How Important are Looks?
- Thread starter sillysally
- Start date
Looks really aren't that important to me. Look at Joey, according to boston standards his legs are too long, his snout is too long, his eyes are wall-eyed and he's certainly not as square as he should be. He is far from standard, but I love him! Not to mention the giant scar on his back that tends to be the first thing people notice. I can't count the number of times people have called him ugly. Doesn't matter though because he has an amazing personality and the sweetest face that brightens my day. I love bostons more for the personality than the looks. I think the ones that are not standard are just as beautiful than those that are in their own way.
If I'm picking out of a crowd, or picking a breed, yes, looks matter. Sarama attracted me at first with her looks . . . had she been a plain yellow mutt, I would have walked by. On the other hand, I was not, at that exact moment, looking for a dog. But unless someone had pointed at a plain yellow mutt and said, "that's the dog for you!" I probably would never look twice. Sarama was so close to my mental image of what a perfect dog for me would LOOK like that I had to stop and ask about her . . . and it turned out that she was also very close to what the perfect dog for me would ACT like, so it was a perfect match.
I like prick or semi-prick ears, rough coats, and to be honest, flashy, funky colors . . . bring on the merles, the brindles, the ticked, the heavily bi-color, the exotic blue . . . I love it.
That said, I'd been looking at standard poodles, which have neither the coat nor the ears (though they have some rather cool colors, love the cafe au lait and the red) so looks isn't the only thing. But I grew up with standards, and if their looks aren't my "dream" they are wonderful dogs. I knew I'd be happy with a standard. And I was looking at breeders who produced the colors I liked, even if I'd decided that the only colors I would turn down on an otherwise good match where white or cream (too hard to keep clean). Of course, then I met Sarama . . .
Breed rescue is different. Docket is red, which is my least favorite of the cardigan colors. He's very lightly built, and I like the stocky look of the cardis (though Docket may have fewer problems for being so light). His coat is the smoothest I've seen on any corgi. But he's a rescue, he came as he is, and he was picked out as a good match, and he is a good match. So I have no compliants.
I guess looks get my attention, but aren't the deciding factor. My favorite breeds are all over the map in appearence. I see a dog I like the looks of, I want to know more, either about the individual or the breed. But if that dog/breed is not tempermentally a good match, I don't keep wanting one for the looks. If/when I buy from a breeder, I may make a color preference known in the "all things being equal" sense, but not as a requirement! Getting the right dog is more important than the color, or any other cosmetic feature.
That said, there is one appearence thing that does matter, and would be a total turn off, and that would foster but not adopt. That's "funny" looking, aka unsound, dogs. If the dog isn't put together right I don't want it. By that I don't mean conformation in a show sense (Docket is a horrible Cardigan) but basic structure in a healthy dog sense (which by the naked eye Docket passes with flying colors). Its not just that I don't want an unhealthy dog, its that I find poorly constructed animals to be, well, displeasing to look at. Its not their fault, but I wouldn't want one around. Those GSDs with the awful hips not only horrify me for health reasons, they actally make me cringe. It looks so awful.
I like prick or semi-prick ears, rough coats, and to be honest, flashy, funky colors . . . bring on the merles, the brindles, the ticked, the heavily bi-color, the exotic blue . . . I love it.
That said, I'd been looking at standard poodles, which have neither the coat nor the ears (though they have some rather cool colors, love the cafe au lait and the red) so looks isn't the only thing. But I grew up with standards, and if their looks aren't my "dream" they are wonderful dogs. I knew I'd be happy with a standard. And I was looking at breeders who produced the colors I liked, even if I'd decided that the only colors I would turn down on an otherwise good match where white or cream (too hard to keep clean). Of course, then I met Sarama . . .
Breed rescue is different. Docket is red, which is my least favorite of the cardigan colors. He's very lightly built, and I like the stocky look of the cardis (though Docket may have fewer problems for being so light). His coat is the smoothest I've seen on any corgi. But he's a rescue, he came as he is, and he was picked out as a good match, and he is a good match. So I have no compliants.
I guess looks get my attention, but aren't the deciding factor. My favorite breeds are all over the map in appearence. I see a dog I like the looks of, I want to know more, either about the individual or the breed. But if that dog/breed is not tempermentally a good match, I don't keep wanting one for the looks. If/when I buy from a breeder, I may make a color preference known in the "all things being equal" sense, but not as a requirement! Getting the right dog is more important than the color, or any other cosmetic feature.
That said, there is one appearence thing that does matter, and would be a total turn off, and that would foster but not adopt. That's "funny" looking, aka unsound, dogs. If the dog isn't put together right I don't want it. By that I don't mean conformation in a show sense (Docket is a horrible Cardigan) but basic structure in a healthy dog sense (which by the naked eye Docket passes with flying colors). Its not just that I don't want an unhealthy dog, its that I find poorly constructed animals to be, well, displeasing to look at. Its not their fault, but I wouldn't want one around. Those GSDs with the awful hips not only horrify me for health reasons, they actally make me cringe. It looks so awful.
