Just like people, every dog possesses his own unique personality. Whether he is friendly or aloof, aggressive or serene – personality is actually a mix of the breed’s temperament and the individual dog’s environment and personal experience. The nature vs. nurture debate is valid for canines as well as people, and a dog’s breed does matter.
For instance, a dog which was properly bonded with and weaned from his mother will be a more compliant and friendly dog than one raised in a cage – regardless of breed.
So just how much does breed temperament play into your dog’s personality?
What Determines Your Dog’s Temperament?
As stated, your dog’s temperament is actually just one part of his overall personality. Temperament refers to your dog’s natural disposition, that is those aspects of his behavior which are determined by genetic makeup. Just as a dog’s physical traits are passed from generation to generation, so are their behavioral traits. Some common characteristics of popular dog breeds include:
Great With Kids: Labrador, Retriever, Setter, Beagle, Collie
Easy to Train: Labrador, German Shepherd, Collie, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Schnauzer
Good Guard Dogs: Doberman, German Shepherd, Bull Mastiff, Akita, Cane Corso
Good With Other Animals: Golden Retriever, Anatolian Shepherd, Great Dane, Burmese Mountain Dog, Staffordshire Terrier, Labrador
Best Hunting Dogs: Foxhound, Beagle, Pointer, Bloodhound, Retriever, Coonhound
Best Companion Dogs: Bassett Hound, Bullmastiff, Pekingnese, King Charles Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound
How Was Your Dog’s Breed Created?
Throughout history, dog breeds have been created by selectively breeding for certain physical and behavioral traits. Subsequent generations are bred for desirable traits and undesirable traits are “bred out”.
Although the general genetic traits of a dog breed are consistent, this alone does not necessarily guarantee the demeanor of an individual dog. Their experiences and specific personality may result in various combinations of temperament. Mixed breed dogs and cross-breeds will exhibit varying amounts of different traits which they inherited from their parents.
So even though you are fairly safe in choosing the family pet based upon his instinctual traits, just remember that like people, every dog is going to bring a different personality to your home. No two dogs’ personalities are exactly alike nor are they completely predictable — even if you are buying a purebred dog.
Choosing the Best Dog for Your Family
Even with the slight variables and differences, you can generally make a safe choice based upon the breed of the puppy. The great majority of dogs within a breed will breed true. When considering different puppies or dogs to bring into your family, you should be able to see their interaction with the other animals at the shelter or facility – in other words, you should be able to determine rather quickly in a dog is gentle with a child, or gets agitated around other animals.
Some households may be perfectly able to love and care for a dog which acts off-breed. But most dog owners with children would agree that a gentle, loyal, or playful dog is necessary; or a housebound senior citizen may require an attentive lapdog for a companion. In these ways the dog’s breed becomes very important. Hint: You can also ask the workers and trainers about the dog’s daily demeanor. Because they are motivated to find the dog the best possible home, they will be honest with you as to their ability to fit into your family dynamic.
If all else fails and your dog is not acting as expected, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. We can help to train your pet, from puppy to adult – regardless of your dog’s breed. If you are a Sarasota or Bradenton dog owner and you want help, just give us a call.
