Do you go for the dog that’s friendly or neutral on first meet?

[CleverBlueMaker]

First time owning a Greyhound.

First girl - Neutral, friendly but no obvious signs of preferring anyone, including her handler.

Second girl - Made a beeline for DD (who’s 3.5 years old). She was so excited to be with DD and ran around playing with her. I am no dog expert to knew to be wary - Was she so bouncy and happy because she might see her as prey/a rabbit from her racing days?! But she slowed right down before getting too close to DD and waited for DD to initiate more happy signs before continuing to act like a maniac :D

Walking back, second dog wanted to walk side by side DD. She was calm but kept looking to check DD was around.

Handler said it was a really lovely sign but I just wondered if it’s a worry that she’s so playful?

I am only posting this because when it comes to puppies (these dogs aren’t, they’re both 4), you choose the puppy who’s the most quiet, I thought? And run for the hills from the one who’s most excited!

Should add, my 14 year old chihuahua boy passed away 8 weeks ago - He never liked DD but tolerated her well and never snapped or growled. But 100% didn’t want her to play or seek affection from

Normal after being a woman’s lap dog for years, and actually I thought I was lucky not to run into any growling or worse with him and DD

I've never heard of picking the quietest puppy in my life. How did your dd react to the dogs?

She can’t speak yet due to a developmental delay but was very excited and pleased with the second dog

I always thought you picked the dog who’s is most submissive and quiet as a pup. And avoid the one running rings around all the others

My 14 year old chihuahua boy was 2 when I got him so this isn’t personal experience of what I’ve done

I was just worried the second dog likes her so much because she reminds her of a bunny rabbit on a track!

Why would you want a submissive dog though?

I think you choose the temperament of the dog that suits you and your family. I like high energy dogs so have never chosen the quietist.

I am no greyhound expert but it sounds lively and I very much doubt that the dog saw your DD are prey. I have a dog that just adores children. It sounds like a sweet partnership.

Lovely, not lively... but probably both from your description.

She doesn’t see her as prey, no. Some dogs just like kids. We fostered a greyhound that loved dd and would always go to her first for cuddles. But your dd is very young. I’d be more worried about the dog accidentally hurting her if very bouncy. However you are going to have to supervise interactions carefully whichever one you get. What’s your gut instinct about it?

Oh gosh, I don’t. I’m just trying to explain what I thought people looked for in pups, and wondered if a dog so excited by children instead of just ‘neutral’ is a good sign

I always thought the neutral dog was what people looked for as an ideal standard

OK well I have never ever heard of that and have always gone for confident pups. I know nothing about greyhounds though.

I am only posting this because when it comes to puppies (these dogs aren’t, they’re both 4), you choose the puppy who’s the most quiet, I thought?

You should pick the puppy the breeder recommends - remember, when you see a puppy you only actually see them for 3-4 hours before you take them home. The breeder has known them for over a 1000 hours, usually before you even meet them.

As with rescue dogs, puppies act completely different around new people to how they react in their new home. One meeting, or even two, is not enough to really judge whether that particular dog would suit your family or your lifestyle.

My mum adopted a dog from Spaniel Aid - she had to meet her about 6 times, including two walks, before the fosterer and my mum were confident it was a good match. I'd want to see any dog several times before I made my choice, particularly if I had a young child.

@saveforthat yeah, there does seem to be a general feeling that they’re considered a bit of an ‘other’ breed by doggy people. I’m not really sure how to word it

You're not choosing a puppy, you're choosing an adult dog that fits

... that fits in well with your family and hopefully will be happy with you.

I'd go for the friendlier dog as long as they're not too excitable.

Assuming this is a greyhound rescue, what do they advise?

I wouldn't go with a nervous/submissive dog, you want playful and confident.