Finding THE ONE is no walk in the park! Or dog park.
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
When it comes to relationships, most people have a “type.” But does that only hold true for our HUMAN relationships?
Samantha Cohen and Peter Todd from Indiana University wondered. Avoiding the local bars, they sniffed out the pickup scene at the animal shelter. Was there a difference between dog preferences and dogs actually adopted?
Over one hundred people searching for FUR-ever friends were surveyed. They listed preferences for thirteen physical and behavioral traits, like fur color and playfulness. After adopting a dog, owners described their new pets’ physical traits and behaviors.
Adopters often went in thinking traits like fur color were MOST important. However, their preferences for gender, intelligence, and playfulness corresponded best with their adopted dogs’ traits. Sparky’s smarts and personality sealed the deal! His new mommy or daddy just may not realize it.
There’s still no cheat sheet for picking human partners. But this suggests we don’t alway pick what we THINK we want.
Time to soul-search! And maybe…switch from Tinder to LOL Cats! They’re ALL adorable!