Family Pet: Dog Breed Traits

Dogs are different.  Originally dogs were bred to perform specific tasks and even today selective breeding maximises some breeds qualities.  While it can be dangerous to generalize when it comes to different breeds, there are certain traits and characteristics that generally apply to specific breeds of dog.   Having said that, I have to add a disclaimer. Dogs do not always act the way we think their breed of dog should.  I’ve seen someone bitten by a Golden retriever, and my sister owned the most gentle Doberman I’ve ever seen, all three kids growing up around the Doberman and never one bit of trouble. In spite of all the exceptions, though, enough dogs exhibit certain characteristics and traits to give general guidelines of what you can expect from different breeds.

Some dogs are more high maintenance when it comes to their need for exercise. Some breeds of terriers, while cute, can be hyperactive little yappers, even known to nip ankles just for the fun of it! Terriers sometimes like to dig too, and are quite good escape artists.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers can take a long time to mature fully, meaning you end up with a fully grown dog that still acts like a little pup. If not trained from the start they tend to jump up on people and ruin or dirty their clothing.  They also like to chew anything–shoes, kids toys, even plastic bottles, whatever they can get their hands on.  They are real ‘people’ dogs and can become insecure and unhappy if they’re isolated from people for too long, or if you leave them alone for extended periods of time. Retrievers will also jump in your pool if you’re not careful, they love swimming.

The Collie has a sharp, unpleasant bark and they love to bark! The beagle and other hounds will howl at the moon or sometimes at almost anything, and they have a deep irritating bark.  Hounds are not happy to live in the city, they’re more at home in nature where there’s a lot of room for running and hunting.  They also howl when they’re bored, so don’t do well in small enclosed spaces and you have to make sure you have time to dedicate to training beagles.

We’ve all heard of the yappy poodle, or the  yappy little terrier. Small breed dogs can sometimes be timid and afraid.  Because of this, they have the tendency to react to almost any sound or movement that catches their eye, and they’ll bark at it. I have heard that the Chihuahua can be a bit stubborn with housebreaking, though I’ve never owned one so couldn’t say that for sure.

While there are some breeds that have a wonderful reputation and some that are supposedly dangerous to have around, there are always exceptions.  Decide on the breed you would like to have, research their traits and characteristics then make your choice of the actual pup by going to the breeder and watching the pups at play.  If you’re going for a Rotweiller or Pit Bull Terrier don’t be put off by their reputation but do go into it with your eyes open and be prepared to train your dog. Be realistic in your assessment of the breed and of your ability to train and the time you have available to care for your family pet.

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