Are you a dog person or a cat person? 你是狗派還是貓派的擁護者呢？許多人相信主人會和自己養的寵物長相不僅越來越相似、連個性和行為也會越來越像一個模子刻出來的，你相信嗎？
在近幾年的調查中，台灣人養寵物的數量激增，而在寵物的排行榜上，毛小孩還是長年佔據了排行榜前三名的寶座，尤其是狗狗，更是長年穩居冠軍寶座！你知道台灣人最鍾愛的犬種有哪些？以及這些犬種的個性是如何嗎？想開口和別人聊聊寵物經，卻不知道怎麼下口？今天就讓我們揭開狗狗們可愛外表下，還有哪些秘密吧！
Shiba Inu 柴犬：independent、stubborn
從充滿日本風味的英文名稱就可以知道，柴柴是源自於櫻花國的品種，在牠看似憨厚端正的外表下，其實骨子裡可是流淌著剽悍的獵犬基因，古時牠可是用來獵野鳥、甚至圍獵野豬的工具犬喔！
例句
Some people describe Shiba Inus as cat-like dogs. They are very independent and stubborn. Unlike most dogs, Shiba Inus enjoy their own company and actually are not a big fan of human touch. They prefer us to play with their own rules.
有些人形容柴犬是最像貓的狗，因為牠們的個性很獨立且有點固執。不像大多數的狗狗，柴犬很享受獨處且實際上並不是很喜愛人類的觸摸。牠們比較喜歡我們照著牠們的遊戲規則來互動。
Corgi 柯基犬：energetic、intelligent
別小看柯基短小的四肢和肥敦敦的屁屁，牠原先可是特殊培育為了協助人類放牧牛羊、甚至馬匹的犬種喔！牠短小精幹的身形正巧方便迅速行動，也因此牠的個性奔放活潑，需要適當的運動量發洩精力，不然可是很容易變成瓦斯桶身材喔！
例句
The corgi is a very energetic and intelligent dog breed. Corgis can easily friend with children and other pets. They need constant exercise and are perfect fits in all kinds of household.
柯基是一種精力充沛且聰明的犬種，牠們可以輕易地和孩子以及其他動物成為朋友。牠們需要持續且適度的運動，適合飼養在各式的家庭環境中。
Poodle 貴賓：clever、elegant
貴賓犬主要屬於玩賞犬，在各大犬種選美比賽中，牠們總是能夠駕馭不同的造型(hairdos)並昂首踩著優雅的步伐，踏上領獎台階。不過其實貴賓犬的智商可是狗狗界被公認的高材生等級！加上適當的訓練，貴賓能學會的才藝之多，可是很有機會能上街賣藝，養活鏟屎官哩！
例句
Poodles are well-known family dogs. With elegant body shapes, they can also acquire many talents. Poodles are a highly trainable breed. They are active and passionate. It is better to keep them busy or they can easily get bored.
貴賓是最廣為人知的家庭寵物犬。不僅擁有優雅的身型，牠們也能學會許多才藝技能。貴賓是具有高度學習性的品種，牠們很活潑也充滿熱情，如果不讓牠們時時有事可做，牠們可是很容易覺得無聊、開始搞破壞唷！
Mixed 米克斯：healthy、strong、smart
有些人戲稱米克斯為驚喜包，就是因為牠們的混種基因多元，在毛色、體型、外觀和個性上有非常大的發展潛力，幼犬時期很難如純種犬一樣預測長大後的樣子，就跟開福袋驚喜包一樣，非常有趣！
例句
It's believed that a mixed breed dog is usually healthier and stronger than a pure breed dog. Compared with pure breed dogs, a variety of genes may lower the risk of hereditary disorders for mixed breeds. Mixed breed dogs are as cute and smart as any other kinds of dogs. If you are thinking about getting a fur kid, adopting one from the shelter is also a great option now.
一般認為米克斯狗勾比純種血統犬來得健康強壯。相較於純種狗狗，米克斯的基因多元性降低了牠們罹患遺傳性疾病的風險；而且牠們也和與其他品種的狗狗一樣聰明可愛。如果你有考慮養一隻毛小孩，到收容所領養一隻米克斯也是一個很好的選擇喔！
French Bulldog法國鬥牛犬：friendly、playful、adaptable
長相充滿喜感、舉手投足就是個天生的喜劇演員的法鬥，早期可是為了成為優秀的捕鼠高手所培養的犬種；近年則已搖身一變，變成家庭陪伴犬和秀犬的最佳候選人，是非常適合新手飼養以及陪伴小孩們的狗狗。
例句
The French Bulldog is a very playful and adaptable dog breed. French Bulldogs can be great family friends and also a good choice for first-time pet owners. You can find this breed adapts well in all kinds of living environments. However, they often suffer from health issues including skin or respiratory system problems.
法鬥是非常愛玩且適應能力很高的犬種。牠們可以成為各個家庭成員的好朋友之外，也是新手飼主的一個好選擇；牠們也很能適應各種生活環境。然而牠們也常有些健康問題如皮膚或是呼吸系統的狀況。
Conversation:
A: I'm thinking about getting a puppy for my little girl. Do you have any suggestions?
A：我在想要給女兒養隻小狗，你有甚麼建議嗎？
B: Well, since you live in a small apartment, I wouldn't recommend a dog like a corgi. It usually requires space and exercise. What about a poodle? It is quite suitable for apartment living and easy to train.
B: 恩，既然你們住在小公寓裡，我就不會推薦柯基這類的犬種，牠通常需要空間和一定的運動量。貴賓犬怎麼樣？牠很適合公寓的飼養環境而且很好訓練。
A: We don't really care about whether the dog is a pure breed or not. As long as the dog is healthy and easy to blend into our family, it is a good dog for us.
A：我們其實不是很在乎狗是不是純種犬。只要牠健康且能夠融入我們家，對我們來說就是隻好狗。
B: In that case, I'd suggest that you adopt a mixed breed dog from the shelter. It can be rather clever and loyal. Most importantly, compared with pure breeds, mixed breed dogs normally have a lower risk of genetic diseases. I believe you can definitely find a right one!
B：若是這樣的話，我會建議你到收容所領養一隻米克斯犬。米克斯可是相當聰明且忠心的狗狗。最重要的是，比起品種犬來說，牠們帶有有遺傳性疾病的風險通常也比較低。我相信你一定能找到心目中的最佳狗狗的！
A: Sounds perfect! Let's do it!
A：聽起來很完美耶！就這麼辦吧！
以上的狗狗英文學起來了嗎？巨匠美語開口溜英文課程，系統性學習最道地英語、跨國多元文化，讓你不僅敢開口說，還能充份表達出自己的想法，下次遇到愛狗的外國友人，希望在你能跟他們分享毛小孩的各項趣事喔!