I don't like the horses generally except a couple. I had him in two different towns and felt completely differently about him in each. the first time he was part of my theme and I really enjoyed him, he was very sweet and gentlemanly and friendly. In the other town he was a random move in I picked up from street pass and I hated him. He was super creepy and too forward and said a lot of uncomfortable things.
I've also had multiple Shep's because I LOVE him (3 I think, maybe more) and although my current one is definitely more forward with me than my previous ones he has never made me feel like he was a creeper the way Julian did the second time I had him.
I'm sure that some of this is the natural variation between towns and how a personality is represented, but figured I'd share my experience.
Julian is very pretty, but he kinda scares me now...
I love reading about things like this, because I find psychology, and how our minds work, fascinating.
I mean, obviously, they designed him a certain way, and he says the exact same things always, but in 2 different situations, you got 2 totally different vibes from him.
Same with those of us who have had good experiences with him and love him versus the people that say he's boring or whatever. It's mostly personal preferences, but it could also just be that in certain towns, or in certain situations, he can be super cute or super annoying, also depending on people's perception of him to begin with.
I've also heard people say they like a certain personality type, but not liking one villager with that personality, because it just didn't fit. For example, I didn't like Flurry, and assumed I hated the normal personality type. But I love love love Merengue, Fauna, and Tia. The same words out of Flurry's mouth made me want to smack her a little. But I think the other 3 are so sweet, calm and friendly. I guess I just didn't like Flurry for whatever reason. XD