I think that what you said above is absolutely true. People, as well as dogs, tend to take on the characteristics of those they surround themselves with. I have experienced this in my own life by hanging out with "fun" people who really didn't have a lot going on in life and drank a lot and did drugs too much. All the people around them were the same.

I know that isn't really what you were talking about but it does seem to be the case. A dog with a crazy owner is likely going to be a crazy dog. :)