This is really fascinating. It seems like people seem drawn to the quiet reserved dogs - wanting to pet them. I think if they truly were dog people, they'd know that was the wrong thing to do.

When we go out with all ours, everyone wants to pet Max - bad idea. He's never bitten anyone, but he's skittish and spooks easily. I watch his body language very carefully. Molly and Kirby LOVE attention, but people shy away from them.

If I meet up with someone who has one of the quiet ones, I'll ask if it's ok then I let the dog approach me. I've tried to explain that to a couple of people but they insist on rushing toward a shy dog.