Today, everything is about niche markets. Television has learned that lesson: We have a hundred cable channels and each aims for different demographics—everything from the Food Channel to MTV to the History Channel to Animal Planet has its own audience.
We usually admire in a dog those things that we admire—or strive for—in ourselves. So, if you’re running 20 miles a week, you’ll probably admire a dog who’s equally athletic and fit. If you’re looking for a special kind of person, you might be best served by a special kind of dog.
For example:
The Liberal Left-of-Center Urban Hipster. Forget all the purebreds on the 10 Best List. You need a dog from a shelter. How important is this? When John F. Kennedy, Jr. bought a purebred Canaan Dog, he told people it was a shelter mix. The dog’s true
identity didn’t come out until Kennedy’s death, when dog lovers worried about what became of the pooch, and the breeder had to step forward and say that the supposed shelter dog was alive and well with her. (Another lesson here: Don’t fib!)
Outdoorsy Love Interest. If you’re looking for a hunting, fishing, outdoorsy man or woman, you’re not likely to meet this person while you’re walking your Pekingese. (Especially since most Pekingese can only walk a block or so.) An athletic German Shorthaired Pointer would be a better choice. Non-conformist. You’ll want a dog that goes beyond mixed—think of a lovable mutt who looks like he was designed by a
committee. Maybe stubby legs (like a Corgi) and the slender face of a Greyhound—and patches of hair of different lengths and textures. This dog isn’t going to conform to anybody’s breed standard.
Mental Health Professional. One Basenji breeder claims that a disproportionate number of psychiatrists own this fastidiously clean, barkless breed.
