Pet people

IF you want to know what someone is like, look no further than their dog.

Not only do some pooch lovers resemble their pets physically, many have similar personalities too.

Research by dog food manufacturer Pascoe's found that two thirds of people believe dog owners resemble their pets in temperament and behaviour. And, according to the research, there are three main "canine characters."

Pit bull lovers, like their pets, can be deeply insecure and mask their vulnerability under a thick hide of masculinity which can result in displays of aggression.

Poodles and their owners can be prone to being excitable and can make a fuss quite disproportionate to their size. According to the research, these canine characters love gossip and get-togethers and are never happier than when they are the centre of attention.

Like the breed, the owners of the great British bulldog can be tough, tenacious and loyal. Their bark is certainly worse than their bite, as deep down bulldogs are kind and true.

They make trusted friends who will obstinately hang on to causes they believe in but can be savage when their good nature is abused.

So from pampered poodles to rugged working dogs, you could be the human equivalent of your beloved pooch. We found three examples . . . THE PAPILLION:

'It's very hard to believe that we can be so much alike' ANGELA Martin refused to believe a dog owner could have the same personality as their pet - until she got Star.

"I never thought you could get a dog which was similar to you but I've been proved wrong. He is just like me," she said.

The 18-month-old canine is one of a few papillions belonging to Angela, who breeds and shows the spaniels at Crufts.

Angela, who runs the Paradise for Pets grooming salon and pet shop in Hinton Street, Burnley, said: "Star goes to a dog show and if he can't be bothered, he starts playing around with other dogs.

"I'm the same. I start talking to somebody else in the ring.

"Also, if he decides he's not going to eat anything, nothing will force him to eat.

"My friends tell me I'm the same.

"We have a very similar temperament.

"He is a happy-go-lucky dog and he tends to never sit still.

"I'm on the go all the time.

"He teases the dogs. He will offer them a bone and then run like hell.

"I'm also a wind-up artist. I tease everyone.

"He is not aloof but he is wary of people until he has sussed them out. I do the same. It's amazing." THE GREYHOUND

'I'd be very flattered by such a comparison' "I WOULD find it flattering, if people said I had the same psyche as a greyhound," said Fred Shawcross, from Bolton, who works as a sub-editor on the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"They are extremely energetic.

"I play drums five nights a week and exist on four hours sleep a night.

"I have done that for donkey's years. On the drums, I expend as much energy as a dog running around a race course," said 64-year-old Fred, who races greyhounds at Belle Vue, in Manchester.

"A racing greyhound in action is one of the most awe-inspiring sights.

"They are machines - the equivalent of Olympic world athletes.

"I, too, am extremely competitive.

"Whatever I choose to do, I try to be good at it.

"My energy is fired when I get behind a drum kit."

Greyhounds find it hard to sit still for long and are constantly thinking up ways to amuse themselves.

Fred said: "I have always been searching for the next adventure and have packed a lot into my life. I have travelled the world.

"I have worked on cruise liners, for national newspapers, written biographies and backed some of the biggest names in international cabaret, such as Matt Munro and Neil Sedaka." THE ST BERNARD

'We are plodding types who are always willing to help' LOOK around.

Do you see a gentle giant willing to help out anyone in need?

If you do, the chances are it's the owner of a St Bernard.

Physically slow-moving, St Bernards are the salt of the earth.

Michaela McFadden shares several traits with her St Bernard Rufus.

"I will help anyone out, if I can, and so will Rufus.

"He is such a softie and always keeps an eye on me and my son."

Once a St Bernard has made up his mind to do something, he plods on stolidly until the job is done - a characteristic Michaela shares with Rufus.

Michaela, who was forced to part with Rufus when she moved from the Albion pub in Clayton-le-Moors to The Griffin at Haslingden, added: "It took a lot of hard work to get my pub.

"I started as a barmaid but put a lot of effort into the job over a period of time and reached my goal."

She added: "I miss him very much.

"He was like me in that he was very patient and unselfish but he loved attention."

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