Independent or Dependent – Which Race Would Be Right for You?
If you are the type of person who loves attention, needs a lot of people around you, and hates being alone, an independent breed of puppy or dog would probably not be your best option. On the other hand, if you were a person who prefers private time and does not appreciate the demands of your attention, a sticky velcro dog would be extremely annoying and stressful.
So how do you know which breed best suits your personality? Do your homework! Research races that can peacefully coexist with your character and lifestyle!
Not all dogs of a breed classified as independent are independent and vice versa. However, you will know which breed or mix might be the best for you.
Independent breeds
An independent puppy or dog does not mean that he is not a loving or wonderful companion. It simply means that they are exceptionally happy with their own company and do not need you to constantly entertain them. Most bond closely with themselves, and are very loyal and affectionate. However, like you, they appreciate their alone time. In most cases, the time you share is special and is a better quality of time spent on interaction.
Many dogs in the Workers category fit the independent profile. Independent dogs come in all shapes and sizes. These include, West Highland Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Akita, German Pinscher, Bull Mastiff, Shiba Inu, Chow-Chow, Naapolitan Mastiff, Irish Setter, Japanese Chin, and many more.
Dependent breeds
It’s not just the people who like to be the center of attention … all the time! There are races that thrive on uninterrupted human interaction. Some are loving to the limit. Others live for the sole purpose of amusing their people.
They are usually puppies or dogs that want to cling to you like velcro. As ridiculous as it may sound, “out of sight, out of mind” is what they fear the most. For them, there are no borders. They will faithfully and tirelessly follow you from room to room; I didn’t even draw a line on the bathroom door.
If you don’t mind a trillion interruptions like being followed and adored, here are some breeds you might want to consider. They include Boxers, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Great Danes, Australian Shepherd, Collies, American and English Mastiffs, Maltese, Havanese, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, among others.
Bottom line: every animal is unique! Socialization is important for both types. There is no guarantee that the puppies or dogs listed above will fit into the independent or dependent categorization, but it is a reasonable guide. To be fair to your pet and yourself, do your homework to find the perfect one.