How to purchase a pup with the right personality?

I'm not looking to get a pup, I'm just curious. I have two dogs
currently..one elder dog almost 12 (female) and one 9yr old (male) who still
is puppy like. Ok so here's my question or worry..........

My female who I got at 8mths old is very sweet and gentle but very dull. She
has never played with me or played in general. She is very independent and
doesn't want anything to do with me (except if food is involved) and she is
not a cuddler. I often wondered if I would have got her when she was younger
maybe she would have turned out differently?? I still give her hugs and
kisses even know she doesn't react and I treat her just the same as my other
dog.


My other dog the male, is exactly what I want in a dog. Extremely outgoing,
loves everybody and everything. He is interested in play, loves his walks,
follows me around, and is a huge cuddler:) I will add he can be very
needy..meaning he is not as independent. He needs attention. Intelligent
wise he is very smart. I got him at 12 weeks old. My other dog is not so
smart..but mostly cause she doesn't try anything I think?

Ok back to my question..My worry is in the future when both are gone to the
bridge and I get another pup I will end up with one like my female. Please
don't take that the wrong way ..but I want to have fun doing obedience and
such and can't with a dog like her. Maybe she was the timid one in the
litter? Does picking the most outgoing guarantee me the happy go lucky guy I
have now with proper socialization and training? The most outgoing can end
up as the aggressive one as well right? My pups are shipped so seeing them
in person is not an option. I have to rely on the breeder to choose. How can
they tell besides the usual temperment testing what a pup may be like?

Thanks

"Jinxy" <jinxy.TakeThisOut@look.ca> wrote in message
news:veOdnTQ686ZIhKTfRVn-iQ@look.ca...
>
> Ok back to my question..My worry is in the future when both are gone to
> the bridge and I get another pup I will end up with one like my female.
> Please don't take that the wrong way ..but I want to have fun doing
> obedience and such and can't with a dog like her. Maybe she was the timid
> one in the litter? Does picking the most outgoing guarantee me the happy
> go lucky guy I have now with proper socialization and training? The most
> outgoing can end up as the aggressive one as well right? My pups are
> shipped so seeing them in person is not an option. I have to rely on the
> breeder to choose. How can they tell besides the usual temperment testing
> what a pup may be like?

To add to Diane's advice, dog breed(s) plays an important part in the
personality and activity level departments. You didn't mention the breed of
your dogs but some are actually known for their aloof, independent,
non-playful demeanors. Intelligence is another such factor.

I had a Min. Dachshund who was very smart but very independent and aloof.
She would cuddle but she didn't *need* us or seem overly interested in us
most of the time. My Boxer is very needy, very "whatchadoinmom?!", playful,
outgoing and cuddly. There are days we wish she'd be less cuddly :)

Also, I'd hesitate to request the most outgoing puppy in a litter because
that often means lots of work for you later. I will forever stay away from
the shy or aloof puppy in the future due to bad past experiences but neither
do I want the high-octane, into-everything, energizer bunny that the most
outgoing puppy tends to be. If you know the breed personality, energy level
& habits and you find a good breeder, discuss your concerns. For agility &
other very active things you might actually *want* the most hyper pup but I
think mid-line is generally a good idea for many pet owners.

--
Tara