Spitzer-Spitz (Candidates as dogs, revisited)
He's not a candidate anymore -- and probably will never be again -- but we couldn't resist weighing in on the likenesses between Eliot Spitzer and the Spitz.
So, as an encore to our popular feature, "If the Candidates Were Dogs," which looked at what breed -- in terms of appearance and temperament -- the presidential candidates most resembled, here's our take on the former New York governor.
Spitzer, a married man, left office last week amid reports that he patronized Ashley Dupre, a high-priced call girl who worked for the Emperor's Club, a New York escort service.
As with our earlier series, the information below comes virtually verbatim from kennel club and breed organization descriptions of the Shiba Inu, the breed we have chosen as most representative of the former governor. The Spitz is not a breed, per se, but a type of dog that includes, among other breeds, the Shiba Inu.
Description: With well-developed cheek and almond-shaped eyes, the friendly and extroverted Shiba Inu projects a confident, erect and sturdy appearance. Shiba Inu's name means, literally, "Little Dog."
Behavior: In some ways, the Shiba Inu is said to be very catlike, and sometimes even makes a sound resembling "Meow." In some ways he is all dog -- such as his need for constant human companionship. This is not a dog to be left alone for long periods.
He has a fiery, strong-willed personality, and fox-like cunning. He can behave very territorially. Energetic and agile, he has a high activity level, needs lots of exercise and should have a large, fenced yard.
According to a web site devoted to the breed, "the Shiba enters the world knowing he is a superior being. Whether with intrepid boldness, squinty-eyed cuteness or calm dignity, he is king... If a Shiba could only utter one word, it would probably be 'mine.' 'Macho stud muffin' has been used to describe the male Shiba. The body may look 'muffin,' but the mind is all 'macho stud.' The Shiba takes the spirited boldness part of his temperament quite seriously. Early socialization and neutering are mandatory for the young puppy."
(Photos by Associated Press)
Comments
What a bunch of dogs
Posted by: Ty Brown | March 18, 2008 5:06 PM
For some reason, I find that dogs always come out poorly when they're compared to humans. Dogs don't whine, weasel, embezzle, or commit adultery. :) They can't lie or cheat. They do have a slightly Marxist outlook about property: From my human according to his/her ability, to me according to my need. Aside from that, I think they'd make great office-holders. You can keep Eliot Spitzer, and I'll volunteer to at least go for a walk with the Shiba Inu. Something tells me I don't have the energy to live with one full-time.
Posted by: Anne | March 18, 2008 9:31 PM