“Dog breeds and their behavior” seems to be one of the persistent challenges about our knowledge of dogs. It is not hard to find some authority saying that breeds determine behavior and those that say it does not.
We have to remember that, like all intelligent animals, dogs have personalities. So it is very important to note that they have the power to choose what they perceive will lead to the most positive outcome in a given situation.
Training is the art and skill of leading the dog to the most positive outcome, both for the dog and its social relations with you – and the rest of the world!
The trainer and owner are responsible for guiding the dog to the most positive outcome, for the happiness of all. (It may be helpful to check official trainer guidelines.)
Nonetheless, the following is a general overview of the characteristics and behaviors of different breeds, which can be useful when choosing or understanding a dog.
Protection Breeds
Protection breeds, like the Akita, Rottweiler, Doberman, Bull Mastiff, Great Dane, Boxer, and Giant Schnauzer, were originally bred as herding or flock guard dogs. They are now used for various purposes, such as police work, home protection, and sports activities.
Behavioral Profile: Confident, dominant, highly trainable, and able to work well with humans.
Potential Problems: Dominant aggression, separation anxiety, and possessiveness.
Flocking & Mountain Breeds
Flocking breeds, like the Great Pyrenees, Komondor, and Kuvasz, were bred to protect flocks from predators. Mountain breeds, such as the St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and Bernese Mountain Dog, are closely related and tend to be sweet-tempered but stubborn.
Behavioral Profile: Confident, dominant, protective, independent, and able to work well with humans.
Potential Problems: Dominant aggression, wanderlust, and possessiveness.
Herding Breeds
Herding breeds, including the Border Collie, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and more, retain more “wolf” behaviors than other breeds, as they are used to herd and protect flocks. They tend to be medium-sized, agile, and quick to use their teeth.
Hounds are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They have a strong prey drive and need to be trained to avoid chasing wildlife. Training and socialization from an early age is important for hounds.
Working breeds: Working breeds were bred for various jobs, such as herding, guarding, or hunting, and as a result, they need a lot of physical and mental exercise. Training and socialization is important for working breeds, as they can be protective of their owners.
Working breeds have a variety of coat types, from short and smooth to long and thick. Some require frequent grooming, while others need only occasional brushing.
Behavioral Profile: Anxious, demanding, dominant, protective, sensitive, loyal, and obedient.
Potential Problems: Fear-based aggression, separation anxiety, destructive, and noisy.
Retrievers
Retrievers, like the Golden and Chesapeake Bay retrievers, were bred to retrieve prey. They are energetic, outgoing, and good-natured.
Behavioral Profile: Energetic, dominant, cheerful, and able to work well with humans.
Potential Problems: Destructiveness, noise, separation anxiety, wanderlust, and possessiveness.
Spaniels
Spaniels, such as the American Water, English Springer, and Welsh, were bred as hunting dogs to flush game. They are popular as pets due to their convenient size and feathering.
Behavioral Profile: Cheerful, energetic, fun-loving, and “birdy.”
Potential Problems: Possession, unruliness, destructiveness, and mouthiness. A behavioral problem known as “rage syndrome” (thought to be a form of dominant aggression) may also occur.
Scent Hounds
This group includes breeds like the Bloodhound, Basset Hound, and Beagle. These dogs have a keen sense of smell and are often used for tracking scents, such as for hunting or search and rescue. They tend to be friendly and independent, but can also be stubborn.
Hound breeds: Hounds have short to medium-length coats that are easy to maintain. They shed moderately and need occasional brushing to remove loose hair.
Hounds are generally healthy, but some are prone to specific health problems, such as ear infections and hip dysplasia.
Toys
This group includes small breeds like the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs are often kept as companion pets and are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. They are adaptable to different living situations and can be easily trained, but they can also be prone to barking and separation anxiety.
Behavioral Profile: Affectionate, lively, intelligent, and enjoy human attention.
Potential Problems: Small size can make them prone to injuries, tendency to bark excessively, separation anxiety, and aggressive behavior towards other dogs or animals.
Toy breeds: Toys are small dogs that have a lot of energy and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
They do well with indoor and apartment living but still require daily walks.
Training and socialization is important for toy breeds to prevent destructive behavior.
Toys are prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems, heart issues, and patellar luxation.
Terrier breeds: Terriers are high-energy dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
They are often independent and stubborn, so early training and socialization is important.
Terriers also need regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
They have a variety of coat types, from long to short and curly. Some require frequent grooming to keep their coat in good condition, while others need only occasional brushing.
Sight Hounds
This group includes breeds like the Greyhound, Whippet, and Saluki. These dogs are known for their speed and agility and were originally used for hunting by sight. They are independent and athletic, but can also be sensitive and need gentle training methods.
Behavioral Profile: Independent, strong-willed, and determined.
Potential Problems: Strong prey drive, tendency to wander, tendency to bark excessively, and tendency to ignore commands when following a scent.
Hound breeds: Hounds have short to medium-length coats that are easy to maintain. They shed moderately and need occasional brushing to remove loose hair.
Hounds are generally healthy, but some are prone to specific health problems, such as ear infections and hip dysplasia.