Yeah, looks matter to a degree for me. Looks as far as sound conformation is quite important. But I also have preferences and will tend to steer toward those. My favorites are not the breeds with squished in faces even if they have nice temperaments and personalities. It doesn't mean I wouldn't like the dog, I've met some very nice little Bostons and Pugs, some Frenchies and think they're quite endearing. It just wouldn't be my 1st choice I don't think... for me.
I also wouldn't choose a dog soley on his looks. Big mistake. It's really the whole dog that matters.
The main thing to me is personality traits, energy level, trainability, size, how much mess they'll make in my house (LOL) etc.....just things that matter for my life style and likes.
I also wouldn't choose a dog soley on his looks. Big mistake. It's really the whole dog that matters.
The main thing to me is personality traits, energy level, trainability, size, how much mess they'll make in my house (LOL) etc.....just things that matter for my life style and likes.
that's me as well. i certainly notice what a dog looks like and looks matter to me to some extent, but there are other things more important to me. it's kind of funny, of all the dogs i've had, i've never had one that's the color i really want.
i think white with brindle patches pit bulls are the most attractive pit bulls out there. i like flashy white on pits. split faces get extra extra bonus points. somehow i've ended up with a largely solid red brindle dog (she has a star on her chest and white toes), a seal dog with minimal white markings, and a black dog with minimal white markings.
in border collies, the one thing i don't want is a big fluffy coat. part of it is looks and part of it is i don't want to have to deal with it. i like my dogs sleek. smooth coat is ideal. in order of color preference, red, followed by black and white with a good amount of white. again, i love split faces. somehow i ended up with a merle dog, though at least he has the lovely big white blaze and collar.
i think white with brindle patches pit bulls are the most attractive pit bulls out there. i like flashy white on pits. split faces get extra extra bonus points. somehow i've ended up with a largely solid red brindle dog (she has a star on her chest and white toes), a seal dog with minimal white markings, and a black dog with minimal white markings.
in border collies, the one thing i don't want is a big fluffy coat. part of it is looks and part of it is i don't want to have to deal with it. i like my dogs sleek. smooth coat is ideal. in order of color preference, red, followed by black and white with a good amount of white. again, i love split faces. somehow i ended up with a merle dog, though at least he has the lovely big white blaze and collar.
I also love looking at beautiful things. LOL. Like a big 10 carrot diamond or shimmering emerald. I appreciate fine art work or beautifully crafted furniture. I also love looking at Arabian horses because to me, they're the most beautiful. I love watching their action...the way they move. Well...it's kind of the same with dogs. My Doberman, for instance was such a joy to watch move. When he ran his fastest, I was in awe. His sleek good looks and fit body definitely made heads turn and I never tired of just gazing at him while he'd play in the yard or race across the pasture after a squirrel or run through the woods, flying over logs like they were nothing.
Now THAT'S his looks. Next chapter will be all about his personality and all the other wonderful traits. LOL.
Now THAT'S his looks. Next chapter will be all about his personality and all the other wonderful traits. LOL.
I went to the shelter and fell in love with the ugliest dog there. But he was the most beautiful in terms of personality..Unfortunatly the rescue didnt think he was right for us..
I personally wouldnt go looking for a yorkie that wasnt going to turn blue with the tan... But I sure as hell wouldnt turn one down if they needed me or if i fell in love with it..
I think it the same as a human relationship..Looks is what ussually draws you in. Its the personality that makes you wanna hang onto em'..
I personally wouldnt go looking for a yorkie that wasnt going to turn blue with the tan... But I sure as hell wouldnt turn one down if they needed me or if i fell in love with it..
I think it the same as a human relationship..Looks is what ussually draws you in. Its the personality that makes you wanna hang onto em'..
If I'm paying a breeder for a dog, yes. Although I'd say correct temperament and a feeling of "family" to me is at the same level.
If I'm rescuing, yes, but to a much lesser extent. I'm one of those people that has to walk into a rescue and meet every dog - usually what happens is the one I think is the prettiest is also the one that meshes with my family the best
If I'm rescuing, yes, but to a much lesser extent. I'm one of those people that has to walk into a rescue and meet every dog - usually what happens is the one I think is the prettiest is also the one that meshes with my family the best
I think a breed is a package. I think that more then a buyer caring that a dog is put together properly the breeder should. If a breeder does not strive to deliver the complete package they are hurting the buyer. I mean looks, temperament, health, everything. Not every dog is going to be perfect, nor am I saying that they will be. But every breeder should breed for the complete package and then buyers would not get these random creations that make you blink and go 'its what?'. But then I believe in having ethics as a breeder that would cause a buyer never to be in that position.
