has the longest, skinniest legs I have ever seen on a dog and the way she flies around our house and jumps on and off furniture, I am shocked that she hasn't broken anything yet (KNOCK ON WOOD!!!! )

Most people that see her assume that she is either a mini greyhound, a whippet, or a baby deer. I always have to explain that "No, she is an Italian Greyhound, a breed of their own - a cousin to the whippet and big grey" People sometimes don't believe me....