在近几年的调查中，台湾人养宠物的数量激增，而在宠物的排行榜上，毛小孩还是长年占据了排行榜前三名的宝座，尤其是狗狗，更是长年稳居冠军宝座！你知道台湾人最钟爱的犬种有哪些？以及这些犬种的个性是如何吗？想开口和别人聊聊宠物经，却不知道怎么下口？今天就让我们揭开狗狗们可爱外表下，还有哪些秘密吧！
 

Shiba Inu 柴犬：independent、stubborn



从充满日本风味的英文名称就可以知道，柴柴是源自于樱花国的品种，在牠看似憨厚端正的外表下，其实骨子里可是流淌著剽悍的猎犬基因，古时牠可是用来猎野鸟、甚至围猎野猪的工具犬喔！

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猫的狗，因为牠们的个性很独立且有点固执。不像大多数的狗狗，柴犬很享受独处且实际上并不是很喜爱人类的触摸。牠们比较喜欢我们照著牠们的游戏规则来互动。
 

Corgi 柯基犬：energetic、intelligent



别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为了协助人类放牧牛羊、甚至马匹的犬种喔！牠短小精干的身形正巧方便迅速行动，也因此牠的个性奔放活泼，需要适当的运动量发泄精力，不然可是很容易变成瓦斯桶身材喔！

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.
柯基是一种精力充沛且聪明的犬种，牠们可以轻易地和孩子以及其他动物成为朋友。牠们需要持续且适度的运动，适合饲养在各式的家庭环境中。

Poodle 贵宾：clever、elegant



贵宾犬主要属于玩赏犬，在各大犬种选美比赛中，牠们总是能够驾驭不同的造型(hairdos)并昂首踩著优雅的步伐，踏上领奖台阶。不过其实贵宾犬的智商可是狗狗界被公认的高材生等级！加上适当的训练，贵宾能学会的才艺之多，可是很有机会能上街卖艺，养活铲屎官哩！

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.
贵宾是最广为人知的家庭宠物犬。不仅拥有优雅的身型，牠们也能学会许多才艺技能。贵宾是具有高度学习性的品种，牠们很活泼也充满热情，如果不让牠们时时有事可做，牠们可是很容易觉得无聊、开始搞破坏唷！

Mixed 米克斯：healthy、strong、smart



有些人戏称米克斯为惊喜包，就是因为牠们的混种基因多元，在毛色、体型、外观和个性上有非常大的发展潜力，幼犬时期很难如纯种犬一样预测长大后的样子，就跟开福袋惊喜包一样，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.
一般认为米克斯狗勾比纯种血统犬来得健康强壮。相较于纯种狗狗，米克斯的基因多元性降低了牠们罹患遗传性疾病的风险；而且牠们也和与其他品种的狗狗一样聪明可爱。如果你有考虑养一只毛小孩，到收容所领养一只米克斯也是一个很好的选择喔！

French Bulldog法国斗牛犬：friendly、playful、adaptable



长相充满喜感、举手投足就是个天生的喜剧演员的法斗，早期可是为了成为优秀的捕鼠高手所培养的犬种；近年则已摇身一变，变成家庭陪伴犬和秀犬的最佳候选人，是非常适合新手饲养以及陪伴小孩们的狗狗。

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.
法斗是非常爱玩且适应能力很高的犬种。牠们可以成为各个家庭成员的好朋友之外，也是新手饲主的一个好选择；牠们也很能适应各种生活环境。然而牠们也常有些健康问题如皮肤或是呼吸系统的状况。

Conversation:

A: I'm thinking about getting a puppy for my little girl. Do you have any suggestions?
A：我在想要给女儿养只小狗，你有甚么建议吗？

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，既然你们住在小公寓里，我就不会推荐柯基这类的犬种，牠通常需要空间和一定的运动量。贵宾犬怎么样？牠很适合公寓的饲养环境而且很好训练。

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：我们其实不是很在乎狗是不是纯种犬。只要牠健康且能够融入我们家，对我们来说就是只好狗。

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：若是这样的话，我会建议你到收容所领养一只米克斯犬。米克斯可是相当聪明且忠心的狗狗。最重要的是，比起品种犬来说，牠们带有有遗传性疾病的风险通常也比较低。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：听起来很完美耶！就这么办吧！

以上的狗狗英文学起来了吗？巨匠美语开口溜英文课程，系统性学习最道地英语、跨国多元文化，让你不仅敢开口说，还能充份表达出自己的想法，下次遇到爱狗的外国友人，希望在你能跟他们分享毛小孩的各项趣事喔!