If im going to a breeder, looks are incredibly important. I want a dog that I will love to look at, as well as have a great temperament lol thats why im probably paying $1000+ for it, for the price, I expect both beautiful looks, health, as well as a great temperament
For a shelter dog/rescue, no looks aren't important. A great personality usually gets me a cute dog will get my attention, but in the end, personality tops everything
For a shelter dog/rescue, no looks aren't important. A great personality usually gets me
a cute dog will get my attention, but in the end, personality tops everything
If I'm going through a rescue, not all that important, but they have to have something to make me look at them first, I tend to like loud or oddly marked dogs. If I am going to a breeder quite. After all I worked hard for that money that I am putting down on a dog. Why not get what I am specifically looking for. I want it all, looks, temperament, and health. But also in that look catagory, I find some body styles I like better than others.
I'm on both sides of the fence - I'm very attracted to looks. Sienna is a mutt, but she's gorgeous. She gets comments literally every time we leave the house. (She must think her name is "awwwww") I didn't pick her out, though, she picked me. I also like the spitz looking dogs - I find huskies very attractive, but probably wouldn't own one. Well-bred working GSDs are probably my favorite dogs for looks.
That said, I am also attracted to personality and the right personality will become beautiful to me. I'm completely in love with Australian Cattle Dogs right now, because I have two in my family and they have more personality than any dogs I've ever met. I don't even think they are super beautiful or cute dogs - but the whole is greater than the sum of parts. My next dog will probably be a blue heeler.
I do think that the show world places too much emphasis on looks, to the detriment of health and temperment. Look at Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the horrific brain/skull deformities they're prone to. How could anyone breed for looks alone and not take quality and length of life into account? And breeds like GSDs that are bred for looks (show lines I'm talking about, not working dogs) and can have awful temperment problems.
The Belyaev experiment with the tame foxes sheds some interesting light on the relationship between appearance and temperment. Apparently, they are genetically linked and you can't change one without changing the other to some extent. If you haven't seen it yet -
Domesticated Silver Fox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Basically, they bred silver foxes based only on which ones were the tamest. Over time, the foxes' appearences changed and they developed many traits similar to domestic dogs - floppy ears, white spots, etc.
That said, I am also attracted to personality and the right personality will become beautiful to me. I'm completely in love with Australian Cattle Dogs right now, because I have two in my family and they have more personality than any dogs I've ever met. I don't even think they are super beautiful or cute dogs - but the whole is greater than the sum of parts. My next dog will probably be a blue heeler.
I do think that the show world places too much emphasis on looks, to the detriment of health and temperment. Look at Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the horrific brain/skull deformities they're prone to. How could anyone breed for looks alone and not take quality and length of life into account? And breeds like GSDs that are bred for looks (show lines I'm talking about, not working dogs) and can have awful temperment problems.
The Belyaev experiment with the tame foxes sheds some interesting light on the relationship between appearance and temperment. Apparently, they are genetically linked and you can't change one without changing the other to some extent. If you haven't seen it yet -
Domesticated Silver Fox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Basically, they bred silver foxes based only on which ones were the tamest. Over time, the foxes' appearences changed and they developed many traits similar to domestic dogs - floppy ears, white spots, etc.
If you're getting a border collie, and by that I mean NOT the AKC mousy looking ones...you'd be silly to be looking for some kind of breed standard. BCs come in all shapes and sizes, so when we look at Border Collies it's strictly personality. Luke was a pretty ugly pup when we first met him, and his brother was cute and had an all black face, but he was WAAAY too rambunctious for us. Luke, with his ugly little pig ears and tail, sat sweetly on our laps and just wanted some lovin'. So we took him home. He grew up to be a great lookin' fella and he looks pretty much like what you would expect a Border Collie to look like, but he had nothing to do with looks.
We were initially attracted to the looks of Papillons, but we met a lot of Paps and researched them before deciding to get one. So yes, looks kind of played into our Pap love, but if we didn't like their personalities we wouldn't have bought into it.
So I guess I believe that initial attraction is fine and natural, but like others say, the personality draws you in!
We were initially attracted to the looks of Papillons, but we met a lot of Paps and researched them before deciding to get one. So yes, looks kind of played into our Pap love, but if we didn't like their personalities we wouldn't have bought into it.
So I guess I believe that initial attraction is fine and natural, but like others say, the personality draws you in!
I always find breed guidelines of temperment to be odd. At least with Labs and i have known ALOT of labs each is different. So different that i couldn't compare two anymore than i could compare two human beings. I have met and worked with the full scope from aloof and all business to slap happy and impossibly silly. Lucy and Sam pups were just the eaisest to train ever but that was one pair where the offspring seemed the most alike.
In Mary's litter Mary was the serious one, Sally the you thought might not have had enough oxygen at birth, Garg DA and headstrong. Each uniquely different.
In Mary's litter Mary was the serious one, Sally the you thought might not have had enough oxygen at birth, Garg DA and headstrong. Each uniquely different.